Texas House Bill HB2123

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the reimbursement of certain providers under the Medicaid program for the provision of telehealth services.

Impact

The legislation has the potential to significantly impact the accessibility of healthcare services for children, particularly in underserved areas where obtaining in-person healthcare might be challenging. By allowing schools to act as a conduit for telehealth services, HB2123 is positioned to facilitate greater use of remote healthcare technology, thereby potentially improving the overall health outcomes for students. Further, it aligns with ongoing initiatives to expand telehealth options in the state as a means to enhance healthcare delivery.

Summary

House Bill 2123 aims to enhance the provision of telehealth services under the Medicaid program in Texas by ensuring that reimbursement is available for services conducted by health professionals in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The bill clarifies that such reimbursement can occur even if the health professional is not the primary care provider of the patient, provided that parental consent is obtained and another health professional is present during the provision of the service. This is designed to expand healthcare access for students by leveraging school resources for telehealth.

Contention

While the bill received support for its intent to increase access to healthcare, some points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of implementation and oversight. Concerns may be raised about ensuring the quality of telehealth services rendered in school settings and the involvement of health professionals who are authorized and certified. Additionally, the need for consents and the presence of another health professional could complicate the immediacy of care in situations where prompt access is crucial. These factors could lead to debates on how best to balance accessibility with ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery.