SRC-VRA, MSY S.B. 245 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 245
78R2343 KEG-DBy: Zaffirini
Health and Human Services
4/9/2003
As Filed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, respiratory care therapists cannot bill Medicaid.  Over the
past 50 years, respiratory care has moved from being primarily a
hospital-based service to one that is provided in a variety of care
alternative sites, especially in the home.  As proposed, S.B. 245 requires
Medicaid to reimburse respiratory care practitioners for respiratory
therapy and allows health agencies the option of using respiratory care
practitioners in addition to a licensed nurse or physical therapist who
typically provides respiratory therapy as part of a plan of care.    

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 Section 32.024(p), Human Resources Code, to require the
Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to provide home respiratory
services to a recipient of medical assistance under this chapter, rather
than to a ventilator dependent person, to the extent permitted by federal
law. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 32.027(c), Human Resources Code, to make
conforming and nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 3.  Authorizes a state agency to delay implementing a provision of
this Act until a requested federal waiver or authorization necessary to
implement that provision is granted.  

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 2003.