Texas Senate Bill SB2104

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the provision of peer services, including family partner peer support services by family partners, and the provision of those services under Medicaid.

Impact

One significant impact of SB2104 is the formal recognition of family partner peer support services under Medicaid, broadening the scope of available mental health services and providing necessary assistance to families in need. This addition helps formalize the role of family partners, creating a structured environment for their work and enabling them to deliver essential support to families navigating complex mental health issues. Furthermore, the bill introduces specific rules to distinguish peer support services from licensed professional services, thus carving out a unique space for these vital contributions within the mental health care system.

Summary

Senate Bill 2104 aims to enhance the provision of peer services, specifically by family partners who assist families of children and youth facing mental health or substance use challenges. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission develop and adopt rules that will establish proper training, certification, and supervision standards for peer specialists and family partners. These regulations are intended to ensure that the services offered are not only effective but also safe for the recipients, aligning with existing frameworks governing peer support in Texas.

Contention

The bill is likely to spark discussions surrounding the adequacy of training and certification requirements for family partners, as well as potential questions about funding sources for these services under Medicaid. Stakeholders may express varying views on the implementation timeline and whether the proposed regulations sufficiently address the unique needs of families dealing with mental health and substance use conditions. Additionally, the establishment of a stakeholder work group to oversee these developments could become a point of contention, particularly regarding the representation of families, local authorities, and peer specialists in the oversight process.