BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2134
88R12957 CJD-D	By: Miles
	Criminal Justice
	4/14/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

What does this bill do?

• This bill requires the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) to have access to a telehealth provider anytime a physician is not on site.

Background and purpose:

• The five remaining TJJD detention centers are located in remote areas of the state, making it difficult to attract specialty healthcare providers. Although these facilities are located in remote areas, TJJD has one health care provider on site once a week. In a matter of hours, this provider is responsible for caring for any physical ailments that might have occurred in the previous week.
• In order to ease the burden placed on the healthcare professional, increase access to care, and ensure the overall health and safety of the juvenile population, this bill requires the TJJD facilities to have a doctor available via telehealth services if there is not a physical provider on site.

Fiscal impact: No significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

As proposed, S.B. 2134 amends current law relating to the use of telemedicine and telehealth services in the juvenile justice system.

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 244.001, Human Resources Code, by adding Subsection (e) to prohibit the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) from using telemedicine or mental health telemedicine or telehealth services for any purpose under Section 244.001 (Initial Examination).

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 244, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 244.0095, as follows:

Sec. 244.0095. CERTAIN MEDICAL CARE SERVICES REQUIRED. Requires TJJD, in providing medical care, to contract for telemedicine services to be available when a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant is not present at the facility where the services are to be provided.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2023.