HBA-MPM S.B. 1065 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 1065
By: Lucio
Public Health
4/24/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Since 1956, services provided at South Texas Hospital in Harlingen, Texas
have increased to such an extent that the hospital is now a major provider
of sub-acute indigent care in its region.  In 1999, the 76th Legislature
enacted law to contract for outpatient services, construct new facilities,
and authorize county and hospital districts to pool resources through the
creation of a new health services district.  To reflect the new framework
created by this legislation, Senate Bill 1065 changes the name of South
Texas Hospital to the South Texas Health Care System and removes obsolete
provisions relating to the hospital. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 1065 amends the Health and Safety Code to modify references in
law to the South Texas Hospital (hospital) to mean the South Texas Health
Care System (system) and set forth that an appropriation to the Texas
Department of Health for the use and benefit of the hospital is available
for the use and benefit of the system.  

The bill repeals provisions regarding the creation and use of the medical
services trust fund.  The bill also repeals provisions authorizing and
governing the Respiratory Disease Pilot Program. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.