89R5617 MPF-D
By: Lujan H.B. No. 1621
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements
at hospitals providing mental health care services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 547, Government Code, as effective April
1, 2025, is amended by adding Subchapter K to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER K. MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR TECHNOLOGICAL
ENHANCEMENTS AT HOSPITALS PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Sec. 547.0501. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only
to:
(1) a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and
Safety Code; or
(2) a hospital licensed under Chapter 577, Health and
Safety Code.
Sec. 547.0502. ESTABLISHMENT OF MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM.
The commission shall establish a matching grant program to enhance
the technological capabilities of hospitals providing mental
health care services in this state.
Sec. 547.0503. ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT AWARD. To be eligible
for a grant under this subchapter, a hospital must:
(1) demonstrate the hospital's planned uses for the
grant money and matching funds to improve the quality of and access
to mental health care services in this state;
(2) align with the interoperability and technology
standards in the 21st Century Cures Act (Pub. L. No. 114-255); and
(3) meet any additional eligibility criteria the
commission establishes.
Sec. 547.0504. HOSPITAL MATCHING REQUIREMENT. (a) The
commission shall condition each grant provided to a hospital under
this subchapter on the hospital providing funds from non-state
sources in an amount equal to 25 percent of the grant amount.
(b) To raise the required non-state sourced funds, the
hospital may seek and receive gifts, grants, or donations from any
person.
Sec. 547.0505. ACCEPTABLE USES OF GRANT MONEY AND MATCHING
FUNDS. A hospital awarded a grant under this subchapter may use the
grant money and matching funds to:
(1) purchase a data recording platform for certified
electronic health data;
(2) expand the interoperability of health information
in the hospital or as part of a network with other health care
providers;
(3) expand a patient's access to the patient's digital
health records and mental health care services;
(4) improve information technology infrastructure for
data privacy and patient information security, including consent
management; and
(5) improve the efficiency of mental health care
service provision through the use and interconnectivity of mobile
devices.
Sec. 547.0506. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The
commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from
any source to award grants under this subchapter.
Sec. 547.0507. BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than December 1
of each even-numbered year, the commission shall submit a report to
the legislature regarding the results of the matching grant program
administered under this subchapter.
Sec. 547.0508. RULES. The commission may adopt any rules
necessary to implement this subchapter.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.