Bill: HB 3374, 84(R) - 2015

Bill Caption

Relating to information regarding Down syndrome.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

HB 3374 would add a new subchapter to the Health and Safety Code. Specifically, this subchapter would require the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to make available certain information regarding the condition of Down  syndrome.  This information must include general statistics and information regarding the genetic disorder.

Additionally, this legislation would require a health care provider who specializes in testing for Down syndrome to provide the parents of the patient this information provided by DSHS regarding the chromosomal condition. The health care provider may provide additional information, however the information would have to be evidenced-based and reviewed by medical experts and Down syndrome organizations. Lastly, this information would have to be printed in both Spanish and English. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

5/25/2015 update: 

No changes have been made to this legislation in the Senate committee. The Senate chamber sponsor is Senator Lucio. 

First chamber recommendation: 

Requiring DSHS to put together information on Down syndrome and make it available to health care providers specializing in that field seems consistent with the purpose of the agency. The requirement that organizations give out the information gets near the line of our limited government principle, however the legislation provides sufficient protection that the requirement is largely unenforceable. For this reason, we stand neutral on HB 3374. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/19/2024 02:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb3374?print_view=true