Bill Caption

Relating to including medically fragile individuals in the Texas Division of Emergency Management's emergency assistance registry for wellness checks during certain emergencies. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3711 would require the Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop a process to designate individuals included in the emergency assistance registry as medically fragile. The Health and Human Services Commission, Department of State Health Services, first responders, local governments, and local health departments would be authorized to access this registry. 

HB 3711 would require the commission to collaborate with these authorized entities to ensure that a wellness check is conducted on each medically fragile individual listed in the emergency assistance registry to ensure that these individuals have continuity of care and the ability to continue using electrically powered medical equipment. 

HB 3711 would require wellness checks during events that include: an extended power, water, or gas outage; a declared state of disaster; or any other event considered necessary by the commission, department, or division.

HB 3711 would consider the wellness check to include: an automated telephone call and text; a personalized telephone call; and if the individual is unresponsive to the previous calls, an in person wellness check. These checks would have to be conducted not later than 24 hours after the event that required the check. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral toward HB 3711.