Texas House Bill HB551

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to reports on the prevalence of eating disorders and eating disorder-related deaths in this state.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is intended to enhance awareness and understanding of eating disorders, which have significant public health implications. By requiring the state to gather and report data regarding these disorders, lawmakers hope to identify trends and inform future legislative or executive actions that could address the challenges associated with eating disorders more effectively. Additionally, the second report, due December 1, 2024, will focus on eating disorders among youth, providing critical data that could shape educational and preventive efforts in schools and communities.

Summary

House Bill 551 mandates the Texas Department of State Health Services, in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission, to prepare two significant reports focused on eating disorders in the state. The first report will outline the prevalence of eating disorders and the associated mortality rates, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of these issues within Texas. This report is to be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 2022, incorporating statistics on regional and statewide incidences of eating disorders, as well as information on state-funded treatment options available for affected individuals.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on data collection and dissemination, there may be discussions about the need for additional resources to ensure that the outlined studies are thorough and reflect current trends accurately. The reception toward this bill may vary among stakeholders, as some may advocate for more robust funding for treatment options revealed by the subsequent findings, while others could question the adequacy of existing resources dedicated to mental health treatment in relation to eating disorders.