BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 970

By: Cortez

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised regarding the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumonia, particularly within certain demographic groups, and interested parties have expressed a need for a program for the prevention and treatment of Streptococcus pneumonia. H.B. 970 seeks to address these issues by providing for the development of a prevention and treatment program using existing resources.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 970 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), using existing resources and programs to the extent possible, to develop a state plan for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae that includes strategies for prevention and treatment in specific demographic groups that are disproportionately affected by such diseases. The bill requires DSHS, in developing the plan, to seek the advice of the public and specified entities and service providers. The bill requires DSHS to review and modify as necessary the state plan at least once every five years and authorizes DSHS to update the plan biennially.

H.B. 970 requires DSHS to develop a program to heighten awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bill requires the program to require DSHS to conduct health education, public awareness, and community outreach activities to promote public awareness and knowledge about the risk factors for, the value of early detection of, available screening services for, and the options available for the treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bill requires the program to require DSHS to post on the DSHS website the options available for the prevention, treatment, and detection of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and information on the risk factors for, method of transmission of, and value of early detection of the diseases. The bill authorizes DSHS, using existing resources, to include in the program a study to estimate the current and future impact on Texas of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.