SRC-MKV H.B. 2004 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2004 By: Maxey (Carona) Health & Human Services 5/9/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE On release from an inpatient facility, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation clients are provided with an initial outpatient appointment to a community mental health center and supplied with medication adequate to last until that appointment. At times, the patient arrives at the initial outpatient appointment to find the appointment is with a social worker or another individual unable to issue a prescription. A debate can occur between the releasing facility and the outpatient facility responsible for the patient as to which is fiscally responsible for providing the additional necessary medication. H.B. 2004 provides that a patient's continuing care plan must address who is responsible for providing and paying for medication to ensure that a patient has the necessary medication until the patient can see a physician. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION1. Amends Section 574.081(c), Health and Safety Code, to require a continuing care plan to address the patient's mental health and physical needs, including, if appropriate, the need for sufficient medication on furlough or discharge to last until the patient can see a physician and to address the person who is responsible for providing and paying for the medication. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.