Texas Senate Bill SB289

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/12/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/2/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09

Caption

Relating to health information technology used in the medical assistance and child health plan programs.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications for healthcare providers and facilities operating within the state's medical assistance and child health plan frameworks. By aligning health information technology with nationally recognized standards, it is likely to facilitate better interoperability among systems, improve patient outcomes through enhanced data exchange, and ultimately reduce administrative burdens. The integration of effective electronic health records and clinical decision support systems means healthcare providers will be better equipped to deliver timely and accurate care.

Summary

SB289 aims to enhance the standards of health information technology utilized in Texas's medical assistance and child health plan programs. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission ensures conformity of health technology to the standards set by the Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel, as sponsored by the American National Standards Institute. The standardization is intended to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of clinical practices, which is critical in a state where healthcare delivery is pivotal.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to establish beneficial standards, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these standards, particularly if agencies need to secure waivers from federal entities to proceed. This dependence on federal approvals could delay the intended impacts of the bill and raise concerns among stakeholders about the pace of technological advancements in Texas's public health programs. The push for such standardization might also provoke discussions about resource allocation and the ability of local programs to meet these new requirements without added fiscal strain.