Relating to the study of the fiscal impact on local governments in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties of restructuring the NorthSTAR behavioral health system and the effective implementation the Sunset Commission Health and Human Services Commission Issue 9 recommendation.
Notes
The bill also allows for Collin County to exit the NorthSTAR program by October 1, 2016, and sets a modified deadline for any further changes to the structure to September 1, 2017. Advocacy for local governance and input is underscored, aiming to ensure that community needs are effectively addressed through the potential changes.
Impact
The bill stipulates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will engage a private entity approved by the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority to conduct this study. It will look into various aspects such as budget impacts on county and municipal levels, potential recidivism due to service disruption, access to care, and overall quality of healthcare outcomes. The findings, due by June 30, 2016, are intended to provide the necessary data to inform future legislative decisions regarding public behavioral health care in the specified counties.
Summary
House Bill 3990 introduces a mandate for a comprehensive study evaluating the fiscal impact on local governments in several counties—Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall—regarding the potential restructuring of the NorthSTAR behavioral health system. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding how such legislative changes could affect local services and budgets, particularly if the existing managed care framework is dissolved as recommended by the Sunset Commission's report on Health and Human Services.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding this bill is the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of the NorthSTAR system and proposals for its restructuring. Proponents of keeping or improving the existing system argue that it successfully integrates various behavioral health services. In contrast, critics fear that dismantling the structure may lead to service gaps and increased burdens on local government budgets and healthcare services, particularly for those most vulnerable in the community.
Identical
Relating to the study of the fiscal impact on local governments in Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties of restructuring the NorthSTAR behavioral health system and the effective implementation the Sunset Commission Health and Human Services Commission Issue 9 recommendation.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.
Relating to the San Antonio River Authority, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; altering the terms of office of the members of the board of directors of the authority.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Board of Behavior Analyst Examiners and the requirement to obtain a license to practice as a behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst; imposing fees; providing an administrative penalty; providing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.
Changes the name of "applied behavior assistant analyst" to "assistant applied behavior analyst" and makes several changes to provide consistency in the certification language for behavioral analysts.