Opinion No.

Robert Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.P. Commissioner Texas Department of Health 1100 West 49th Street Austin, Texas 78756-3199

Re: Construction of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services Act, article 4419b-4, V.T.C.S. (RQ-1886)

Dear Dr. Bernstein:

You ask three questions regarding the interpretation of section 2.03(h) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Services Act (hereinafter the act). V.T.C.S. art. 4419b-4, et seq. Before we analyze that particular provision, we will briefly examine the act as a whole.

Article 1 of the act includes definitions and designates the Texas Department of Health…