TX
Texas House Bill HB1989

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1989

Caption

Relating to the state reserve of personal protective equipment for health care workers and essential personnel.

Impact

This legislation has significant implications for state laws regarding disaster preparedness and public health management. By formalizing the establishment of a PPE reserve, the bill mandates that the Department of State Health Services, in coordination with other state agencies, creates a structured approach to sourcing, storing, and distributing personal protective equipment. This move is expected to enhance the state’s readiness for future health emergencies and improve support for healthcare providers on the frontline.

Summary

House Bill 1989 establishes a state reserve of personal protective equipment (PPE) aimed at providing essential supplies for health care workers and essential personnel during public health emergencies. The bill specifically amends Chapter 81 of the Health and Safety Code, introducing a new subchapter dedicated to the management and operation of this PPE reserve. The reserve is required to maintain a minimum 90-day supply of necessary protective equipment, ensuring preparedness and swift response in the face of public health crises.

Contention

Notably, the bill specifies the creation of an advisory committee composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from health associations and labor organizations. This committee is tasked with advising on PPE standards and distribution guidelines. Such collaborations aim to ensure that the selected equipment meets rigorous standards and reflects the needs of those directly affected by health emergencies. However, potential contention may arise regarding the criteria for distribution prioritization, as local needs may differ significantly based on varying demographic and health contexts.

Companion Bills

TX SB437

Same As Relating to the establishment of a personal protective equipment reserve advisory committee.

TX HB2270

Same As Relating to the state reserve of personal protective equipment for health care workers and essential personnel.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2445

Relating to the use of latex gloves by certain health care and food service personnel.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX SB52

Relating to the right of state hospital patients to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.

TX HB75

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB85

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB37

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB87

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity, and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB3467

Relating to emergency medical services personnel and coverage by certain health benefit plans for treatment by emergency medical services personnel.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX HB44

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the southern border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

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