LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 21, 2009

TO:	Honorable Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB2963 by Coleman (Relating to the liability of a county, hospital district, or public hospital for the costs of health care services provided to an indigent patient.), As Passed 2nd House

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to specify that a county, hospital district, or public hospital is liable to pay the claim made by a provider regarding indigent healthcare services to the extent indicated by Sections 61.033 or 61.060, whereas under current statute, the extent of liability is in accordance with Chapter 61 in general.

The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to authorize a county, a public hospital, or a hospital district to provide or arrange to provide health care services for eligible residents through the purchase of health coverage or other health benefits.

Local Government Impact

It is assumed that a county, a public hospital, or a hospital district would implement provisions of the bill if sufficient resources exist to absorb any associated costs.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, SD, DB