Texas House Bill HB1432

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the billing for certain health care services provided to a sexual assault survivor.

Impact

The legislation will amend existing provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Health and Safety Code, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities are responsible for covering the costs of forensic examinations requested in the investigation of sexual assault cases. Additionally, health care facilities are mandated to submit claims for payment to the survivor's health insurer before seeking reimbursement from law enforcement, creating a structured flow for billing that prioritizes the survivor's care over financial concerns.

Summary

House Bill 1432 addresses the billing processes related to health care services provided to survivors of sexual assault. This bill introduces specific guidelines regarding the financial responsibilities of health care facilities and law enforcement agencies in the context of medical care for these survivors. The key focus is to ensure that sexual assault survivors are not burdened with the costs associated with their care, especially regarding forensic medical examinations and related services, which are critical in the aftermath of an assault.

Contention

While this bill is framed as a necessary step to protect survivors of sexual assault by alleviating potential financial burdens, debates surrounding its implementation may arise. Concerns include how effectively these guidelines will be enforced and whether law enforcement agencies will have adequate resources to cover these costs consistently. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the adequacy of the insurance coverage for such sensitive and specialized medical services, making it a topic for further legislative scrutiny.