Texas House Bill HB3265

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/2/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/24/23
• Voted on by House: 5/6/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/18/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/23/23
• Governor Action: 6/12/23

Caption

Relating to the submission of certain reports by the Health and Human Services Commission.

Impact

The legislative discussions indicated that the existing reporting requirements had become cumbersome, leading to inefficiencies and difficulty in maintaining high-quality oversight. By implementing HB3265, the HHS anticipates a more manageable reporting structure that allows for better allocation of resources, ultimately supporting their core responsibilities. The consolidation of reports is expected to enhance the accuracy and substance of updates regarding Medicaid services. This change reflects a shift toward more streamlined government operations that can effectively meet the increasing administrative demands imposed on HHS.

Summary

House Bill 3265 aims to amend the Government Code to streamline the submission of reports by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHS). This bill is designed to reduce the number of reports required, changing the frequency from quarterly to semi-annual and consolidating several quality monitoring reports into one. The primary goal is to improve efficiency within the HHS while ensuring that the reporting process remains effective and responsive to the needs of stakeholders such as the governor, legislative bodies, and committees involved with Medicaid and children's health programs.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 3265 appears to be positive, particularly among legislators who argue that the bill is a necessary step toward improving the operational efficiency of the HHS. Support for the bill has been bolstered by public testimonies advocating for a reduction in redundant reporting practices, emphasizing that this will empower staff to focus on providing better services. Opponents of extensive reporting may have raised concerns about accountability; however, there does not appear to be a significant opposition movement against this bill, with most feedback favoring its implementation.

Contention

While the bill has generally received support, one notable point of contention could center on ensuring that the simplification of reporting does not compromise transparency and oversight related to essential health services, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations like children and individuals relying on Medicaid. Legislators and stakeholders will need to carefully monitor the outcomes of these changes to safeguard that streamlined processes do not overlook key quality metrics and necessary oversight measures.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 531. Health And Human Services Commission
  • Section: 06021
  • Section: 06021
  • Section: 06021
  • Section: 06021
  • Section: 06021

• Chapter 536. Medicaid And The Child Health Plan Program: Quality-based Outcomes And Payments
  • Section: 008
  • Section: 003
  • Section: 008
  • Section: 003
  • Section: 008
  • Section: 003
  • Section: 008
  • Section: 003
  • Section: 008

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 32. Maternal And Infant Health Improvement
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 255. Quality Assurance Early Warning System For Long-term Care Facilities; Rapid Response Teams
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section