| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to a plan to increase the use of telemedicine medical services and telehealth services in this state.
According to the Legislative Budget Board, the fiscal implications of HB 1782 cannot be determined at this time. As the action plan required by the bill has not yet been developed, the Health and Human Services Commission is unable to determine what funding options may be available to implement the action plan, or determine the costs that could be associated with implementation of the short- and long-term plans.
HB 1782 would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop and implement an action plan to expand telemedicine medical services and telehealth services, and increase the availability of critical medical care and health care services in areas determined by HHSC to be medically underserved. The bill would require the action plan to include short- and long-term plan recommendations, statutory and administrative reforms necessary to implement the plan, and options for the funding necessary to implement the plan.
Texas Action approves of HB 1782 because it adheres to the principle of limited government. The expansion of telemedicine could increase access to and lower cost of health care in more than 90% of Texas counties that are designated health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas. This would include some rural areas where people travel an average of 31 miles to see a healthcare provider.