Texas House Bill HB3633

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to cost reporting requirements for certain facilities and providers participating in medical assistance programs.

Impact

Under HB3633, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with developing a system for streamlined financial reporting. This will include clearly defined cost categories and compliance measures that are expected to significantly decrease the workload on providers. By mandating that each facility submit financial statements every odd-numbered year, the bill introduces regular reviews of financial compliance that should enhance transparency within the system and promote financial accountability among providers.

Summary

House Bill 3633 requires the establishment of streamlined cost reporting requirements for certain facilities and providers involved in Texas's medical assistance programs, specifically targeting entities providing services under the ICF-IID program and those participating in home and community-based services (HCS) waiver programs. The legislation aims to create a more efficient financial reporting mechanism, which will reduce the administrative load currently faced by these entities while maintaining compliance with state funding protocols.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB3633 are linked to the potential administrative impact on smaller service providers, who may struggle with compliance costs despite the intended easing of reporting burdens. Additional concerns have been raised about the balance between necessary oversight and the risk of imposing too stringent requirements that could deter smaller providers from participating in state medical assistance programs. These issues highlight the ongoing debate about how best to ensure accountability in public funding while supporting diverse healthcare service providers across Texas.