78R6566 MCK-D

By:  Turner                                                       H.B. No. 1736


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the review of the reimbursement methodology for and resource needs of nursing facilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. REVIEW OF TILE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. (a) Subject to the availability of funds, the Health and Human Services Commission, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Human Services, shall evaluate the Texas Index for Level of Effort classification system used to quantify the intensity of the care needs of individuals in nursing facilities and to assign daily reimbursement rates for that care to determine whether the system accurately accounts for the care needs of patients with dementia, including patients with Alzheimer's disease. (b) In conducting the evaluation of the Texas Index for Level of Effort classification system, the Health and Human Services Commission shall seek the input of relevant professionals and other individuals or organizations with expertise in caring for people with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. SECTION 2. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. The Health and Human Services Commission shall report the results of the evaluation conducted under this Act to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives not later than September 1, 2004. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.