Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4111

Filed

3/8/23

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to access to and the provision of behavioral and mental health care services and trauma-informed care in the Medicaid managed care program.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4111 would amend existing laws by mandating specific training requirements for physicians and other healthcare providers who work with children experiencing mental health challenges. By including trauma-informed care in the Medicaid managed care contracts, the bill seeks to create a systematic approach to addressing the unique needs of these vulnerable populations. The bill represents a strategic investment in mental health services and aims to improve overall healthcare outcomes for Medicaid recipients with a history of trauma.

Summary

House Bill 4111 aims to enhance access to and the provision of behavioral and mental health care services within the Medicaid managed care program. A significant aspect of the legislation is its focus on trauma-informed care, recognizing the critical impact that trauma can have on mental health outcomes. The bill requires that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) providing managed care services include provisions for trauma-informed care training among their providers. This training is intended to equip healthcare professionals to better understand the effects of trauma on children and potentially harmful practices, particularly related to the use of psychotropic medications.

Sentiment

The consensus among supporters of the bill is that it is a progressive step towards improving the healthcare landscape for children with mental health issues and those who have experienced trauma. Advocacy groups and mental health professionals are generally in favor of the bill, seeing it as addressing critical gaps in existing services that have previously overlooked the nuanced needs of trauma-affected children. Conversely, there may be stakeholders who express concerns about the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive training across all providers and the potential costs that could arise.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding HB 4111 include the logistics of training large numbers of healthcare providers and ensuring that the training provided meets the varying needs of different communities. Additionally, while many advocate for the benefits of trauma-informed care, others may question the adequacy of funding and support for the required training programs. The key points of debate hinge on balancing the practical implementation of these standards against the overarching goal of enhancing mental health support through Medicaid.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 533. Medicaid Managed Care Program
- Section: 0051
- Section: 0052

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2368

Relating to access to and the provision of behavioral and mental health care services and trauma-informed care in the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB4083

Relating to trauma screening for certain children and trauma-informed care training for certain providers participating in the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB992

Medicaid; bring forward services and managed care provisions.

TX HB2453

Relating to the operation and administration of Medicaid, including the Medicaid managed care program.

TX SB1139

Relating to the operation and administration of Medicaid, including the Medicaid managed care program.

TX SB26

Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.

TX SB7

Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports.

TX HB970

Medicaid; extend date of repealers on the services and managed care provisions and the provider assessment provisions.

TX HB939

Relating to required access to care and provider network provisions in a contract between the Health and Human Services Commission and a Medicaid managed care organization.

TX HB2036

Relating to the provision of behavioral health services under the Medicaid managed care program.