H.B. No. 463
AN ACT
relating to reciprocity agreements between certain air ambulance
companies operating a subscription program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 773.011, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by amending Subsections (b) and (e) and adding Subsection
(d-1) to read as follows:
(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules
establishing minimum standards for the creation and operation of a
subscription program. The rules must:
(1) ensure the protection of public health and safety;
(2) ensure compliance with federal laws and rules
related to air ambulance subscription program services; and
(3) establish minimum standards and objectives for the
delivery of air ambulance emergency medical services provided in
accordance with a reciprocity agreement entered into under
Subsection (d-1).
(d-1) To ensure maximum geographic coverage for patients
covered under a subscription program, an air ambulance company that
operates a subscription program shall, in accordance with executive
commissioner rules, enter into a reciprocity agreement with each
other air ambulance company that operates a subscription program in
the same service delivery area.
(e) The Insurance Code does not apply to a subscription
program established or a reciprocity agreement entered into under
this section.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human
Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement
Section 773.011, Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2020.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 463 was passed by the House on April
9, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 7, 2 present, not
voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
No. 463 on May 24, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 121, Nays 20,
2 present, not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 463 was passed by the Senate, with
amendments, on May 22, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays
0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor