83R9260 EES-F
By: Alonzo H.B. No. 2965
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the inclusion of optometrists, therapeutic
optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the health care provider
networks of certain Medicaid managed care organizations.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 533.0065 to read as follows:
Sec. 533.0065. EYE HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS. Subject
to Section 32.047, Human Resources Code, but notwithstanding any
other law, if the commission determines that recipient access to
optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists under
any Medicaid managed care model or arrangement in a region is not
adequate, the commission shall require that each managed care
organization that contracts with the commission to provide health
care services to recipients in that region under the model or
arrangement include in the organization's provider network each
optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, and ophthalmologist in the
region who:
(1) agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of
the organization;
(2) agrees to accept the prevailing provider contract
rate of the organization;
(3) agrees to abide by the standards of care required
by the organization; and
(4) has the credentials required by the organization.
SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
waiver or authorization is granted.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.