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.