By:  Shapleigh, Deuell, Gallegos                                  S.B. No. 493


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to mental health and substance abuse services provided 
through certain state health benefit programs.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is 
amended by adding Section 531.0224 to read as follows:
	Sec. 531.0224.  MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES.  
(a)  To ensure appropriate delivery of mental health and substance 
abuse services, the commission shall regularly evaluate program 
contractors and subcontractors that provide or arrange for the 
services for persons enrolled in:
		(1)  the Medicaid managed care program; and                            
		(2)  the state child health plan program.                              
	(b)  The commission shall monitor:                                      
		(1)  penetration rates, as they relate to mental health 
and substance abuse services provided by or through contractors and 
subcontractors;
		(2)  utilization rates, as they relate to mental health 
and substance abuse services provided by or through contractors and 
subcontractors; and
		(3)  provider networks used by contractors and 
subcontractors to provide mental health or substance abuse 
services.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.