Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2627

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB593

Relating to the provision of direct patient care by physicians and health care practitioners.

TX HB901

Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education including the provision of loan repayment assistance to nursing faculty and the provision of grants to nursing education programs.

TX SB25

Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education, including scholarships to nursing students, loan repayment assistance to nurses and nursing faculty, and grants to nursing education programs.

TX SB244

Relating to support for nursing-related postsecondary education including the provision of loan repayment assistance to nursing faculty and the provision of grants to nursing education programs.

TX SB1629

Relating to the regulation of certain nursing facilities, including licensing requirements and Medicaid participation requirements.

TX HB4300

Relating to expedited credentialing of certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses by managed care plan issuers.

TX HB4566

Relating to the provision of personal assistance services under the community living assistance and support services (CLASS) waiver program.

TX HB2727

Relating to the provision of home telemonitoring services under Medicaid.

TX SB458

Relating to the authorization for and approval of certain nursing programs offered by private postsecondary educational institutions or for-profit entities.

TX HB2544

Relating to the physician assistant licensure compact; authorizing a fee.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.