The Texas House released the first batch of interim reports from House committees on Thursday. Reports from nine committees were posted online. In the days and weeks to come, the House will post reports from other committees as the reports are completed.
One of those reports came from the House Committee on Public Health, their interim report to the 85th Legislature includes background, analysis, and closing comments. Below is a spotlight on the closing comments directly from the report; however, for complete details please refer to the report.
Closing Comments on Charge #1
Events like the floods and thunderstorms throughout Texas in 2015 and 2016 are a reminder of the importance of emergency preparation. Emergency response starts at the local level, and local officials are the life line for an effected community, with support from regional and state partners. Emergency response in the past has proven that the state has the ability and experience to successfully respond to an array of challenges. From natural disasters to a public health crisis, emergency response preparation, training, and communication are the key to an effective response. Local and state officials should make emergency response a priority so that adequate resources are available to keep our state prepared in the future.
Closing Comments on Charge #2
Chronic disease involves much more than diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and the other diagnosis mentioned but these are what are having the greatest effect on the state's health and wellness. The data is clear that a small portion of the population has been driving the unprecedented cost increase we have witnessed in the last few decades. Thankfully, many chronic diseases are trending down and we can thank increased awareness and healthcare achievements for these gains, but we are falling behind in many areas. Our state is one of the most obese states in the country and that will further test a currently burdened healthcare system.
It took time for the state population to feel the effects of conditions such as obesity and tobacco use and it will take time for these trends to be reversed. It is clear that there is a growing issue with chronic disease that many predict will only worsen as the baby boomer population moves into old age.
Closing Comments on Charge #3
Telemedicine has been utilized in Texas for many years: first utilized in the incarcerated population, then encouraged in underserved settings, and now being incorporated to enhance care delivery in multiple areas. Telemedicine has the potential to be effective in a variety of settings and future legislation should be cognizant of these diverse opportunities. Future applications should be designed by healthcare professionals, not policy writers.
Very rarely is there a topic that has as much opportunity to positively affect so much of the population. Whether you call it telemedicine, telehealth, or virtual healthcare, the continued integration of telecommunication technology into health care will improve outcomes and potentially change how many access healthcare providers. Telemedicine will not replace conventional care as we know it. There will always be situations where hands-on, in-person care is needed. Telemedicine is a tool to support conventional medical care with follow-up appointments, increased provider availability, and care coordination.
Closing Comments on Charge #4
As a priority of the Texas Legislature, women's health has seen important achievements over the last few years. The Health and Human Services Commission's new Healthy Texas Women and Family Planning programs provide easier access to an expanded number of services for eligible participants. Officially launched in July 2016, the programs build on lessons from past initiatives to provide a comprehensive and navigable platform to serve those in need. The initiative's increased services and education efforts aim to positively impact Texas women and close the gaps seen among racial/ethnic groups.
There is work to be done in areas like prematurity rates, infant mortality rates, and educating pregnant women on early prenatal care. Increasing women's health services and specialized initiatives will improve birth outcomes and help women control their health. Texas should continue working on improving birth outcomes for all women to ensure that the next generation of Texans have the best opportunity to live healthy lives.