SRC-CTC C.S.S.B. 1536 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1536
77R9573 KLA-FBy: Madla
Health & Human Services
4/20/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The application of new technology to medical services can take time.  Pilot
projects allow for the examination of how new technology can be utilized
for the benefit of various medical and financial assistance programs.
C.S.S.B. 1536 authorizes the establishment of pilot projects to demonstrate
the applications of technology in providing rehabilitation services,
services for the aging or disabled, or long-term care services, including
community care services and support. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Section
531.055, as follows: 

Sec. 531.055.  PILOT PROJECTS RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS.
Authorizes the Health and Human Services Commission (commission),
notwithstanding any other law, to establish one or more pilot projects
through which reimbursement under the medical assistance program under
Chapter 32 (Medical Assistance Program), Human Resources Code, is made to
demonstrate the applications of technology in providing services under that
program.  Requires a pilot project established under this section to relate
to providing rehabilitation services, services for the aging or disabled,
or long-term care services, including community care services and support. 

SECTION 2.  Requires a state agency, if before implanting any provision of
this Act, the affected agency determines that a waiver or authorization
from a federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision, to
request the waiver or authorization.  Authorizes the agency to delay
implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends As Filed S.B. 1536, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Removes proposed Section 531.02171, Government Code, and adds
proposed Section 531.055, Government Code, relating to pilot projects to
demonstrate the applications of certain technology. 

SECTION 2.  Adds text relating to required federal waivers or
authorizations. 

SECTION 3.  Redesignates SECTION 2 as SECTION 3.