Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1484

Caption

Relating to certain Department of State Health Services procurements for communicable disease data collection and investigations.

Impact

The bill introduces requirements for enhanced oversight regarding contracts that involve the collection of sensitive health information. By mandating prior approval from the LBB for such contracts, SB1484 aims to ensure that state funds are allocated transparently and effectively while safeguarding individuals' health information in compliance with existing federal regulations, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This change is intended to boost accountability in procurement processes and enhance trust among Texas citizens regarding data handling.

Summary

Senate Bill 1484 pertains to the procurement processes of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) specifically concerning the collection of data related to communicable diseases. The legislation stipulates that before DSHS can engage a private vendor for contact tracing or related epidemiological studies that involve the collection of private data, it must submit a detailed request to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). This request must outline the purpose, need, and cost of the procurement, along with information regarding data use and privacy agreements.

Contention

A significant aspect of the legislation is the explicit directive for the Department of State Health Services to cancel existing contracts related to individual contact tracing that were executed during the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that these are no longer necessary for addressing public health concerns. This point has sparked debate as some stakeholders may believe that such measures could leave the state less prepared should public health emergencies arise in the future. Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on data privacy and ethical data usage makes it a focal point in discussions about government transparency and individual rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB310

Relating to limitations on public health directives issued during a state of disaster or outbreak of a communicable disease.

TX HB119

Relating to judicial review of certain orders issued to address a declared state of disaster, declared public health disaster, or ordered public health emergency or to prevent the spread of a communicable disease.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX HB1593

Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB773

Relating to access to certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices used in clinical trials by patients with severe chronic diseases.

TX HB4

Relating to the regulation of the collection, use, processing, and treatment of consumers' personal data by certain business entities; imposing a civil penalty.

TX HB1403

Relating to the establishment by certain counties and hospital districts of disease control pilot programs to reduce the risk of certain infectious and communicable diseases; authorizing fees.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2103

Relating to transferring certain investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX HB4049

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

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