By:  Madla, Duncan                                    S.B. No. 1536
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the establishment of pilot projects to demonstrate the
 1-3     applications of technology in providing certain services under the
 1-4     medical assistance program.
 1-5           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-6           SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is
 1-7     amended by adding Section 531.055 to read as follows:
 1-8           Sec. 531.055.  PILOT PROJECTS RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY
 1-9     APPLICATIONS.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other law, the commission
1-10     may establish one or more pilot projects through which
1-11     reimbursement under the medical assistance program under Chapter
1-12     32, Human Resources Code, is made to demonstrate the applications
1-13     of technology in providing services under that program.
1-14           (b)  A pilot project established under this section must
1-15     relate to providing rehabilitation services, services for the aging
1-16     or disabled, or long-term care services, including community care
1-17     services and support.
1-18           SECTION 2.  If before implementing any provision of this Act
1-19     a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
1-20     federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
1-21     the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
1-22     authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
1-23     waiver or authorization is granted.
1-24           SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-25     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
 2-1     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
 2-2     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
 2-3     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.