Texas House Bill HB389

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/10/08
• Out of House Committee: 3/25/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/15/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to requirements for expedited credentialing of certain physicians by managed care plans.

Impact

The passage of HB 389 would apply to contracts entered into or renewed by medical groups and issuers of managed care plans on or after its effective date, which is September 1, 2009. This change is aimed at improving access to healthcare by encouraging managed care plans to expedite the credentialing of physicians, which is particularly important in areas facing physician shortages or where timely access to care is critical. By making this process more efficient, the bill intends to enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 389 focuses on the requirements for the expedited credentialing of certain physicians by managed care plans within the state of Texas. The bill seeks to amend the Insurance Code to streamline the process under which the managed care plans credential physicians who are part of medical groups. Credentialing is a critical process that determines whether healthcare providers can join a health plan's network, thus affecting their ability to practice and receive payments from insurers.

Contention

The discussions and analyses surrounding HB 389 may raise questions regarding how the expedited credentialing process might impact the quality of care and physician accountability. Some stakeholders might express concerns about potential oversights during the expedited process that could lead to issues with physician competency or adverse effects on patient care. Therefore, while the intent of the bill is to facilitate quicker access to care, it may also necessitate the establishment of safeguards to ensure that credentialing processes remain rigorous and maintain necessary standards.