S.B. No. 999
AN ACT
relating to a state plan for education on and treatment of
Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle D, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 99 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 99. STATE PLAN FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED
DISORDERS
Sec. 99.001. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE PLAN.
(a) The department, using existing resources and programs to the
extent possible, shall develop and implement a state plan for
education on and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related
disorders.
(b) The state plan must include strategies for:
(1) improving early detection of, reducing disease
onset risks for, and improving treatment of Alzheimer's disease and
related disorders for specific demographic groups;
(2) educating health care professionals, caregivers,
and the public to increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease and
related disorders;
(3) providing caregiver support;
(4) advancing basic science and applied research
related to Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; and
(5) collecting and evaluating information on efforts
to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
(c) The department shall develop the strategies described
by Subsection (b)(1) in consultation with physicians and other
health care providers licensed in this state who have clinical
training and experience in caring for persons with Alzheimer's
disease or related disorders.
Sec. 99.002. COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED PARTIES. (a) In
developing the state plan under Section 99.001, the department
shall seek comments from interested parties, including:
(1) members of the public with, or who care for persons
with, Alzheimer's disease or related disorders;
(2) each state agency that provides services to
persons with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders;
(3) any advisory body that addresses issues related to
Alzheimer's disease or related disorders;
(4) public advocates concerned with issues related to
Alzheimer's disease or related disorders;
(5) physicians and health care providers licensed in
this state who have clinical training and experience in caring for
persons with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders; and
(6) researchers of issues affecting persons with
Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.
(b) On request of the department, the commission shall
provide information and comments related to services provided to
persons with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.
(c) The department shall meet with interested parties at
least two times each year to:
(1) facilitate comments on and discuss the progress of
developing and implementing the state plan developed under this
chapter; and
(2) gather information for the report required under
Section 99.004.
Sec. 99.003. REVIEW AND MODIFICATION OF STATE PLAN. The
department shall conduct a review and modify as necessary the state
plan developed under this chapter at least once every five years.
Sec. 99.004. REPORT. Not later than September 1 of each
even-numbered year, the department shall submit to the legislature
a report on the development and implementation or the review or
modification of the state plan developed under this chapter.
Sec. 99.005. GIFTS AND GRANTS. The department may accept
gifts and grants from any source to fund the duties of the
department under this chapter.
Sec. 99.006. NO CAUSE OF ACTION, DUTY, STANDARD OF CARE, OR
LIABILITY CREATED. Notwithstanding any other law, Section 99.001,
including the use of or failure to use any information or materials
developed or disseminated under that section, does not create a
civil, criminal, or administrative cause of action or liability or
create a standard of care, obligation, or duty that provides a basis
for a cause of action.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 999 passed the Senate on
March 27, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 999 passed the House on
April 11, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 143, Nays 2, one
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor