Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2527

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

Caption

Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products.

Impact

The introduction of the Health Care Access Fund has significant implications for state law surrounding healthcare delivery and public health funding in Texas. By specifically directing funds toward the repayment of educational loans for healthcare providers, the bill aims to incentivize practitioners to work in underserved areas, thereby mitigating the shortage of healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the operational support for federally-qualified health centers underlines the state's commitment to expanding access to essential healthcare services for its most vulnerable populations.

Summary

SB2527 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing healthcare access in Texas by establishing a Health Care Access Fund. The fund will be primarily funded through revenue generated from taxes imposed on certain tobacco products. Its main objective is to recruit and retain healthcare providers in designated health professional shortage areas, as well as to support federally-qualified health centers that serve low-income populations. The bill outlines a structured allocation of funds: 75% is earmarked for education loan repayment for healthcare providers, while 25% is designated for operational costs of health centers.

Contention

Nevertheless, the bill does face scrutiny and potential contention. Concerns have been raised regarding the reliance on tobacco taxes as a funding source, given the ethical implications of generating public health funding from a product that poses health risks. Furthermore, there may be debates over how effectively the funds can reach the intended healthcare providers and centers, as well as discussions about the bill's overall impact on public health outcomes across various communities in Texas.

Companion Bills

TX HB1876

Identical Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3317

Relating to programs established and operated by federally qualified health centers to provide primary care access to certain employees.

TX SB2193

Relating to programs established and operated by federally qualified health centers to provide primary care access to certain employees.

TX HB4154

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.

TX SB1282

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4867

Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB2100

Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.

TX SB804

Relating to eligibility requirements for student loan repayment assistance for certain mental health professionals.

TX HB1340

Relating to the licensing of certain military veterans as health care providers to practice in underserved areas.

TX HB4346

Relating to joint practice by certain health care professionals.

Similar Bills

TX HB1876

Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products.

TX HB3382

Relating to the application of certain occupation-related postsecondary educational financial aid and student loan repayment programs.

TX SB1758

Relating to the application of certain occupation-related postsecondary educational financial aid and student loan repayment programs.

TX HB2630

Relating to the formal recognition and administration of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.

TX SB532

Relating to providing mental health services information to certain higher education students and to the repayment of certain higher education loans.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB5230

Relating to health benefit plan coverage of prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses and opioid and substance use disorders.

TX HB5520

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including measures to recruit health care professionals to the border region, improve border inspection efficiency, and enhance border region airport security and capacity, and establishing certain educational programs.