Texas House Bill HB390

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/25/14

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Veterans Recovery Program to provide certain veterans with hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Impact

This legislation impacts existing state laws by introducing a designated treatment program specifically for veterans, which expands access to medical services tailored to their needs. It ensures that qualified veterans can receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy without incurring direct costs, as the treating facilities will be reimbursed from the veterans recovery account. By focusing on mental health and brain injury rehabilitation, HB 390 acknowledges the significant health challenges faced by veterans and aims to offer them a path to recovery through innovative treatment methods.

Summary

House Bill 390 aims to create a structured Veterans Recovery Program focused on providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The bill establishes a dedicated account known as the veterans recovery account, which will be used to fund the treatment costs and cover travel expenses for veterans who require this specialized therapy. The program's operational framework will be overseen by the Department of State Health Services under the guidance of the health commissioner, who will be responsible for approving treatment plans and ensuring compliance with strict medical protocols.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various advocacy groups and healthcare providers, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of funding within the veterans recovery account and the long-term sustainability of the program. Additionally, there could be debates over the selection criteria for both the facilities providing treatment and the veterans eligible to participate in the program. Critics may raise questions about the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for PTSD and TBI, prompting discussions on whether other forms of therapy should be prioritized or included within the program.