Texas Senate Bill SB222

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Filed: 11/18/10
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/14/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/7/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/16/11
• Voted on by House: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/7/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/28/11
• Report Pass: 5/10/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to access to certain long-term care services and supports under the medical assistance program.

Impact

The legislation mandates that the Health and Human Services Commission take a more proactive approach in educating the public about available long-term care options, including those under Medicaid. It stresses the importance of community-based services, aiming to reduce the reliance on institutional care settings like nursing facilities. Furthermore, the bill requires the commission to report on the reasons individuals enter nursing facilities, seeking to improve understanding and potentially reduce unnecessary admissions.

Summary

SB222 is a bill aimed at improving access to long-term care services and supports under the medical assistance program in Texas. The bill introduces provisions to develop risk management criteria for home and community-based services waiver programs, which empower individuals to take more responsibility and make choices about the services they receive. This enhances the autonomy of service users and is designed to improve the overall quality of care and satisfaction of individuals receiving long-term care.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB222 relates to the balance between regulation and autonomy in the care of vulnerable individuals. Some advocates support the movement towards increased choice within long-term care services, while others express concerns about the adequacy of safeguards against potential risks associated with greater autonomy. The requirement for involvement of legally authorized representatives also ensures that families have a say in care decisions, although opinions differ on how much autonomy should be granted to individuals versus the oversight required in such sensitive areas.