Relating to a specialty certification for insurance agents who have completed certain training regarding self-insured health benefit plans.
Impact
The introduction of this specialty certification program will likely elevate the professional standards within the insurance industry, allowing agents to better understand and manage self-insured health benefit schemes. This could lead to enhanced consumer protection as insurance agents become more knowledgeable about the nuances of self-insurance. The bill provides a structured approach to certification, requiring ongoing education to maintain the certification, which is intended to keep agents current on relevant laws and practices.
Summary
Senate Bill 770 seeks to establish a voluntary specialty certification program for insurance agents with a focus on self-insured health benefit plans. Under this legislation, individuals who complete specific training regarding such plans will be able to obtain a specialty certification, contingent upon holding a general life, accident, and health license, along with evidence of completed training. This program is designed to enhance the expertise of insurance agents in managing self-insured health plans, ultimately improving services provided to policyholders.
Contention
While many stakeholders believe the bill will benefit both agents and consumers, there may be concerns regarding the accessibility and cost of the required training and examinations. Additionally, some may argue that the establishment of a specialty certification could create barriers for insurance agents who may provide effective services without such certification. The Texas Department of Insurance is tasked with developing the certification program and its rules, which could be a point of contention depending on how those guidelines are structured.
Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food handler and food manager certifications, and food service training or education programs.
Relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments, food handler and food manager certifications, and food service training or education programs.
Relating to the development and implementation of the Texas Plan demonstration program to fund the purchase by and provision to certain eligible individuals of health care services.
In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies, for State Fire Commissioner and for curriculum, training and education certification management system; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.