HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Public Health 

TIME & DATE: 9:00 AM, Wednesday, February 10, 2016 

PLACE:       E2.012 
CHAIR:       Rep. Myra Crownover 

The committee will meet to consider the following interim charges:

· Study and assess the state's preparedness for public health threats and emergencies including responding to natural disasters and highly infectious diseases.  Review current protocols and examine public health resources to determine if they are sufficient. Identify weaknesses within the public health response framework and make recommendations for improvement.

· Examine the history of telemedicine in Texas and the adequacy of the technological infrastructure for use between Texas healthcare providers.  Review the benefits of using telemedicine in rural and undeserved areas and current reimbursement practices.  Explore opportunities to expand and improve the delivery of healthcare and identify methods to increase awareness by provider groups, including institutions of higher education, and payers of telemedicine activities being reimbursed in Texas.

Invited testimony will be followed by public testimony.  Public testimony may be limited to 3-5 minutes.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.