BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center	S.B. 73
87R1751 KFF-F	By: Miles
	Health & Human Services
	3/12/2021
	As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Local public health entities are a vital part of the health care delivery system in many communities and should continue to play an integral role in improving access to health care for those who may not be able to afford it otherwise. S.B. 73 seeks to ease barriers to participation in the Medicaid program by local health departments and certain health service regional offices.

 

S.B. 73 amends the Human Resources Code to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to establish a separate provider type for local health departments, including health service regional offices acting in the capacity of local health departments, for purposes of enrollment as a provider for and reimbursement under Medicaid.

 

There is no anticipated opposition to the bill.

 

As proposed, S.B. 73 amends current law relating to providing access to local health departments and certain health service regional offices under Medicaid.

 

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 32.003, Human Resources Code, by adding Subdivisions (2) and (3), to define, in Chapter 32 (Medical Assistance Program), "health service regional office" and� "local health department."

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (ll), to require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to establish a separate provider type for local health departments, including health service regional offices acting in the capacity of local health departments, for purposes of enrollment as a provider for and reimbursement under the medical assistance program.

 

SECTION 3. Amends Section 32.101(2), Human Resources Code, to redefine, in Subchapter C (Medical Assistance Program Provider Database), "health care provider" to include, among those licensed or authorized to provide a health care service in Texas, a local health department or a health service regional office acting in the capacity of a local health department in a public health region. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

 

SECTION 4. Requires a state agency, if necessary for implementation of a provision of this Act, to request a waiver or authorization from a federal agency, and authorizes delay of implementation until such a waiver or authorization is granted.

 

SECTION 5. Effective date: September 1, 2022.