Honorable James B. Frank, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1519 by Kolkhorst (Relating to establishing a council on long-term care facilities and the duties of that council.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The Health and Human Services Commission is required to implement a provision of this Act only if the legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose. If the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that purpose, the commission may, but is not required to, implement a provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that purpose.
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to establish a Long-Term Care Facilities Council as a permanent advisory committee to HHSC. The council would study and make recommendations regarding a consistent survey and informal dispute resolution process for long-term care facilities and regarding Medicaid quality-based payment systems for those facilities. The council would submit biennial reports on its findings in each odd-numbered year.
Not later than September 1, 2021, the council would assess the impact that the implementation of Section 2, Chapter 1117 (House Bill 3523), Acts of the 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015, would have on long-term care facilities and make a recommendation to HHSC regarding its implementation.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house. If the bill does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, the bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
HHSC indicates that the provisions of the bill can be accomplished with existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.