These sections implement the provisions of Senate Bill 89, 73rd Legislature, adding Chapter 87 to the Health and Safety Code. Chapter 87 provides the Texas Board of Health with the authority to adopt rules relating to the surveillance and control of birth defects. The legislation directs the Texas Department of Health (department) to develop a statewide surveillance program, but permits the department to implement a pilot program limited to part of the state, depending on resources available to the department.

Source Note:The provisions of this §37.301 adopted to be effective October 20, 1994, 19 TexReg 8032.