The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services meeting addressed several essential bills aimed at improving healthcare provisions in Texas. Key discussions included Senate Bill 989, which seeks to mandate coverage for biomarker testing in cancer patients, and Senate Bill 1040, which aims to combat forced organ harvesting by clarifying ethical organ donation practices. Several witnesses provided testimony on the potential impacts of these bills, with particular emphasis on the importance of equitable access to innovative treatments. Both bills were favorably reported for further consideration, reflecting a commitment to enhance patient care and safety.
Relating to health benefit plan coverage of a transplant of an organ that originated from or is transplanted in a country known to have participated in forced organ harvesting.
Relating to access to certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices used in clinical trials by patients with severe chronic diseases.
Relating to a limitation on commercial kitchen and food permit requirements for food fundraisers held by a religious institution or nonprofit organization.
Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food handler and food manager certifications, and food service training or education programs.
Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.