Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1622 by Kolkhorst (Relating to rural hospitals and similar facilities; requiring a license; authorizing fees.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure that citizens residing in rural areas of Texas have access to hospital services. HHSC indicates it could absorb the costs associated with these activities within its current resources.
The bill would require HHSC to issue rules and licenses for limited services rural hospitals if a federal law were passed to create a payment program for these hospitals. This federal law has not yet been passed. If federal law were changed, there could be a fiscal impact for the regulatory oversight of these facilities or reimbursement rates paid to facilities.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
304 Comptroller of Public Accounts, 529 Health and Human Services Commission