Texas House Bill HB1222

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the compilation and publication of information on confirmed or probable cases of reportable diseases.

Impact

The amended provisions will require the Department of Health to aggregate and publish case information on its website regularly, including details such as the number of confirmed or probable cases of reportable diseases, the dates of reports, probable sources of infection, and any associated fatalities. By updating this information daily during public health emergencies, the bill seeks to provide timely and transparent data to the public, which can aid in response efforts and help inform community actions.

Summary

House Bill 1222 focuses on the efficient compilation and publication of information regarding confirmed or probable cases of reportable diseases in Texas. It amends Section 81.047 of the Health and Safety Code, mandating the Department of Health to require epidemiological reports on disease outbreaks and individual cases of diseases significant to public health. This initiative aims to enhance the public's access to critical health data while adhering to confidentiality requirements, thus establishing a standardized reporting process across the state.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve public health communication, there may be concerns surrounding data privacy and the management of sensitive health information. Although the legislation states that identifying patient information will remain confidential, the balance between transparency and privacy could lead to debates among stakeholders. Moreover, the implementation of such a comprehensive reporting system may require significant resources and coordination between local health departments and the state, raising questions about funding and logistical feasibility.