Texas Senate Bill SB1326

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the functions of the statewide health coordinating council; providing civil penalties.

Impact

The bill's amendments to the Health and Safety Code highlight the importance of coordinated health services and the provision of necessary data from healthcare entities. By imposing civil penalties for non-compliance, SB1326 seeks to ensure that healthcare facilities adhere to reporting standards, thus enhancing the availability of health data essential for state planning. The council will have improved oversight and regulatory capabilities, potentially leading to more effective healthcare delivery across Texas. This is particularly relevant as the state continues to navigate challenges related to healthcare access and quality.

Summary

SB1326 aims to enhance the functions of the Statewide Health Coordinating Council in Texas, focusing on the organization and provision of healthcare services to citizens. The bill amends several sections of the Health and Safety Code to streamline the operations of the council, allowing for more efficient development and implementation of the state health plan. It emphasizes the council's role in facilitating health planning through data collection and integration with various health-related state agencies. Additionally, it establishes civil penalties for healthcare facilities that fail to report required data, promoting accountability and compliance within the healthcare system.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving health service coordination, there may be concerns regarding the implications of reporting requirements on smaller healthcare providers. Some stakeholders argue that the civil penalties might disproportionately affect facilities that lack the resources to comply with the data reporting mandates. Overall, the debate surrounding SB1326 reflects broader discussions about balancing regulatory enforcement with support for healthcare providers to effectively meet their obligations.