House lawmakers have given the first OK to a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform plan, after efforts to turn the bill into a health care Christmas tree fell short.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Health care
Video: “The Beginning of the End for Abortions”
This morning, Gov. Rick Perry signed into law House Bill 15, the so-called abortion sonogram bill, which Senate sponsor Dan Patrick, R-Houston, termed “the beginning of the end for abortions.”
Posted in
Demographics
On the Records: Mapping Migration to Texas
The U.S. Census Bureau released data this week showing how many people moved to and from Texas in the last year. California sent more people our way than any other state — and we lost the most Texans to Oklahoma.
Posted in
Health care
Dewhurst, Abbott, Nelson Fire Back at Trade Commission
State lawmakers have fired back against a Federal Trade Commission letter suggesting Senate Bill 8 — a key piece of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst’s health reform push — violates antitrust laws. The measure is expected to come up for a vote in the House on Tuesday.
Posted in
Economy
Budget Notes: Ogden, Pitts Plan Weekend Vote
The lead budget writers from the House and Senate answered questions about the budget they’ve agreed upon, admitting they don’t have all of the details yet and saying they could vote on the final plan this coming weekend.
Posted in
Health care
Senate OKs Changes to Newborn Screening Program
State health officials can no longer use infant blood samples for non-approved purposes without parental consent, under a measure Senate lawmakers approved today.
Posted in
Health care
End-of-Life Bills Appear Dead
For the third session in a row, legislation covering end-of-life care in Texas appears, well, dead.
Posted in
Health care
Smoking Ban May Face Uphill Battle in Senate
House lawmakers successfully tacked a statewide smoking ban onto a broad Senate fiscal matters bill last weekend. But whether it will stick in the upper chamber is another question entirely.
Posted in
Health care
Family Planning Programs Face Steep Cuts, Elimination
The state’s family planning budget is getting increasingly thin. Budget conferees appear poised to go with the cheapest possible option for offering minimal family planning services, and a Medicaid program that provides screenings and contraception is circling the drain.
Posted in
Health care
Family Practice Residencies Take Big Budget Hit
The residency programs that train Texas family physicians will take a big hit under the education budget agreement lawmakers unveiled today.
