BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1778 89R436 CJD-D By: Miles Criminal Justice 5/2/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) facilities are located in remote areas of the state, making it difficult to attract specialty healthcare providers. Although these facilities are located in remote areas, TJJD has one health care provider on site once a week. In a matter of hours, this provider is responsible for caring for any physical ailments that might have occurred in the previous week. In order to ease the burden placed on the healthcare professional, increase access to care, and ensure the overall health and safety of the juvenile population, this bill will require TJJD facilities to have a doctor available via telehealth services if there is not a physical provider on-site. As proposed, S.B. 1778 amends current law relating to the use of telemedicine services in the juvenile justice system. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 244, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 244.0095, as follows: Sec. 244.0095. CERTAIN MEDICAL CARE SERVICES REQUIRED. Requires the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, in providing medical care, to contract for telemedicine services to be available when a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant is not present at the facility where the services are to be provided. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1778
89R436 CJD-D By: Miles
Criminal Justice
5/2/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1778
89R436 CJD-D
By: Miles
Criminal Justice
5/2/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) facilities are located in remote areas of the state, making it difficult to attract specialty healthcare providers. Although these facilities are located in remote areas, TJJD has one health care provider on site once a week. In a matter of hours, this provider is responsible for caring for any physical ailments that might have occurred in the previous week.
In order to ease the burden placed on the healthcare professional, increase access to care, and ensure the overall health and safety of the juvenile population, this bill will require TJJD facilities to have a doctor available via telehealth services if there is not a physical provider on-site.
As proposed, S.B. 1778 amends current law relating to the use of telemedicine services in the juvenile justice system.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 244, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 244.0095, as follows:
Sec. 244.0095. CERTAIN MEDICAL CARE SERVICES REQUIRED. Requires the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, in providing medical care, to contract for telemedicine services to be available when a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant is not present at the facility where the services are to be provided.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.