SRC-CDH H.B. 2509 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2509
By: Hilderbran (Zaffirini)
Health & Human Services
5-5-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Alzheimer's is a disease that destroys the brain, leaving afflicted people
incapable of mental or physical self-reliance.  Currently, there are over
265,000 Texans with Alzheimer's disease, and as the elderly population of
Texas increases, the demands placed upon Texas' resources and its citizens
due to Alzheimer's will also increase.  Estimates indicate that one out of
every eight people over the age of 65 will be stricken with Alzheimer's,
and that 50 percent of Texans over the age of 85 will be stricken with
this illness.  Presently, the Medicaid system provides nursing facility
care for people who meet specified medical coverage and financial
eligibility requirements.  Additionally, the Community-Based Alternatives
(CBA) program is a Medicaid waiver program which provides community care
services to elderly or disabled individuals who wish to delay nursing home
entry. These programs, however, do not adequately address the specific
medical conditions, functional needs, and behavioral characteristics of
most Alzheimer's patients.  Individualized, community-based services such
as nursing care, attendant care, or respite care would allow an
Alzheimer's patient to live more cost-effectively in a less restrictive
environment.  H.B. 2509 directs the Department of Human Services, in
coordination with all appropriate state and federal agencies and an
advisory committee, to develop and implement a pilot program for the
treatment of Alzheimer's patients, as well as for the education and
support of their family members and caregivers.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2509 establishes a pilot program for the treatment of
Alzheimer's patients. 

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 Chapter 32B, Human Resources Code, by adding Section
32.0246, as follows: 

Sec. 32.0246.  PILOT PROGRAM FOR TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS.
Requires the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS), in cooperation with
all appropriate state and federal agencies and with the advisory committee
established in Subsection (b), to develop and implement a pilot program
for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease which
meets certain requirements.  Sets forth the terms by which DHS is required
to appoint an advisory committee to assist in developing and implementing
the program.  Prohibits the pilot program from making an individual
eligible for medical assistance who is not otherwise eligible for medical
assistance.  Sets forth the terms by which DHS is authorized to seek and
accept a gift, grant, or donation.  Requires DHS to submit a report to the
legislature concerning the program's effectiveness not later than January
15, 1999.   

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.