Texas House Bill HB502

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 12/12/14

Caption

Relating to the re-creation of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force.

Impact

The re-creation of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force will have significant implications on state health policies. The bill mandates that the task force be comprised of 18 members from various healthcare backgrounds, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to addressing chronic kidney disease. It places emphasis on collaboration among national, state, and local partners for creating a cost-effective plan that benefits Texas citizens. The task force is also responsible for educating healthcare providers on established practices that align with recognized clinical guidelines for kidney disease.

Summary

House Bill 502, known as the Glenda Dawson Act, seeks to re-establish the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force in Texas. The purpose of this task force is to coordinate implementation of the state's initiatives aimed at preventing and managing chronic kidney disease through proper screening, diagnosis, and educational outreach to healthcare professionals. The bill highlights the financial burdens associated with late-stage kidney disease treatments, including dialysis and transplantation, and stresses the importance of early diagnosis and management to reduce such costs.

Contention

Despite its beneficial intentions, the establishment of the task force could face challenges related to funding and resource allocation. The bill allows for the acceptance of gifts and grants, which raises potential concerns about the influence of private interests in public health policymaking. Some may argue that reliance on external funding could jeopardize the task force's objectivity in implementing healthcare strategies. Furthermore, there may be discussions around the categories of members appointed to the task force, as diversity in perspectives on patient care will be crucial for its effectiveness.