Bill Caption

Relating to creating a license for certain rural medical facilities; requiring a license; authorizing fees.

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board, no fiscal impact to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1621 would require the Health and Human Services Commission to issue rules and licenses for limited services rural hospitals if a federal law were passed to create a payment program for these hospitals. A "limited services rural hospital" would be defined as a general or special hospital that is or was licensed under the Texas Hospital Licensing Law and that: (1) is located in a rural area or designated as a critical access hospital, rural referral center, or sole community hospital; and (2) otherwise meets the requirements to be designated as a limited service rural hospital or a similarly designated hospital under federal law for purposes of the payment program.

The amendment to SB 1621 would authorize the Midland County Hospital District to adopt, change the rate of, or abolish a sales and use tax at an election held in the district, and to use revenue from the tax for any purpose of the district authorized by law. The district would be authorized to impose a sales and use tax in increments of one-eighth of one percent, with a minimum rate of one-eighth of one percent and a maximum rate of two percent. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on SB 1621 because it does not affect our principles.