Bill: HB 1394, 83(R) - 2013

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

Susan King

Bill Caption

Relating to the sunset review of certain powers and duties performed by the Department of State Health Services.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 1394 would require the Sunset Advisory Commission (Commission), in it’s customary review of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), to determine whether DSHS is: achieving the legislature’s intent of empowering consumers with information to make informed health care decisions, maintaining appropriate privacy and security standards for patient information,  and limiting the patient information the department collects to the information necessary for performing the department’s duties under current law. The Commission is required to report its findings to the legislature in its normal report, and this chapter expires September 1, 2015.

Analysis: HB 1394 requires the Commission to make determinations about how DSHS is providing important information to healthcare consumers, and how DSHS is maintaining the privacy and security of patients. This has a limiting effect by keeping DSHS from being careless with patient information and requiring DSHS to provide information that can help patients make informed healthcare decisions. In the interest of government transparency, efficiency, and protection of personal privacy, we support HB 1394.


Source URL (retrieved on 03/28/2024 06:03 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb1394?print_view=true