Honorable Kelly Hancock, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB860 by Zaffirini (Relating to access to and benefits for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to designate an ombudsman for behavioral health access to care which would be administratively attached to the HHSC Office of the Ombudsman. The bill would also require HHSC to establish and implement a mental health condition and substance use disorder parity work group at the Office of Mental Health Coordination as a part of or a subcommittee of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee.
The bill would require the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to conduct a study and prepare a report on benefits for medical or surgical expenses and for mental health conditions and substance use disorders provided by health benefit plans, and would require HHSC to conduct a similar study due no later than September 1, 2018.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Based on the LBB's analysis of the Health and Human Services Commission, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources. The Texas Department of Insurance estimates there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
454 Department of Insurance, 529 Health and Human Services Commission