81R1288 SJM-D
By: Ellis S.B. No. 135
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation and publication of cancer incidence maps
by the Department of State Health Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 82, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
adding Section 82.0051 to read as follows:
Sec. 82.0051. CANCER INCIDENCE MAPS. (a) The department
shall collect and develop statistical data on the incidence of
particular types of cancer in the state and shall plot this data on
computer-generated cancer incidence maps.
(b) The department shall establish and maintain a
computerized mapping system for plotting the incidence of each type
of cancer reported. In plotting incidences of cancer, the
department shall employ a spatial filter or other statistical
method to detect statistical anomalies and identify cancer
clusters. The department shall plot incidences of cancer by census
block, as recognized by the United States Census Bureau, except
that if the board determines that plotting by this method could make
it possible to identify a particular individual with cancer, the
department shall aggregate census blocks to protect the
individual's identity.
(c) The department shall:
(1) post the cancer incidence maps on its Internet
website and make the maps available to the public by other means the
department considers appropriate; and
(2) annually update the maps.
(d) The department shall submit a quarterly report to the
governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of
representatives that includes:
(1) the current status of data entry into the mapping
system required under Subsection (b);
(2) information remaining to be gathered or entered
into the mapping system; and
(3) progress in using the mapping system to identify
cancer clusters.
SECTION 2. Section 82.007(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) The department shall publish an annual report to the
legislature of the information obtained or created under this
chapter.
SECTION 3. (a) Not later than the 180th day after the
effective date of this Act, the department shall submit an initial
report to the legislature. The department shall make a draft of the
report available to the public for review and comment not later than
the 30th day before the day the report is submitted to the
legislature. The report must include:
(1) the scientific strengths and limitations of
statistical cancer incidence mapping as related to cancer
recognition, prevention, cure, or control;
(2) the appropriate use and publication of cancer
incidence maps; and
(3) the implementation of safeguards to prevent misuse
of cancer incidence mapping, including:
(A) collecting background data that ensures the
accuracy of reported cancer diagnoses;
(B) identifying the appropriate uses of the
mapping; and
(C) ensuring the confidentiality of all
individual medical data.
(b) Not later than the 90th day after the date the initial
report is submitted under Subsection (a) of this section, the
department shall post on its Internet website maps that show the
incidences of:
(1) lung cancer; and
(2) breast cancer.
(c) Not later than the 180th day after the date the maps are
posted under Subsection (b) of this section, the department shall
post on its Internet website maps that show the incidences of:
(1) colorectal cancer;
(2) prostate cancer; and
(3) all types of cancer in the aggregate.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.