Texas Senate Bill SB63

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium.

Impact

Through the creation of the consortium, the bill is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning mental health care delivery. It will facilitate better training for psychiatric professionals and expand the behavioral health workforce, which is vital given the increasing demand for mental health services. The bill emphasizes the use of evidence-based tools and aims to address mental health care needs statewide, ensuring that both urban and rural populations have access to adequate resources. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of comprehensive child psychiatry access networks to better support the mental health needs of children and adolescents.

Summary

Senate Bill 63 establishes the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium, aimed at coordinating the delivery and expansion of mental health services across the state. This new entity seeks to enhance collaboration between health-related institutions of higher education and community mental health providers, thereby improving access and the quality of mental health care services. The consortium will leverage the existing infrastructure and expertise within these health institutions, fostering innovative approaches to care, such as telemedicine.

Contention

While the bill is largely intended to enhance mental health care services, there may be points of contention regarding the funding and governance of the consortium, especially in balancing resources between urban and rural areas. Additionally, the role of community mental health providers versus academic institutions in delivering care may lead to debates about priorities and control over mental health services. Critics might also raise concerns about how effectively the consortium can address the unique needs of diverse populations, particularly in underserved regions.