Bill

HB 1680

84(R) - 2015
House Human Services
House Human Services
Health & Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Richard Raymond

Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Health Services Authority as a quasi-governmental entity and the electronic exchange of health care information.  

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated. Local governments may incur fees if there are any changes to the privacy, security, and certification standards.

Bill Analysis

The bill would implement the Sunset Advisory Commission's recommendations by deferring the discontinuation of the Texas Health Services Authority (THSA) until 2021, at which time it will be removed from statute and allowed to function as a private nonprofit corporation after that date. On or after September 1, 2021, the bill would require at least one representative of the private nonprofit organization with knowledge and experience in establishing statewide health information exchange capabilities to serve on the Electronic Health Information Exchange System Advisory Committee.

The bill would change the composition of the THSA's board of directors to include a voting board member to represent the Texas local health information exchanges. The governor would also be required to appoint at least two ex officio, nonvoting members representing the Department of State Health Services, Department of Aging and Disability Services, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Family and Protective Services, and the Health and Human Services Commission.

The bill would also continue a statutory program certifying compliance with privacy standards.

Vote Recommendation Notes

When a bill implements the Sunset Advisory Commission's recommendations regarding the continuation and functions of an entity, we want to verify that it does not expand the size, scope, and cost of government. In this case, the bill does not abridge limited government. The purpose of the bill is to provide adequate time for the Texas Health Services Authority to transition to a private nonprofit corporation.

Since HB 1680 neither abridges nor advances limited government nor any of our other liberty principles, we remain neutral.