BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 2419 81R26324 MCK-F By: Deuell Health & Human Services 4/22/2009 Committee Report (Substituted) AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Currently state employees who are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material at the worksite are provided testing but are not provided treatment through workers' compensation because they are not listed as "public safety employees" in Chapter 607 (Benefits Relating to Certain Infectious Diseases), Government Code. Approximately 30 Texas employees suffered sharps injuries each year between 2001 and 2006. Each exposure has been estimated to cost around $3,000 for emergent care, medications, and follow up. This small investment could avert the economic cost to the state and personal hardship for the employee if a contagious disease develops. C.S.S.B. 2419 amends current law relating to preventive treatment for state employees exposed to certain contagious diseases while performing duties of employment. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 607.001, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 607.001. New heading: DEFINITIONS. Defines "public safety employee" and "state employee." SECTION 2. Amends Section 607.002, Government Code, as follows: Sec. 607.002. REIMBURSEMENT. Entitles a public safety employee or a state employee who is exposed to a contagious disease to reimbursement from the employing governmental entity for reasonable medical expenses incurred in treatment for the prevention of the disease under certain circumstances. SECTION 3. Amends Section 607.003, Government Code, to make a conforming change. SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 2419
81R26324 MCK-F By: Deuell
Health & Human Services
4/22/2009
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently state employees who are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material at the worksite are provided testing but are not provided treatment through workers' compensation because they are not listed as "public safety employees" in Chapter 607 (Benefits Relating to Certain Infectious Diseases), Government Code. Approximately 30 Texas employees suffered sharps injuries each year between 2001 and 2006. Each exposure has been estimated to cost around $3,000 for emergent care, medications, and follow up. This small investment could avert the economic cost to the state and personal hardship for the employee if a contagious disease develops.
C.S.S.B. 2419 amends current law relating to preventive treatment for state employees exposed to certain contagious diseases while performing duties of employment.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 607.001, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 607.001. New heading: DEFINITIONS. Defines "public safety employee" and "state employee."
SECTION 2. Amends Section 607.002, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 607.002. REIMBURSEMENT. Entitles a public safety employee or a state employee who is exposed to a contagious disease to reimbursement from the employing governmental entity for reasonable medical expenses incurred in treatment for the prevention of the disease under certain circumstances.
SECTION 3. Amends Section 607.003, Government Code, to make a conforming change.
SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.