Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB2079 by Uresti (Relating to the continuing care plan for persons being discharged from state hospitals.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
This bill amends Section 574.081 of the Health and Safety Code to require that the discharge plan prepared by a patient’s physician specifically address transportation of the patient after discharge and coordination of that issue with the local mental health authority and other appropriate persons with whom the patient has authorized communication. It is assumed that any costs associated with the new requirement can be absorbed within existing Department of State Health Services resources.
Local Government Impact
The bill would require local mental health authorities to address transporation issues for patients who are discharged from a facility based on a plan prepared by a physician. The fiscal impact to local mental health authorities is not anticipated to be significant.