Texas Senate Bill SB2423

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/24/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/1/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/14/09
• Voted on by House: 5/15/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/30/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the transfer or sale of patient information or prescription drug history by discount health care programs; providing penalties.

Impact

Through these amendments, SB2423 aims to provide clearer guidelines on how discount health care programs operate within Texas. By delineating the definitions, the bill could potentially reduce confusion for both consumers and service providers regarding the nature of these programs and their regulatory status. Healthcare consumers may benefit by having a better understanding of what discount programs entail, which could influence their decisions regarding health service purchases. The changes also aim to strengthen oversight by regulating operators more explicitly, ensuring lawful practices within the industry.

Summary

SB2423 amends provisions regarding the definitions of 'discount health care program' and 'discount health care program operator' within the Health and Safety Code of Texas. The bill clarifies that a discount health care program is a business arrangement offering members access to discounts on health care services for a fee. It outlines the operator's role in this arrangement, specifying that they manage these discount programs and determine membership charges while contracting with various health care providers and networks. This regulatory update seeks to streamline the understanding of discount programs and enhance compliance with existing health service laws.

Contention

While the bill may benefit consumers and health care providers through increased clarity and regulation, opponents might argue that it could inadvertently limit the flexibility of businesses in structuring their discount health care offerings. By defining specific terms, there is a concern that some discount programs may no longer be feasible or profitable under the new regulatory framework. Stakeholders such as small health care providers and discount program operators could express concerns about the potential for increased regulatory burdens, which might stifle innovation in developing attractive health care discounts.