Recognizing the need for the state to plan for public health emergencies and natural disasters, the Texas Medical Association during this legislative session helped shape legislation aimed at changing the state’s public health authority infrastructure and allowing for more timely, efficient, and effective surveillance of and response to outbreaks and disasters.
Medicine’s achievements, made official with the signing of multiple bills by Gov. Greg Abbott, included improved reporting and data collection and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiling and planning.
For instance, Senate Bill 968 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) requires the Texas Division of Emergency Management to contract with a manufacturer or distributor of PPE that guarantees a set amount of protective equipment for a disaster. It also gives the commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) the authority to declare a statewide or regional public health disaster or emergency and creates an Office of Chief State Epidemiologist within HHSC.
Senate Bill 969 by Senator Kolkhorst and sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-Fort Worth) requires the state to collaborate with local health authorities, hospitals, and others to design a standardized method for sharing information during a public health disaster. The bill also contains language requiring publication of certain disaster data.
Last Updated On
June 29, 2021
Originally Published On
June 10, 2021