Texas House Bill HB1159

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice given to certain medical providers of a change in placement for a child in foster care.

Impact

The implications of HB1159 are significant for the administration of healthcare services under the STAR Health program. By requiring immediate notification to healthcare stakeholders, the bill aims to minimize disruptions in medical care that could occur due to placement changes. This legal mandate creates a more structured communication protocol, which is critical for the well-being of children in foster care, ensuring that their medical needs are consistently met regardless of their placement status.

Summary

House Bill 1159 seeks to enhance the notification process for medical providers when there is a change in placement for a child in foster care. This bill mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services must provide notice to the managed care organization and the child's primary care physician within 24 hours of becoming aware of any such change. This is intended to ensure that healthcare providers are promptly informed to promote continuity of care for children transitioning between placements.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving the health outcomes of vulnerable children, it may raise questions about the practical implementation of these notifications among various healthcare entities. Concerns might include the response time of the Department of Family and Protective Services, the effectiveness of information sharing between state agencies and managed care organizations, and the potential for administrative burdens to healthcare providers to coordinate care. Stakeholders might also debate the adequacy of the support and resources available for effective implementation of these new requirements.