BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 1264

By: Craddick

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

In Texas, orthotic and prosthetic suppliers are classified under the durable medical equipment provider type as a supplier with a specialty of providing in-home hyperalimentation supplies for purposes of enrollment as a provider under Medicaid. Hyperalimentation suppliers generally provide supplies to individuals who require long-term nutritional support. Classifying orthotics and prosthetics under this provider type is misleading and confusing to Medicaid patients, who are sometimes unable to locate an orthotist or prosthetist through a simple search of the provider registry.   

 

H.B. 1264 intends make it easier for a Medicaid patient to locate a participating orthotist or prosthetist in order to obtain the necessary specialty care the patient requires by establishing a separate provider type for orthotic and prosthetic suppliers.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

 

ANALYSIS

 

H.B. 1264 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date, to establish a separate provider type for prosthetic and orthotic providers for purposes of enrollment as a provider of and reimbursement under Medicaid.  The bill prohibits HHSC from classifying prosthetic and orthotic providers under the durable medical equipment provider type.  The bill requires a state agency that is affected by a provision of the bill to request a federal waiver or authorization if the agency determines that a waiver or authorization is necessary for the implementation of the provision, and the bill authorizes the agency to delay implementation until the federal waiver or authorization is obtained.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2011.