Page HB 593CLC H.B. 593 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HUMAN SERVICES
H.B. 593
By: Thompson
5-6-97
Committee Report (Amended)



BACKGROUND

Currently, the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) allows Medicaid
residents in nursing homes $30 a month for all personal needs. The various
services and items purchased with these funds help residents maintain
feelings of control, self-esteem and decision making over their lives.
This amount has not been increased since 1983. 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bill is to increase the personal needs allowance to
Medicaid residents in nursing homes at $60 a month. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to any state
officer, agency, institution, or department. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.Amends Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, by adding
Subsection (t).  Directs DHS to set the personal needs allowance for
Medicaid nursing homes residents to at least $60 a month for residents of
a convalescent or nursing home licensed under Chapter 242, Health and
Safety Code, a personal care facility, ICF-MR facility, or other similar
long-term care facility receiving medical assistance.  In addition, DHS
may send the allowance directly to residents who receive SSI.  This
section does not apply to residents participating in a DHS medical
assistance waiver program.  

SECTION 2.Effective Date: September 1, 1997.  Applies only to a personal
needs allowance paid on or after the effective date. 

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Changes the amount of the personal needs allowance from at least $60 a
month to at least $35 a month.