By: Kolkhorst, Walle (Senate Sponsor - Nelson) H.B. No. 2636
(In the Senate - Received from the House May 6, 2011;
May 9, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Health
and Human Services; May 13, 2011, reported adversely, with
favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 7,
Nays 0; May 13, 2011, sent to printer.)
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 2636 By: Nelson
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a council to study neonatal intensive care units.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. (a) In this section:
(1) "Council" means the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Council 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 Council 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 council 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 council:
(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 council to serve as presiding officer. The members of the
council shall elect any other necessary officers.
(f) The council shall meet at the call of the executive
commissioner.
(g) A member of the council serves at the will of the
executive commissioner.
(h) A member of the council is not entitled to reimbursement
of expenses or to compensation.
(i) The council may accept gifts and grants from any source
to be used to carry out a function of the council.
(j) Not later than January 1, 2013, the council 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 Council 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.
* * * * *