Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB1389

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to clinical initiatives to improve the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of the Medicaid program.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1389 has implications for state laws governing healthcare practices within Medicaid. It creates a formal mechanism by which clinical initiatives can be proposed, evaluated, and either implemented or rejected based on their feasibility and projected impact. The bill's processes for soliciting public input and analyzing initiatives through a systematic approach offer a pathway for innovation in Medicaid services. Additionally, the bill addresses potential statutory barriers to implementation of these initiatives, signaling a commitment to improving healthcare access and quality within the existing legal framework.

Summary

House Bill 1389 focuses on enhancing the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of the Medicaid program in Texas. The bill aims to establish a structured quality improvement process that allows for the submission of clinical initiatives designed to improve care delivery and efficiency within the Medicaid framework. By mandating an analysis of these initiatives, the bill seeks to encourage informed decision-making in the development and implementation of healthcare practices within the state’s Medicaid system. This could ultimately lead to more effective healthcare delivery for recipients of Medicaid, particularly vulnerable populations that rely heavily on such services.

Sentiment

Public sentiment around HB 1389 appears to be generally positive, as it reflects a bipartisan effort to reform and improve the Medicaid program. Proponents argue that the bill addresses crucial aspects of healthcare delivery that can significantly reduce costs while enhancing patient care. However, there may also be some concerns about the ability of the proposed initiatives to deliver on those promises and about the comprehensive nature of the public comment and review processes. Stakeholders from various healthcare and advocacy groups generally support increased transparency and efficacy in Medicaid management.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1389 may center on the effectiveness of the processes outlined for evaluating clinical initiatives. Critics could argue about the potential for bureaucratic delays in the implementation of necessary health interventions if the analysis process is too convoluted or lengthy. Moreover, while the bill aims to promote evidence-based practices, there may be apprehensions regarding how suggestions are accepted and the influence of various stakeholders in determining which initiatives receive priority. Ensuring that the quality improvement mechanisms do not inadvertently stifle innovation while allowing necessary regulatory oversight will be a crucial point of contention as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

TX SB1542

Identical Relating to clinical initiatives to improve the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of the Medicaid program.

Similar Bills

TX SB1105

Relating to the administration and operation of Medicaid, including Medicaid managed care.

LA HB309

Provides for cost containment, cost sharing, and long term services and supports in the Medicaid managed care program (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

TX SB2028

Relating to the Medicaid program, including the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program.

LA HB152

Provides for implementation and funding of a Medicaid managed long-term services and supports system (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

TX HB4178

Relating to the operation and administration of certain health and human services programs, including the Medicaid managed care program.

TX SB1542

Relating to clinical initiatives to improve the quality of care and cost-effectiveness of the Medicaid program.

UT SB0257

Medicaid Accounts Amendments

LA HB170

Requires the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to institute Medicaid cost containment measures to the extent allowed by federal regulations (OR -$34,298,198 GF EX See Note)