84R14917 EES-D
By: Burkett, Turner of Harris, Rose H.B. No. 1541
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 1541:
By: Raymond C.S.H.B. No. 1541
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to peer specialists, peer services, and the provision of
those services under the medical assistance program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 531.0999 to read as follows:
Sec. 531.0999. PEER SPECIALISTS. With input from peer
specialists, state-approved organizations that certify peer
specialists, and other relevant stakeholders, the commission shall
develop and the executive commissioner shall adopt:
(1) rules that establish training requirements for
peer specialists so that they are able to provide services to
persons with mental illness and services to persons with substance
use conditions;
(2) rules that establish certification and
supervision requirements for peer specialists;
(3) rules that define the scope of services that peer
specialists may provide;
(4) rules that distinguish peer services from other
services that a person must hold a license to provide; and
(5) any other rules necessary to protect the health
and safety of persons receiving peer services.
SECTION 2. Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, is amended
by adding Subsections (nn) and (oo) to read as follows:
(nn) The department in its rules and standards governing the
scope of services provided under the medical assistance program
shall include peer services provided by certified peer specialists
to the extent permitted by federal law.
(oo) The department shall establish a separate provider
type for peer specialists for purposes of enrollment as providers
of and reimbursement under the medical assistance program.
SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt the rules required by Section
531.0999, Government Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 4. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Health and Human Services Commission shall
establish and implement a separate provider type for peer
specialists as required by Section 32.024(oo), Human Resources
Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. 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 6. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.