78R7610 DLF-D

By:  Uresti                                                       H.B. No. 2469



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to enrollment and related services under the state child 
health plan.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 62.055(e), Health and Safety Code,  is 
amended to read as follows:
	(e)  In contracting under this chapter, the [The] commission 
shall:
		(1)  retain all policymaking authority over the state 
child health plan;    
		[(2)  procure all contracts with a third party 
administrator or other entity through a competitive procurement 
process in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws or 
regulations;] and
		(2) [(3)]  ensure that all contracts with child health 
plan providers under Section 62.155 are procured through a 
competitive procurement process in compliance with all applicable 
federal and state laws or regulations.
	SECTION 2.  The following laws are repealed:                                   
		(1)  Section 62.053(b), Health and Safety Code; and                           
		(2)  Sections 62.055(a), (b), (c), and (d), Health and 
Safety Code.         
	SECTION 3.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) of 
this section, not later than September 1, 2004, the Texas 
Department of Human Services shall assume responsibility for 
eligibility screening and enrollment under the state child health 
plan in accordance with Section 62.053, Health and Safety Code.
	(b)  If before implementing any provision of this Act a state 
agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a federal 
agency is necessary, the state agency shall request the waiver or 
authorization and may delay implementation of that provision until 
the waiver or authorization is granted.
	SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.