79R3278 UM-D

By:  Naishtat                                                     H.B. No. 545



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to services provided by podiatrists under the Medicaid 
program.    
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 32.027, Human Resources Code, is amended 
by adding Subsection (m) to read as follows:
	(m)  The department shall assure that a recipient of medical 
assistance under this chapter may select a licensed podiatrist to 
perform any foot health care service or procedure covered under the 
medical assistance program if the podiatrist is authorized by law 
to perform the service or procedure.  This subsection shall be 
liberally construed.
	SECTION 2.  Section 32.027(b), Human Resources Code, as 
amended by Chapter 1251, Acts of the 78th Legislature, Regular 
Session, 2003, is repealed.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.