Texas House Bill HB2627

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/09

Caption

Relating to the provision of private duty nursing and therapy services under the Medicaid program in accordance with authorization by a licensed nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2627 is expected to facilitate a more efficient home health service delivery system. By authorizing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide these services, it may reduce bureaucratic delays often associated with physician authorizations. This can lead to quicker access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly in home health scenarios, which is essential for individuals who may face mobility issues or other barriers to traditional healthcare settings.

Summary

House Bill 2627 aims to enhance the provision of home health services under the Medicaid program in Texas. It specifically allows licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants to authorize these services for individuals enrolled in the Texas Health Steps Comprehensive Care Program. This legislative change seeks to streamline care delivery by expanding the roles of qualified healthcare professionals in the authorization process, potentially improving access to necessary health services for patients relying on Medicaid.

Contention

While the bill has proponents who advocate for expanded roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, there may be contention regarding the adequacy of oversight and the impact on patient safety. Critics could express concerns about whether these professionals possess the necessary expertise and experience to make such authorizations, particularly in complex medical cases. It will also be important to assess how this change interacts with existing regulations and standards in home health care to ensure that patient safety and care quality are not compromised.