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Senate Bill 1621 |
Senate Author: Kolkhorst et al. |
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Effective: 9-1-19 |
House Sponsor: Price |
Senate Bill 1621 amends the Government Code and Health and Safety Code to establish a license for establishing, conducting, or maintaining a limited services rural hospital, contingent on the federal government creating a payment program specifically for such hospitals or similarly designated hospitals. The bill provides for minimum standards for such hospitals, a licensing fee, a strategic plan to ensure that Texas citizens residing in rural areas have access to hospital services, the Rural Hospital Advisory Committee to advise the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on issues relating to rural hospitals, and HHSC collaboration with the Office of Rural Affairs. The bill requires HHSC, not later than January 1, 2020, to submit the strategic plan to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) for review and comment and prohibits HHSC from implementing the proposal for ensuring access to hospital services until the plan is approved by the LBB. The bill requires HHSC to submit a report regarding the plan to the legislature, the governor, and the LBB.
Senate Bill 1621 amends the Special District Local Laws Code and Tax Code to provide for the authority of the Midland County Hospital District of Midland County, Texas, to adopt, change the rate of, or abolish a sales and use tax. The bill limits the use of and the source of money used to construct a facility for certain care included in a hospital system established by the Reagan Hospital District of Reagan County, Texas.