Texas House Bill HB1966

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/25/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to an e-prescribing implementation plan under the Medicaid and child health plan programs.

Impact

If enacted, HB1966 could have significant implications on how prescriptions are processed within the Medicaid and child health program systems. The bill seeks to impose compliance standards for practitioners, pharmacists, and health plans involved in the e-prescribing workflows. These standardized processes are designed to improve the accuracy of prescription information transmitted electronically, thus benefiting patients by enhancing the overall healthcare delivery process. The bill also stipulates the submission of reports regarding expenditures and anticipated cost savings, which may ensure accountability and transparency in implementation.

Summary

House Bill 1966 proposes the establishment of an e-prescribing implementation plan under the Medicaid and child health plan programs in the state of Texas. The bill aims to mandate the Health and Human Services Commission to develop a structured e-prescribing framework that will enhance patient safety while standardizing electronic prescribing systems utilized within these health programs. This initiative is expected to facilitate more efficient communication between healthcare providers and pharmacists, potentially reducing errors associated with medication prescriptions.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the efficiency of prescribing practices, stakeholders in the healthcare community may have differing views on its potential impact. Some healthcare professionals could express concerns related to the costs of implementing new electronic systems and the necessity of complying with new regulations. Moreover, entities that rely heavily on traditional methods may find the transition to digital prescribing challenging. Hence, the reception of HB1966 may vary based on the perspectives of different groups involved in or affected by Medicaid and healthcare policy.