Texas Senate Bill SB2126

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the development of a quality-based outcome measure for the child health plan program and Medicaid regarding certain persons with HIV.

Impact

The passage of SB2126 could significantly affect state healthcare laws by establishing a standardized metric for measuring health outcomes among HIV-positive individuals within state health programs. By instituting a quality-based measure, the bill not only aims to improve health management for those with HIV but also aligns Texas' health services with federal standards and best practices for chronic disease care. Moreover, it empowers state health agencies to better track health outcomes and allocate resources more effectively to meet public health goals.

Summary

Senate Bill 2126 aims to enhance the quality of care for enrollees in the child health plan program and Medicaid, specifically focusing on individuals diagnosed with HIV. The bill requires the Health and Human Services Commission, in collaboration with the Department of State Health Services, to develop and implement a quality-based outcome measure assessing the percentage of children and Medicaid recipients living with HIV whose viral load tests indicate a controlled viral load of less than 200 copies per milliliter of blood. This measure is intended to ensure that those affected by HIV receive proper monitoring and care, which is essential for public health outcomes and chronic disease management.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving healthcare outcomes, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of such measures. Stakeholders may concern potential administrative burdens on healthcare providers and state agencies tasked with implementing these quality measures. Additionally, discussions around funding and resource allocation for these provisions could arise, especially if there are federal requirements that necessitate additional support to meet the outlined quality standards.