SB1677 - Relating to a study on prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation.

      S.B. No. 1677         AN ACT   relating to a study on prevention and reduction of diabetes-related   amputation.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  (a)  In this Act:                (1)  "Department" means the Department of State Health   Services.                (2)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning   assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.          (b)  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall   designate an institution of higher education to conduct a study on   the prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation, using   existing institutional resources.  The institution must have a   Research Activity Designation: Research 1: Very High Research   Spending and Doctorate Production under the 2025 Carnegie   Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.          (c)  In conducting the study, the institution of higher   education designated under Subsection (b) of this section shall:                (1)  collaborate with the department;                (2)  identify and examine information on amputations   resulting from diabetes; and                (3)  develop recommendations regarding:                      (A)  amputation prevention related to diabetic   foot ulcers and peripheral artery disease;                      (B)  methods for increasing public awareness of   diabetes-related amputation;                      (C)  best practices for reducing the number of   amputations performed; and                      (D)  policy solutions for ensuring access to   treatments to assist with preventing amputation, including:                            (i)  insurance coverage for therapies   designed to treat diabetic foot ulcers, including topical oxygen   therapy;                            (ii)  timely and equitable access to   evidence-supported medical tools, technologies, and services to   assist with the prevention of avoidable amputations;                            (iii)  methods to improve and incentivize   quality care to avoid amputations when possible; and                            (iv)  methods to promote collaboration and   cooperation among interested persons.          (d)  In conducting the study, the institution of higher   education designated under Subsection (b) of this section shall   consult with the following individuals:                (1)  the commissioner of state health services;                (2)  a physician licensed in this state who specializes   in endocrinology;                (3)  a nurse licensed in this state with expertise in   diabetes education;                (4)  a vascular surgeon with expertise in amputation   prevention;                (5)  a physician, physician assistant, or advanced   practice registered nurse with expertise in amputation prevention;                (6)  a podiatrist with expertise in treating diabetic   foot ulcers;                (7)  a podiatrist or vascular surgeon affiliated with   the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;                (8)  a representative of a public health provider;                (9)  at least three individuals diagnosed with diabetes   or who have experienced diabetes-related amputation;                (10)  a representative of the American Diabetes   Association; and                (11)  other individuals as the institution determines   necessary.          (e)  Not later than September 1, 2026, the institution of   higher education designated under Subsection (b) of this section   shall prepare and submit to the department a report summarizing the   results of the study and containing recommendations for legislative   or other action.  The department shall post the report on the   department's Internet website.  The post must include:                (1)  the information on which the institution's   determinations and recommendations are based; and                (2)  the methodologies the institution used to conduct   the study.          SECTION 2.  This Act expires September 1, 2027.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.               ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1677 passed the Senate on   April 10, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 24, Nays 6.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1677 passed the House on   May 24, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 78, Nays 57, three   present not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor