Texas House Bill HB617

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/22
• Out of House Committee: 3/27/23
• Voted on by House: 4/4/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/22/23
• Governor Action: 6/12/23

Caption

Relating to a pilot project to provide emergency telemedicine medical services and telehealth services in rural areas.

Impact

HB 617 aims to address significant gaps in healthcare accessibility for residents of rural Texas by integrating telemedicine into emergency medical services. This bill allows for the continuation of funding through surcharges and private contributions, thereby facilitating a cost-effective solution to deliver high-quality care in less accessible regions. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that training and emergency medical procedures are systematically shared with healthcare providers and emergency services personnel, enhancing the overall quality of emergency responses in rural settings.

Summary

House Bill 617 is a legislative initiative aimed at revitalizing and extending the rural next generation 911 telemedicine pilot project for an additional six years. This bill is designed to enhance emergency telemedicine medical services and telehealth services specifically tailored for rural areas in Texas. By reauthorizing this pilot program, the bill seeks to improve access to critical care for underserved populations, thereby potentially reducing travel constraints that rural residents face in emergency situations. It is endorsed by both the Texas Health Science Center Institute and the State Commission on Emergency Communications, which will oversee its implementation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 617 appears to be positive, particularly among stakeholders concerned with health service delivery in rural Texas. Legislators and healthcare advocates express optimism about the bill's potential to expand critical care access through telemedicine, which is increasingly vital in geographically isolated areas. The bill also received significant bipartisan support during legislative discussions, emphasizing its perceived importance in improving healthcare outcomes for rural populations.

Contention

While there is widespread support for HB 617, there are underlying concerns regarding its practical implementation across diverse rural communities. Some stakeholders have raised the issue of varying levels of technological infrastructure and readiness in these areas, which could affect the effectiveness of telemedicine services. Additionally, there are discussions on whether the funding models proposed in the bill will adequately support all operational facets of the pilot project over its six-year duration. Stakeholders are encouraged to carefully monitor these concerns as the program progresses.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 771a. Access To Emergency Communications Services In General
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