TITLE: Relating to a study on the disparities in the provision of certain health care services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this state.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study on the disparities in the provision of certain health care services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this state.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study on the disparities in the provision of certain health care services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this state. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "commission" means the Health and Human Services Commission. (b) The commission, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations with experience providing health care resources or services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, shall conduct a study on the disparities in health care services provided to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including disparities in: (1) the provision of mental health services; (2) the provision of reproductive health care services; (3) the provision of health care services due to violence against an individual based on the individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; (4) the provision of health care services due to gender-based violence; (5) provision of gender-affirming health care services; and (6) the availability of language interpreters in health care settings. (c) In conducting the study, the commission shall solicit and consider information from: (1) the Department of State Health Services; (2) the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities; (3) the Texas Education Agency; and (4) other state agencies, political subdivisions, or nonprofit organizations as necessary. (d) The commission shall ensure the information collected under Subsection (c) of this section does not personally identify a patient and must disaggregate the data by ethnicity. (e) Not later than December 1, 2024, the commission shall prepare and submit to the legislature a written report containing the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative action. SECTION 2. This Act expires September 1, 2025. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.