81R11648 JSC-D
By: Farias H.B. No. 2362
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an electronic diagnostic database for rural physicians.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter E to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC DATABASE FOR RURAL PHYSICIANS
Sec. 1001.101. CREATION OF DATABASE. (a) The department
shall create an electronic database to assist physicians practicing
in rural areas in diagnosing rare or unusual illnesses or
conditions.
(b) The executive commissioner, by rule, shall designate
for inclusion in the database diseases that are a threat to public
health.
(c) The database must be searchable based on a patient's
symptoms, test results, or medical history.
Sec. 1001.102. IMPLEMENTATION. The department shall place
the system in rural clinics and hospitals across the state.
Sec. 1001.103. FUNDING. In implementing the database, the
department may use any available revenue, including federal
disaster preparedness grant funds, other federal funds, and
legislative appropriations, and may solicit and accept gifts,
grants, and donations from a public or private source for the
purposes of this subchapter.
SECTION 2. (a) The executive commissioner of the Health and
Human Services Commission shall adopt the rules required by Section
1001.101, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, not later
than December 1, 2009.
(b) The Department of State Health Services shall create and
implement the electronic diagnostic database for rural physicians
required by Subchapter E, Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, as
added by this Act, not later than September 1, 2010.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.