Texas Senate Bill SB1193

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/17/11
• Introduced: 3/4/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/11
• Refer: 3/16/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Engrossed: 5/21/11

Caption

Relating to coordination of services provided by Medicaid managed care organizations and certain community centers and local mental health or mental retardation authorities.

Impact

This legislation represents a significant shift in the manner in which Medicaid services are administered in Texas. By enforcing requirements for managed care organizations to have better outreach and support systems for both recipients and providers, SB1193 seeks to streamline processes that have historically led to confusion and delays in service delivery. Additionally, it aims to assure that providers, including federally qualified health centers, are compensated appropriately for after-hours services, which is crucial for enhancing healthcare accessibility.

Summary

SB1193 is a legislative measure designed to enhance the coordination of services provided by Medicaid managed care organizations alongside local mental health authorities. The bill mandates that managed care contracts include specific procedures aimed at improving accountability, timely reimbursements, and fostering communication between recipients and providers. One of the notable provisions requires the inclusion of advanced practice nurses as primary care providers, aiming to broaden access to healthcare within managed care networks.

Contention

Despite its intention to improve healthcare coordination, discussions surrounding SB1193 highlight concerns regarding the feasibility of some requirements placed on managed care organizations. Critics argue that the added administrative burdens may drive up costs, potentially leading to trade-offs in service quality. Furthermore, there are apprehensions over the ability of local mental health authorities to effectively implement the coordination strategies outlined in the bill, which raises questions about the overall readiness of the system to adapt to these new requirements.