Texas Senate Bill SB1119

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a pilot project to evaluate the use of telepractice to provide certain services to children and adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

Impact

The pilot project is expected to bridge gaps in service delivery for individuals with autism, particularly in enhancing access to critical healthcare services. By enabling remote consultations and interventions, this initiative aims to eliminate geographical barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving timely and effective treatments. Services may be provided in diverse settings, including homes, schools, and licensed childcare facilities, which further expands the accessibility of necessary care for families across Texas.

Summary

SB1119 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a pilot project in Texas to evaluate the use of telepractice for providing diagnostic and intervention services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The bill defines telepractice as the use of telecommunications technology to facilitate both Diagnosis and intervention, acknowledging the potential for remote accessibility to healthcare services. This project will be implemented over six years and will involve multiple educational and health institutions across Texas, which are designated as autism centers.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1119 highlight implications related to funding, the quality of telepractice services, and regulatory oversight. Proponents argue that telepractice can significantly improve access and outcomes for children and adults with autism. However, concerns have been raised about ensuring the competency of providers delivering services remotely, the effectiveness of intervention protocols through virtual mediums, as well as disparities in technology access among families. The bill's framework places operational responsibilities on the Health and Human Services Commission to develop rules to ensure compliance with standards and effective service delivery.

Notable_points

One notable aspect of the bill includes provisions that participants in the pilot project will not be required to undergo in-person evaluations prior to accessing services, and that eligibility will not be limited to individuals residing in rural or medically underserved areas. This flexibility seeks to enhance participation rates and ensure services are available to a broad spectrum of individuals, although it may also prompt discussions on the desired standards of care.