Texas Senate Bill SB796

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/7/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/17/11
• Refer: 2/28/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 3/7/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 3/17/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/6/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to reporting on and assessing programs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes in the state.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB796 is that it institutes a framework for ongoing evaluation of diabetes-related programs. This includes gathering data on the effectiveness of existing prevention and treatment initiatives and identifying areas lacking service availability. Such measures are intended to improve resource allocation within health services and ensure that individuals at risk or suffering from diabetes receive appropriate care. By assessing the costs associated with managing diabetes, the state can better plan for financial sustainability in public health programs.

Summary

Senate Bill 796 aims to enhance the assessment and reporting of programs related to the prevention and treatment of diabetes in Texas. The bill mandates the Health and Human Services Commission, in collaboration with the Texas Diabetes Council, to produce a biennial report on priorities for addressing diabetes within the Medicaid population. This report must outline the commission's strategic focus to ensure adequate diabetes care and prevention while also addressing the fiscal implications of diabetes on the state healthcare system.

Contention

Noteworthy discussions around SB796 may center on the adequacy of funding for diabetes programs and the role of state versus local government in addressing public health. Some stakeholders may express concerns about whether the measures outlined in the bill are sufficient to tackle the complexities of diabetes treatment and prevention effectively. Additionally, there may be debates regarding data privacy for individuals affected by diabetes when assessments are conducted, as there is often concern about the use of health information in state reports.