BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1967
87R22364 KKR-D	By: Thompson, Senfronia (Powell)
	Health & Human Services
	5/17/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors of the uterus that most often form during childbearing years. According to the United States Office on Women's Health, about 80 percent of women may develop fibroids by the time they turn 50. While fibroids are common among women, many do not know the signs or effects of them.

By creating a database of information about uterine fibroids, H.B. 1967 seeks to increase awareness and to ensure that individuals receive the information and health care necessary to prevent and treat the condition. Such a database would include incidence of uterine fibroids in the state, demographic attributes of diagnosed individuals, and treatments for the conditions. The information entered into the database will not include any personally identifying elements about the patient.

If enacted, H.B. 1967 would also have the Department of State Health Services, alongside the Texas Medical Association, develop an informative campaign on uterine fibroids in order to increase public awareness.

In Texas there is no current legislation on uterine fibroids.

H.B. 1967 amends current law relating to a database of information about women with uterine fibroids and to uterine fibroid education and research.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subtitle D, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, by adding Chapter 100A, as follows:

CHAPTER 100A. UTERINE FIBROID EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Sec. 100A.001. UTERINE FIBROID DATABASE. (a) Requires the Center for Health Statistics, using available data collected by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) under Chapter 108 (Health Care Data Collection), to establish and maintain an electronic database of information related to uterine fibroids to increase awareness about uterine fibroids and ensure women receive the information and health care necessary to prevent and treat the condition. Requires that the database include the demographic attributes of women diagnosed with uterine fibroids and the treatments for uterine fibroids used by health care providers.

(b) Provides that information regarding a woman who is diagnosed with or treated for uterine fibroids that is collected by DSHS and maintained in the database under Subsection (a):

(1) is prohibited from including any personally identifying information of the woman; and

(2) is confidential and is authorized to be used only by DSHS or other person on behalf of DSHS for uterine fibroid research.

Sec. 100A.002. UTERINE FIBROID EDUCATION. Requires DSHS, in consultation with the Texas Medical Association, to identify and post on DSHS's Internet website existing resources and educational materials on uterine fibroids to increase public awareness of uterine fibroids, including information on and awareness of the:

(1) women of a race or ethnicity that has a statistically elevated risk of developing uterine fibroids; and

(2) range of available treatment options for uterine fibroids that include non-hysterectomy treatments and procedures.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.