Sec. 94A.001. STATE PLAN FOR STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE. (a) The department, using existing resources and programs to the extent possible, shall develop a state plan for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The plan must include strategies for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in specific demographic groups that are disproportionately affected by the diseases, including persons who are elderly, children under two years of age, persons living in long-term care facilities, persons with a chronic heart or lung disease, smokers, and persons with asplenia.

(b) In developing the plan, the department shall seek the advice of:

(1) the public, including members of the public who have been infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae;

(2) each state agency that provides services to persons infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae or that is assigned duties related to diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including any appropriate health and human services agency described by Section 531.001, Government Code, the Employees Retirement System of Texas, and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas;

(3) any advisory body that addresses issues related to diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae;

(4) public advocates concerned with issues related to diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae;

(5) providers of services to persons with diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae;

(6) a statewide professional association of physicians; and

(7) a statewide professional association of nurses.

(c) The department shall review and modify as necessary the state plan developed under this section at least once every five years and may update the state plan biennially.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 994 (H.B. 970), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.