Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 1536 amends the Government Code to authorize the Health and Human Services Commission to establish one or more pilot projects to demonstrate the applications of technology in providing certain types of medical services under the medical assistance program. The bill requires the commission to establish certain policies permitting reimbursement under the state Medicaid and children's health insurance programs for services through telemedicine and telehealth services to children with special needs. The bill also requires the commission to establish pilot programs to provide reimbursable telemedicine and telehealth services in areas within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border. The commissioner of health and human services is required to establish an advisory committee to assist the commission in evaluating policies for telemedicine and telehealth services and pilot programs, ensuring the efficient development of technology, and monitoring and coordinating related programs and activities.

            The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Texas Department of Health to develop and implement certain policies providing for reimbursement of a provider for telemedicine medical services under the program. The bill also requires a health plan provider to permit benefits to be provided through telemedicine medical services in accordance with the rules adopted by the commission. The bill also amends the Utilities Code to establish definitions of "telemedicine" and "telehealth services" and extends the telecommunication infrastructure fund to include telemedicine and telehealth services.

            The bill repeals a provision that provided for Medicaid reimbursement only for a telemedical consultation provided by a physician who practices in a rural health facility, medical school, or teaching hospital.