Relating to the establishment of an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on services provided to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Impact
If enacted, HB1541 would significantly influence state law by establishing a formal channel for addressing the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The committee will meet quarterly, engage various stakeholders, and generate a biannual report to present findings and recommendations to the legislature. This structure implies a systematic approach to identifying deficiencies in service provisions and the need for legislative or administrative changes to enhance care access and quality.
Summary
House Bill 1541 proposes the creation of an advisory committee aimed at studying and recommending improvements to services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This bill seeks to address existing gaps in access to both acute and long-term care services. The advisory committee will be tasked with conducting evaluations and providing actionable suggestions to the Texas legislature regarding the service delivery systems in place for these individuals.
Contention
While the bill generally has support for its intent to improve services, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of state funding for these initiatives. Questions might arise around the balance between investing in expanded service availability and managing budget constraints. Additionally, stakeholders across different sectors might have varying perspectives on how best to implement the recommendations from the advisory committee, creating potential points of debate during the public consultations and legislative discussions.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 547. Mental Health And Substance Use Services
Relating to peer support specialists for certain individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and peer services for those individuals under Medicaid.
Relating to peer support specialists for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and peer services for those individuals under Medicaid living outside of state supported living centers.
Relating to prohibiting weapons in certain facilities or residences providing services to individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability.
Relating to the development of a strategic plan for home and community-based services provided under Medicaid and the child health plan program and the establishment of an advisory committee on home and community-based services.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to 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.