The bill, S.B. No. 820, proposes the establishment of a sickle cell disease registry in Texas, which will serve as a comprehensive repository for accurate and complete records of sickle cell disease cases. The new Chapter 52B of the Health and Safety Code outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health, which will include maintaining the registry, collecting data from health care facilities, and ensuring the confidentiality of individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The registry will contain records of sickle cell disease cases occurring in the state and any additional information deemed necessary for the treatment and cure of the disease.

To facilitate the implementation of this registry, the bill grants the department the authority to execute contracts, compile and publish statistical studies, and adopt rules for its operation. The executive commissioner is tasked with developing guidelines for data collection and ensuring compliance with relevant health information disclosure laws. An annual report on the registry's findings will be submitted to the legislature, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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