Texas House Bill HB202

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to renaming the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities to the office of health equity and to the duties of that office.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 107A of the Health and Safety Code, introducing a wider mandate for the named office to coordinate health initiatives targeting racial, multicultural, and economically disadvantaged populations. Under the new structure, the office is expected to develop programs that promote access to health care services, including the enhancement of language services in health care settings. This measure is designed to create a more equitable health environment across both urban and rural communities, aiming to address the barriers that prevent access to essential health services.

Summary

House Bill 202 aims to rename the 'Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities' to the 'Office of Health Equity' and expand its responsibilities. This rebranding is intended to emphasize the focus on health equity and the reduction of health and health access disparities among various demographic groups, thereby enhancing the state's health policies. The bill proposes to improve the efficacy of health initiatives by fostering collaboration among state and federal agencies, communities, and health advocacy groups.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on health equity, concerns may arise regarding its implementation and the allocation of resources. Issues could stem from the potential for overlapping responsibilities with existing health organizations, necessitating a careful examination of how the office will collaborate with current entities to avoid redundancy. Additionally, discussions surrounding funding mechanisms for the new initiatives may prompt scrutiny, as maintaining consistent support is crucial for the success of the office's enhanced duties.