Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

___ HEALTH AND HUMAN
ERVICES/Regulatory
UMAN SERVICES
77 th Texas Legislature
Regulating the Sale of Drugs over the Internet - H.B. 99
by Representative Maxey
Senate Sponsor: Senator Van De Putte
The United States Congress and state legislatures have enacted safeguards to protect citizens from harm
resulting from the use of unsafe drugs, counterfeit drugs, and the improper practice of pharmacy. These
safeguards, however, have not been extended in Texas to protect citizens from the improper sale of drugs
by online practitioners and pharmacies.
Requires the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (board) to adopt rules regarding the sale and delivery of
prescription drugs by use of electronic media including the Internet, and authorizing complaints to be made
to the board through the Internet.
Electronic Imaging Program of the Texas Department of Human Services - H.B. 102
by Representative Maxey, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Moncrief
Under the current electronic imaging program, all adult recipients of food stamps and Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) have the prints of their index fingers scanned and the print stored to
prevent duplication of services. This includes seniors and persons with disabilities. Seniors and persons
with disabilities are the least likely to defraud the Food Stamp Program, and the most likely to have
difficulties getting to a Food Stamp office to be certified for benefits.
Requires the electronic imaging program to be used for the food stamp program.
Requires the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish certain criteria for exempting elderly
or disabled persons from the electronic finger imaging if compliance with those requirements would cause
an undue burden to an elderly or disabled person.
Unlicensed Personal Attendants for Persons with Disabilities - H.B. 456
by Representative Maxey
Senate Sponsor: Senator Moncrief
Currently, under the state's voucher payment program, a person with a disability may use the voucher
payment option to pay for certain health care services. Many of the tasks, such as regularly scheduled oral
and topical medication administration, feeding, and medication administration through permanently placed
gastrostomy tubes are normally performed by the primary caregiver.
Allows an unlicensed personal attendant hired by a consumer participating in the voucher payment
program to perform those responsibilities under the direction of the consumer or the consumer's parent or
guardian without the supervision of a licensed nurse who delegates or intervenes in those responsibilities.
Senate Research Center 159