Relating to the establishment of a multi-stakeholder advisory committee on health literacy.
The legislative proposal includes the formation of a committee comprising representatives from various agencies, including the Health and Human Services Commission and other state bodies, as well as appointed members from the public and healthcare sectors. One of the key responsibilities of the committee is to develop an expanded definition of health literacy that emphasizes the need for clear and transparent communication about healthcare costs and the quality of services available. The committee will also analyze how low health literacy affects healthcare outcomes and costs, providing data-driven insights for necessary reforms.
SB1697 aims to establish a multi-stakeholder advisory committee on health literacy within the Texas Health and Safety Code. The primary goal of the committee is to enhance health literacy across the state, which encompasses the ability of individuals to acquire, communicate, process, and understand fundamental health information and services. This initiative seeks to address the complexities of the healthcare system and empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding healthcare treatment, payment, and coverage.
Notably, the bill outlines specific duties for the advisory committee, including the promotion of plain language in healthcare communications and the simplification of enrollment forms. The intention is to create resources that support improved health literacy among both healthcare providers and consumers. However, the bill may face criticism regarding the practicality and feasibility of implementing these recommendations uniformly across diverse healthcare settings, given the variation in patient populations and provider capabilities across Texas.