Texas Senate Bill SB526

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/15/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/17/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by House: 5/12/09
• Governor Action: 5/23/09
• Enrolled: 5/13/09
• Passed: 5/23/09

Caption

Relating to grants for federally qualified health centers.

Impact

If passed, SB526 would significantly impact the state's healthcare landscape by increasing the number of federally qualified health centers. This could lead to enhanced access to medical services for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas. The additional funding could facilitate the expansion of services, ranging from preventive care to chronic disease management, effectively addressing gaps in community health resources. Additionally, it may foster partnerships between state health agencies and local healthcare providers, promoting collaborative efforts to improve state health outcomes.

Summary

SB526 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing health services across Texas by providing grants for the establishment and maintenance of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). The bill outlines the mechanisms through which the state can extend financial support, enabling both the development of new health facilities and the operational sustenance of existing ones. Specifically, the bill includes provisions for planning grants, development grants, capital improvement grants, and transitional operating support, all designed to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions.

Contention

While the bill aims to bolster healthcare provision, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of grants and the specific criteria used to determine eligibility for funding. Discussions around the bill have highlighted potential concerns about whether the expansion of FQHCs could lead to a dilution of quality in care if not managed properly. Moreover, debates may arise regarding the prioritization of funding and whether it effectively addresses the most pressing health needs across diverse communities in Texas.