By: Menéndez S.B. No. 1836
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a chronic respiratory disease state strategic plan
developed by the Department of State Health Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) The Department of State Health Services
shall develop a strategic plan to significantly reduce morbidity
and mortality from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
(b) In developing the strategic plan, the Department of
State Health Services shall collaborate with the Health and Human
Services Commission and may convene any necessary workgroups. The
members of a workgroup may include:
(1) health care providers specializing in asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevention, screening,
treatment, or research;
(2) representatives of general academic teaching
institutions as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, and
medical and dental units as defined by Section 61.003, Education
Code as well as other educators with experience with chronic
respritory diesase;
(3) non-profit and community organizations serving
individuals with chronic respiratory disease such as asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
(4) representatives from geographic areas or other
population groups at higher risk of asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease;
(5) other people the department determines are
necessary.
(c) In developing the strategic plan, the Department of
State Health Services shall:
(1) identify barriers to effective prevention,
screening, and treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, including specific barriers affecting providers
and patients;
(2) identify methods to increase awareness of the risk
factors and symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease;
(3) identify methods to increase use of evidence-based
screening to enhance the number of people screened regularly for
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
(4) review current technologies and best practices for
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management and
treatment;
(5) review technology available to diagnose and
prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
(6) develop methods for creating partnerships with
public and private entities to increase awareness of chronic
respiratory disease;
(7) review current prevention, screening, treatment,
and related activities in this state and identify areas in which the
services for those activities are lacking;
(8) estimate the annual direct and indirect state
health care costs attributable to asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease; and
(9) make recommendations to the legislature on policy
changes and funding needed to implement the strategic plan.
(d) Not later than December 31, 2016, the Department of
State Health Services shall deliver to the governor and members of
the legislature the strategic plan and recommendations on goal
implementation and schedule compliance related to the strategic
plan.
(e) This section expires January 1, 2017.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.