Texas House Bill HB2163

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09
• Voted on by House: 5/17/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to a study regarding the provision of certain medications through the Medicaid vendor drug program to children younger than 16 years of age.

Impact

The implementation of HB2163 is expected to bring significant changes to how pediatric medications are managed under Medicaid. By establishing a prior authorization process for these medications, the bill seeks to protect vulnerable children from inappropriate prescriptions while ensuring proper oversight is maintained. The requirement for careful review may lead to more responsible prescribing practices, potentially impacting child health outcomes positively. However, it also means that healthcare providers will have to navigate additional administrative steps, which may delay treatment in some cases.

Summary

House Bill 2163 aims to regulate the provision of antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications to children under the age of 11 through the Texas Medicaid vendor drug program. The bill specifically requires prior authorization from the Texas Health and Human Services department before these medications can be administered. To guide the authorization process, the department must evaluate multiple factors including the child’s diagnosis, previous successful use of the medication, and FDA approval for the specific age group. This step is designed to enhance the safety and appropriateness of prescribing such medications to young children, addressing growing concerns about mental health treatments in pediatrics.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HB2163 related to its potential impact on access to necessary medications. Supporters of the bill argue that it is critical for safeguarding the health of young children, ensuring that medications are prescribed based on rigorous standards. Conversely, critics might express concerns that the added bureaucratic processes could impede timely access to critical mental health treatments, especially for children who may urgently need them. The balance between regulation and timely healthcare provision will likely be a focal point during discussions surrounding this bill.