By: Nelson S.R. No. 1085

SENATE RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, That Senate Rule 12.03 be suspended in part as provided by Senate Rule 12.08 to enable the conference committee appointed to resolve the differences on Senate Bill 7 (improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports) to consider and take action on the following matters:

(1) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the committee to add text on a matter not included in either the House or Senate version of the bill by adding proposed SECTION 2.03 to ARTICLE 2 of the bill to read as follows:

SECTION 2.03. Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 533.00285 to read as follows:

Sec. 533.00285. STAR + PLUS QUALITY COUNCIL. (a) The STAR + PLUS Quality Council is established to advise the commission on the development of policy recommendations that will ensure eligible recipients receive quality, person-centered, consumer-directed acute care services and long-term services and supports in an integrated setting under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program.

(b) The executive commissioner shall appoint the members of the council, who must be stakeholders from the acute care services and long-term services and supports community, including:

(1) representatives of health and human services agencies;

(2) recipients under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program;

(3) representatives of advocacy groups representing individuals with disabilities and seniors who are recipients under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program;

(4) representatives of service providers for individuals with disabilities; and

(5) representatives of health maintenance organizations.

(c) The executive commissioner shall appoint the presiding officer of the council.

(d) The council shall meet at least quarterly or more frequently if the presiding officer determines that it is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the council.

(e) Not later than November 1 of each year, the council in coordination with the commission shall submit a report to the executive commissioner that includes:

(1) an analysis and assessment of the quality of acute care services and long-term services and supports provided under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program;

(2) recommendations regarding how to improve the quality of acute care services and long-term services and supports provided under the program; and

(3) recommendations regarding how to ensure that recipients eligible to receive services and supports under the program receive person-centered, consumer-directed care in the most integrated setting achievable.

(f) Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the commission, in consultation with the council, shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the assessments and recommendations contained in any report submitted by the council under Subsection (e) during the most recent state fiscal biennium.

(g) The council is subject to the requirements of Chapter 551.

(h) A member of the council serves without compensation.

(i) On January 1, 2017:

(1) the council is abolished; and

(2) this section expires.

Explanation: The change is necessary to establish the STAR + PLUS Quality Council and provide for the operation and duties of the council.

(2) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the committee to add text on a matter not included in either the House or Senate version of the bill by adding proposed SECTION 2.13 to ARTICLE 2 of the bill to read as follows:

SECTION 2.13. (a) Not later than October 1, 2013, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall appoint the members of the STAR + PLUS Quality Council as required by Section 533.00285, Government Code, as added by this article.

(b) The STAR + PLUS Quality Council, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission, shall submit:

(1) the initial report required under Subsection (e), Section 533.00285, Government Code, as added by this article, not later than November 1, 2014; and

(2) the final report required under that subsection not later than November 1, 2016.

(c) The Health and Human Services Commission shall submit:

(1) the initial report required under Subsection (f), Section 533.00285, Government Code, as added by this article, not later than December 1, 2014; and

(2) the final report required under that subsection not later than December 1, 2016.

Explanation: The change is necessary to ensure the appointment of members to the STAR + PLUS Quality Council by October 1, 2013, and to establish the dates by which certain reports required under Section 533.00285, Government Code, must be submitted by the council and by the Health and Human Services Commission.

(3) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the committee to add text on a matter not included in either the House or Senate version of the bill by adding proposed SECTION 2.16 to ARTICLE 2 of the bill to read as follows:

SECTION 2.16. Not later than September 15, 2013, the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the members of the STAR + PLUS Nursing Facility Advisory Committee as required by Section 533.00252, Government Code, as added by this article.

Explanation: The change is necessary to ensure the appointment of members to the STAR + PLUS Nursing Facility Advisory Committee by September 15, 2013.

_______________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

_______________________________

Secretary of the Senate