BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	C.S.H.B. 1023
83R29081 EES-F	By: Burkett et al. (Nelson)
	Health & Human Services
	5/14/2013
	Committee Report (Substituted)

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Texas is experiencing a mental health workforce shortage crisis.  A majority of Texas counties have been designated by the federal government as Health Professional Shortage Areas for mental health, with many of those shortage areas identified as not having a single psychiatrist. 

C.S.H.B. 1023 amends current law relating to recommendations by the Health and Human Services Commission or a designated health and human services agency regarding mental health workforce shortages.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  RECOMMENDATIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE SHORTAGE.  (a) Requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), or a health and human services agency designated by HHSC, to use existing information and data available through HHSC, the Department of State Health Services, the statewide health coordinating council, and nongovernmental entities with expertise in mental health workforce issues to make recommendations regarding mental health workforce shortages in this state.

(b) Requires HHSC, or the health and human services agency designated by HHSC, not later than September 1, 2014, to submit a report that includes certain information to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature.

SECTION 2.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.