LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 6, 2009

TO:	Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, House Committee on Public Health
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB3667 by Hopson (Relating to allowing health care providers to provide services across state lines in catastrophic circumstances.), As Introduced

The fiscal impact of this bill cannot be determined due to the inability to predict the number and scope of additional disaster declarations, number and severity of injuries, and increased costs of administration for out-of-state covered individuals.

The bill would allow health care providers to provide services across state lines in catastrophic circumstances.  The bill would allow an emergency declaration to be issued by a person authorized to do so under law.  While an emergency declaration is in effect, a registered and licensed volunteer health practitioner who is in good standing in another state would be allowed to practice in Texas. The bill would allow qualifying individuals benefits under the workers’ compensation law.  According to the State Office of Risk Management, liabilities would be dependent upon the number and scope of additional disaster declarations, number and severity of injuries, and increased costs of administration for out-of-state covered individuals.

Local Government Impact

The fiscal impact of the bill cannot be determined due to the inability to perdict the number and scope of additional disaster declarations, number and severity of injuries, and increased costs of administration for out-of-state covered individuals.

Source Agencies:

301 Office of the Governor, 405 Department of Public Safety, 454 Department of Insurance, 479 State Office of Risk Management

LBB Staff:

JOB, CL, MS, BTA