BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2093
87R18022 EAS-F	By: Cortez; Oliverson (Blanco)
	Health & Human Services
	5/10/2021
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The ability of Texas families to access behavioral health care services is an essential component of healthier, more productive communities. Physician assistants have a critical role in providing health care services in Texas. Recognition of physician assistants under federal statutes as non-physician mental health professionals allows for reimbursement by Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. H.B. 2093 seeks to align federal and state statutes to prevent problems physician assistants have encountered with third-party reimbursement for their services by classifying licensed physician assistants who have expertise in psychiatry or are currently working in a mental health facility as a non-physician mental health professional under the Texas Mental Health Code.

H.B. 2093 amends current law relating to including certain licensed physician assistants in the definition of non-physician mental health professional for purposes of certain provisions applicable to non-physician mental health professionals.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 571.003(15), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "non-physician mental health professional," for purposes of Subtitle C (Texas Mental Health Code), to include a physician assistant licensed to practice in this state who has expertise in psychiatry or is currently working in a mental health facility.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2021.