88R3097 LRM-D
By: Thierry H.B. No. 472
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the office of health equity within the
Health and Human Services Commission.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle E, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 107B to read as follows:
CHAPTER 107B. OFFICE OF HEALTH EQUITY
Sec. 107B.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "office" means
the office of health equity established under this chapter.
Sec. 107B.002. OFFICE OF HEALTH EQUITY. (a) The executive
commissioner shall maintain an office of health equity within the
commission to:
(1) assume a leadership role in collaborating or
contracting with state and federal agencies, universities, private
interest groups, communities, foundations, and offices of minority
health in the development of health initiatives to decrease or
eliminate health and health access disparities and improve health
equity across the state, including rural and urban communities,
regardless of a person's race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status;
and
(2) maximize use of existing resources without
duplicating existing efforts.
(b) The health initiatives developed under Subsection (a)
must include initiatives to increase access to appropriate language
services in health care settings.
Sec. 107B.003. POWERS OF OFFICE. The office may:
(1) provide a central information and referral source,
including a clearinghouse for health disparities information, and
serve as the primary state resource in coordinating, planning, and
advocating access to health care services to eliminate health
disparities in this state;
(2) coordinate conferences and other training
opportunities to increase skills among state agencies and
government personnel in management and in the appreciation of
cultural diversity;
(3) pursue and administer grant funds for innovative
projects for communities, groups, and individuals;
(4) provide recommendations and training in improving
minority recruitment in state agencies;
(5) publicize information regarding health
disparities and minority health issues through the use of mass
media;
(6) network with existing minority organizations,
community-based health groups, and statewide health coalitions;
(7) solicit, receive, and spend grants, gifts, and
donations from public and private sources; and
(8) contract with public and private entities in the
performance of its responsibilities.
Sec. 107B.004. FUNDING. The commission may use existing
resources and solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from
any source to carry out the office's powers and perform the office's
duties.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.