Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Impact
The bill is expected to have significant implications on state laws related to health and human services. It integrates many previously separate provisions into a cohesive whole, potentially making it easier for agencies, service providers, and recipients to navigate the legal landscape around Medicaid and social services. By refining existing statutes, the bill aims to strengthen the operational capability of the Health and Human Services Commission and improve service delivery to the state's vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals relying on Medicaid. However, as a broad revision, the bill may also meet with scrutiny regarding how these changes affect existing programs and services.
Summary
House Bill 4611 is a comprehensive measure introduced in the Texas legislature aimed at the nonsubstantive revision of health and human services laws that govern the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other related social services. This extensive legislation, which spans 852 pages, is designed to update and integrate provisions from various existing statutes to improve overall functionality and accessibility within Texas's health and human services framework. By restructuring the laws, the bill seeks to streamline operations, enhance clarity, and remove redundancies in the legal framework governing these critical services.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 4611 has been largely supportive among legislative members, who derived consensus on the necessity to enhance the efficiency of health and human services administration. However, there have been concerns voiced by some community stakeholders. For example, individuals affected by Medicaid expressed worries about specific provisions, including the potential prioritization of bureaucratic efficiency over patients' more nuanced needs. This illustrates a blend of optimism about improved systems alongside caution regarding the equitable treatment of clients under the revised legal framework.
Contention
One notable point of contention in the discussions around HB 4611 involves the proposed changes to the appointment process for the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission. Some stakeholders have suggested that this position should be elected rather than appointed by the governor, arguing that an elected official would be more accountable to the citizens they serve. This points to a broader discussion on how changes in oversight and administrative hierarchy might affect the responsiveness of services provided under the state's Medicaid program and other social service initiatives.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Chapter 540. Medicaid Managed Care Program
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 521. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Chapter 522. Provisions Applicable To All Health And Human Services Agencies And Certain Other State Entities
Section: New Section
Chapter 523. Health And Human Services Commission
Section: New Section
Chapter 524. Authority Over Health And Human Services System
Section: New Section
Chapter 525. General Powers And Duties Of Commission And Executive Commissioner
Section: New Section
Chapter 526. Additional Powers And Duties Of Commission And Executive Commissioner
Section: New Section
Chapter 532. Medicaid Administration And Operation In General
Section: New Section
Chapter 542. System Redesign For Delivery Of Medicaid Acute Care Services And Long-term Services And Supports To Individuals With An Intellectual Or Developmental Disability
Section: New Section
Chapter 543. Clinical Initiatives To Improve Medicaid Quality Of Care And Cost-effectiveness
Section: New Section
Chapter 544. Fraud, Waste, Abuse, And Overcharges Relating To Health And Human Services
Section: New Section
Chapter 545. Certain Public Assistance Benefits
Section: New Section
Chapter 546. Long-term Care And Support Options For Individuals With Disabilities And Elderly Individuals
Section: New Section
Chapter 547. Mental Health And Substance Use Services
Section: New Section
Chapter 548. Health Care Services Provided Through Tele-connective Means
Section: New Section
Chapter 549. Provision Of Drugs And Drug Information
Section: New Section
Chapter 550. Human Services And Other Social Services Provided Through Faith- And Community-based Organizations
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 461a. Department Of State Health Services: Chemical Dependency Services And Related Programs
Section: New Section
Chapter 62. Child Health Plan For Certain Low-income Children
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Chapter 63. Health Benefits Plan For Certain Children
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Human Resources Code
Chapter 32. Medical Assistance Program
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Estates Code
Chapter 114. Transfer On Death Deed
Section: 106
Family Code
Chapter 53. Proceedings Prior To Judicial Proceedings
Section: New Section
Insurance Code
Chapter 1369. Benefits Related To Prescription Drugs And Devices And Related Services
Section: New Section
Section: 052
Chapter 1451. Access To Certain Practitioners And Facilities
Relating to the transfer of the Health and Human Services function of regulating facilities and family homes under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code, to the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the provision of health and human services by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the transfer of certain powers and duties from the Health and Human Services Commission.
Relating to personnel, employment, and other human resources functions of the Health and Human Services Commission and 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.
Relating to the administration and operation of Medicaid, including Medicaid managed care and the delivery of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports to certain persons.
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.