BILL ANALYSIS


                                                        H.B. 2021
                                           By: Berlanga (Sponsor)
                                        Health and Human Services
                                                          5-11-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
BACKGROUND

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are a provider type
under Medicare and Medicaid law.  All FQHCs are nonprofit or public
health organizations located in urban and rural areas designated as
medically underserved areas or populations.

Current law does not provide all federally qualified health centers
the ability to contract or employ physicians or dentists.

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2021 requires the Texas Board of Health to
certify all FQHCs to contract with or employ physicians and
dentists licensed by the board.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 5.01(b), Article 4495b, V.T.C.S. (Medical
Practice Act), to require the Texas Board of Health (board), to
approve and certify any health organization to contract with or
employ physicians licensed by the board upon application and
presentation of proof that the board, among other requirements, is
organized and operated as a migrant, community, or homeless health
center under the authority of and in compliance with 42 U.S.C.
Section 254b, 254c, or 256, or as a federally qualified health
center under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(1)(2)(B).

SECTION 2. Amends Article 4551n(a), V.T.C.S., to require the board
to approve and certify any health organization to contract with or
employ dentists licensed by the board on application and
presentation of proof that the organization, among other
requirements, is organized and operated as a migrant, community, or
homeless health center under the authority of and in compliance
with 42 U.S.C. Section 254b, 254c, or 256, or as a federally
qualified health center under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396d(1)(2)(B).

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.