82R21373 ALB-D
By: Kolkhorst, Walle H.B. No. 2636
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a commission to study neonatal intensive care units.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Commission" means the Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit Commission established under this section.
(2) "Executive commissioner" means the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission.
(b) The executive commissioner shall create and appoint the
members of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Commission as provided
by Subsection (d) of this section to study and make recommendations
regarding neonatal intensive care unit operating standards and
reimbursement through the Medicaid program for services provided to
an infant admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.
(c) The commission shall:
(1) develop standards for operating a neonatal
intensive care unit in this state;
(2) develop an accreditation process for a neonatal
intensive care unit to receive reimbursement for services provided
through the Medicaid program; and
(3) study and make recommendations regarding best
practices and protocols to lower admissions to a neonatal intensive
care unit.
(d) The executive commissioner shall appoint the following
as members of the commission:
(1) four neonatologists, at least two of whom must
practice in a Level IIIC neonatal intensive care unit;
(2) one general pediatrician;
(3) two general obstetrician-gynecologists;
(4) two maternal fetal medicine specialists;
(5) one family practice physician who provides
obstetrical care and practices in a rural community;
(6) one representative from a children's hospital;
(7) one representative from a hospital with a Level II
neonatal intensive care unit; and
(8) one representative from a rural hospital.
(e) The executive commissioner shall designate a member of
the commission to serve as presiding officer. The members of the
commission shall elect any other necessary officers.
(f) The commission shall meet at the call of the executive
commissioner.
(g) A member of the commission serves at the will of the
executive commissioner.
(h) A member of the commission is not entitled to
reimbursement of expenses or to compensation.
(i) The commission may accept gifts and grants from any
source to be used to carry out a function of the commission.
(j) Not later than January 1, 2013, the commission shall
submit a report to the executive commissioner, the governor, the
lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,
and the chairs of the appropriate legislative committees on its
findings and recommendations required by this section.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2011, the executive
commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall
appoint the members of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Commission
as required by Section 1 of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act expires June 1, 2013.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.