87R7349 JG-D
By: Oliverson H.B. No. 2096
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to an assessment of certain public health data reporting
systems and implementation of public health data reporting
requirements.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 81, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.0445 to read as follows:
Sec. 81.0445. PUBLIC HEALTH DATA STUDY AND REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS. (a) For purposes of this section, "coronavirus
disease public health emergency" applies to the period:
(1) beginning on January 31, 2020, the date the United
States secretary of health and human services declared a public
health emergency under Section 319, Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. Section 247d), with respect to the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19); and
(2) ending on the earlier of:
(A) the date the public health emergency
described by Subdivision (1) ends; or
(B) January 1, 2023.
(b) The department shall:
(1) conduct a study on:
(A) the system used by this state for reporting
public health data to the federal government during the coronavirus
disease public health emergency; and
(B) the system used by persons required to report
under this chapter, including local health authorities, for
reporting public health data to this state during the coronavirus
public health emergency; and
(2) conduct a comparative analysis of the systems
described by Subdivision (1) and generally recognized and accepted
methods for public health data reporting.
(c) Based on the results of the study and analysis conducted
under Subsection (b), the department, using evidence-based,
standardized data reporting methods, shall:
(1) develop a uniform set of public health data
reporting requirements for this state, local health authorities,
and any other persons required to report under this chapter, to use
during a public health disaster declared under this chapter or a
state of disaster declared under Chapter 418, Government Code; and
(2) periodically update the reporting requirements as
necessary to address advancements in technology and
communications.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Department of State Health Services shall conduct
the study and analysis required by Section 81.0445, Health and
Safety Code, as added by this Act, and develop the public health
data reporting requirements under that section.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.