80R705 CLG-D

By: Nelson S.B. No. 24

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to reimbursement under the state Medicaid program for certain health care services provided through telemedicine.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Section 531.0217, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 531.0217. REIMBURSEMENT FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND SERVICES.

SECTION 2. Section 531.0217, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (c-1) to read as follows:

(c-1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the commission may provide for reimbursement under the Medicaid program for a telemedicine medical service provided by a physician who is assessing and evaluating the patient from a distant site if:

(1) an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant acting under the delegation and supervision of that physician is present with the patient at the time the service is provided;

(2) the nature of the service is follow-up treatment or care under a treatment plan previously established for the patient by the physician following a diagnosis of a medical condition, illness, or injury made after an in-person consultation between the patient and the physician; and

(3) the medical condition, illness, or injury for which the patient is receiving the service is not likely, within a reasonable degree of medical certainty, to undergo material deterioration within the 30-day period following the date of the service.

SECTION 3. If before implementing any provision of this Act a state agency determines that a waiver or other authorization from a federal agency is necessary for implementation, the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the waiver or authorization is granted.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.