Bill: SB 922, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Health & Human Services
2nd Chamber Committee
House Public Health
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Dawn Buckingham
Sponsor(s)
Larry Gonzales
Bill Caption
Relating to the reimbursement of certain providers under the Medicaid program for the provision of telehealth services.
Fiscal Notes
From the LBB: The fiscal implications of the
bill cannot be determined at this time. Legislation is anticipated to result in
a significant cost to state and federal funds, but the amount is unknown at
this time due to uncertainties regarding participation by school districts,
charter schools, and other health professionals.
Bill Analysis
This bill would require the commission to ensure that Medicaid reimbursement is provided for a school district or charter school for telehealth services even if the health professional is not the patient’s primary care physician and if the school is an authorized health care provider under Medicaid and the parent of the child provides consent to the service beforehand.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill is in keeping with limited government since it ensures that telehealth providers will be paid for their services and school districts will be provided Medicaid reimbursement for the services. Allowing telehealth to be used in schools also furthers limited government and would provide easier access to specialized services for patients who otherwise could not access those services. For these reasons, we support this bill.
