S.B. No. 1677

AN ACT

relating to a study on prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. (a) In this Act:

(1) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services.

(2) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.

(b) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall designate an institution of higher education to conduct a study on the prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation, using existing institutional resources. The institution must have a Research Activity Designation: Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production under the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

(c) In conducting the study, the institution of higher education designated under Subsection (b) of this section shall:

(1) collaborate with the department;

(2) identify and examine information on amputations resulting from diabetes; and

(3) develop recommendations regarding:

(A) amputation prevention related to diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral artery disease;

(B) methods for increasing public awareness of diabetes-related amputation;

(C) best practices for reducing the number of amputations performed; and

(D) policy solutions for ensuring access to treatments to assist with preventing amputation, including:

(i) insurance coverage for therapies designed to treat diabetic foot ulcers, including topical oxygen therapy;

(ii) timely and equitable access to evidence-supported medical tools, technologies, and services to assist with the prevention of avoidable amputations;

(iii) methods to improve and incentivize quality care to avoid amputations when possible; and

(iv) methods to promote collaboration and cooperation among interested persons.

(d) In conducting the study, the institution of higher education designated under Subsection (b) of this section shall consult with the following individuals:

(1) the commissioner of state health services;

(2) a physician licensed in this state who specializes in endocrinology;

(3) a nurse licensed in this state with expertise in diabetes education;

(4) a vascular surgeon with expertise in amputation prevention;

(5) a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse with expertise in amputation prevention;

(6) a podiatrist with expertise in treating diabetic foot ulcers;

(7) a podiatrist or vascular surgeon affiliated with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(8) a representative of a public health provider;

(9) at least three individuals diagnosed with diabetes or who have experienced diabetes-related amputation;

(10) a representative of the American Diabetes Association; and

(11) other individuals as the institution determines necessary.

(e) Not later than September 1, 2026, the institution of higher education designated under Subsection (b) of this section shall prepare and submit to the department a report summarizing the results of the study and containing recommendations for legislative or other action. The department shall post the report on the department's Internet website. The post must include:

(1) the information on which the institution's determinations and recommendations are based; and

(2) the methodologies the institution used to conduct the study.

SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1677 passed the Senate on April 10, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 24, Nays 6.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1677 passed the House on May 24, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 78, Nays 57, three present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor