84R17291 JSC-D
By: Klick H.B. No. 2950
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2950:
By: Crownover C.S.H.B. No. 2950
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
Response.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, as amended by
S.B. No. 219, Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015,
is amended by adding Subchapter J to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER J. TASK FORCE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND
RESPONSE
Sec. 81.401. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "task force"
means the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and
Response.
Sec. 81.402. TASK FORCE; DUTIES. (a) The Task Force on
Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response is created as an
advisory board to the department.
(b) The task force shall:
(1) provide expert, evidence-based assessments,
protocols, and recommendations related to state responses to
infectious diseases, including Ebola, and a strategic emergency
management plan for state and local levels of government;
(2) develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that Texas
is prepared for the potential of widespread outbreak of infectious
diseases, such as the Ebola virus, and can provide rapid response
that effectively protects the safety and well-being of citizens of
this state;
(3) evaluate the supplies and resources available to
address an infectious disease outbreak; and
(4) serve as a reliable and transparent source of
information and education for Texas leadership and citizens.
(c) In developing the plan described by Subsection (b)(2),
the task force shall:
(1) use the significant expertise of medical
professionals in Texas and other states;
(2) collaborate with local government officials and
local health officials;
(3) use, as practicable, the Texas Emergency
Preparedness Plan and structure;
(4) identify various responses necessary in the event
of an epidemic of infectious disease;
(5) establish a command and control structure that
will ensure effective preparations and response if the governor
takes emergency action under Chapter 418, Government Code, or other
law; and
(6) coordinate with appropriate entities to ensure
public awareness and education regarding any pandemic threat.
Sec. 81.403. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS; TERMS. (a) The
commissioner may appoint members of the task force as necessary,
including members from relevant state agencies, members with
expertise in infectious diseases and other issues involved in the
prevention of the spread of infectious diseases, and members from
institutions of higher education in this state. The commissioner
shall appoint to the task force:
(1) at least one member who is a representative of a
local health authority serving a rural area;
(2) at least one member who is a representative of a
local health authority serving an urban area;
(3) at least one member who is a licensed physician;
(4) at least one member who is a licensed nurse;
(5) at least one member who is emergency medical
services personnel, as defined by Section 773.003; and
(6) at least one member representing a hospital.
(b) The commissioner shall appoint a director of the task
force from among the members of the task force.
(c) The commissioner may fill any vacancy that occurs on the
task force and may appoint additional members as needed.
(d) Members of the task force serve at the pleasure of the
commissioner.
(e) A state or local employee appointed to the task force
shall perform any duties required by the task force in addition to
the regular duties of the employee.
Sec. 81.404. REPORTS. (a) The task force shall report to
the department, governor, legislature, Texas Medical Board, and any
relevant medical associations as often as necessary to make
recommendations for updating protocols for addressing infectious
diseases.
(b) The task force shall make written reports on its
findings and recommendations, including legislative
recommendations, to the department, governor, and legislature on
December 1 of each even-numbered year.
Sec. 81.405. MEETINGS. (a) The task force shall meet at
times and locations as determined by the director of the task force.
(b) The task force may meet telephonically in accordance
with Section 551.125(b)(3), Government Code.
(c) The task force may hold public hearings to gather
information. The task force shall endeavor to meet in various parts
of the state to encourage local input.
(d) Notwithstanding Section 551.144, Government Code, or
any other law, the task force may hold a closed meeting to discuss
matters that are confidential by state or federal law or to ensure
public security or law enforcement needs. A closed meeting held as
provided by this subsection must be held as otherwise provided by
Chapter 551, Government Code.
Sec. 81.406. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. State agencies with
members on the task force shall provide administrative support for
the task force.
Sec. 81.407. REIMBURSEMENT. Task force members serve
without compensation and are not entitled to reimbursement for
travel expenses.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the commissioner of state health services shall make
appointments to the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness
and Response required under Subchapter J, Chapter 81, Health and
Safety Code, as added by this Act.
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, 2015.