SRC-AMY, VRA S.B. 38 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 38 78R1420 MCK-DBy: Zaffirini Health and Human Services 4/8/2003 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The quality assurance process used to assess immunization provider practices, assessment of immunization records, feedback on findings to the provider with incentives, and exchange of results and ideas for improving the practice (AFIX), is not currently applied to the vaccines for children program. This process is facilitated by a software program, Clinic Assessment Software Application (CASA), developed by the Centers for Disease Control. Feedback and incentives move toward the ultimate goal of increasing immunization rates, and reaching providers who are considered unlikely to join the vaccines for children program. As proposed, S.B. 38 requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop informational materials and coordinate education programs for physicians related to the vaccines for children program. This bill also requires the Health and Human Services Commission to allow providers to sign up for the vaccines for children program on the same form the provider uses to apply as a Medicaid provider. This bill also addresses reimbursement rates and allows providers to use the immunization registry for reporting purposes. 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 161A, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 161.0095 as follows: Sec. 161.0095. INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS AND PHYSICIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS. (a) Requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to develop informational materials and continuing education programs for physicians relating to immunizations and the vaccines program operated by TDH under authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 1396s, as amended. Requires the educational materials to address the administrative requirements of the vaccines for children program, including requirements for vaccine storage, paperwork, and physician evaluation. (b) Requires TDH to establish a work group to assist in developing the continuing education programs and materials. Requires the work group to include physicians, nurses, department representatives, and members of the public. SECTION 2. Amends Chapter 531B, Government Code, by adding Section 531.063 as follows: Sec. 531.063. VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM PROVIDER ENROLLMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT. (a) Defines "vaccines for children program." (b) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to ensure that a provider can enroll in the vaccines for children program on the same form the provider completes to apply as a Medicaid health care provider and a children's health insurance program health care provider. (c) Requires HHSC to allow providers to use the immunization registry established under Section 161.007, Health and Safety Code, to report vaccines administered under the vaccines for children program. (d) Requires HHSC to reimburse providers under Medicaid and the children's health insurance program for vaccines administered under the vaccines for children program at a rate that covers the cost of administering the vaccines under the program and a reasonable profit for the provider. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2003.