BILL ANALYSIS
By: Zaffirini
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Currently, there are 7,300 individuals in long-term intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICF-MR) who require specialized assistance in their everyday activities. The value of the care received by individuals with mental retardation is dependent on the financial support allotted to those facilities. A portion of the money that is designated for such facilities is supplied from federal funds. The quality assurance fee is an indispensable tool in drawing funds from the federal government to aid in supporting the activities of long term intermediate care facilities.
S.B. 1830 continues the quality assurance fee for an indefinite period of time in order to ensure better conditions for persons in long term ICF-MRs.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
The bill repeals Section 252.209 of the Health and Safety Code, which provides that: The 79th Legislature shall review the operation and effectiveness of this subchapter (SUBCHAPTER H. QUALITY ASSURANCE FEE). Unless continued in effect by the 79th Legislature, this subchapter expires September 1, 2005.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Upon passage or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2005.