79R2480 UM-D

By:  Deuell                                                       S.B. No. 811



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to services referred to 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 and:
		(1)  if the recipient is enrolled in a managed care 
program, the recipient's primary care physician refers the 
recipient to the podiatrist; or
		(2)  if the recipient is not enrolled in a managed care 
program, a physician other than the podiatrist refers the recipient 
to the podiatrist.
	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Session, 2003, is repealed.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.