SRC-SLL H.B. 2384 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2384 By: Delisi (Fraser) Health & Human Services 5-15-97 Engrossed DIGEST Nonprofit hospitals are required to develop a community benefits plan. In the development of its community benefits plan, a hospital must consider the health care needs of the community as determined by a community-wide needs assessment. The hospital is required to include mechanisms to evaluate the plan's effectiveness, including a method for soliciting the views of the communities served by the hospital. This bill will set forth regulations regarding the provision of charity care, indigent health care, and other community benefits by certain nonprofit hospitals. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2384 sets forth regulations regarding the provision of charity care, indigent health care, and other community benefits by certain nonprofit hospitals. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 311.044, Health and Safety Code, by adding Subsections (d) and (e), to require a nonprofit hospital, in determining the community-wide needs assessment required by Subsection (b), to consider consulting with and seeking input from representatives of certain entities or organizations located in the community as defined by Subsection (b). Requires representatives of a nonprofit hospital to consider meeting with representatives of the entities and organizations listed in Subsection (d) to assess the health care needs of the community and populations served by the nonprofit hospital. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.