HBA-NRS C.S.H.B. 2774 77(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisC.S.H.B. 2774
By: Chavez
Human Services
3/29/2001
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Modern medicine is constantly changing. However, the application of new
technology to medical services may take time. Pilot projects are an
effective way to examine how new technology can be utilized for the benefit
of various medical and financial assistance programs. C.S.H.B. 2774
authorizes the establishment of pilot projects to demonstrate the
applications of technology in providing rehabilitation services, services
for the aging or disabled, or long-term care services, including community
care services and support.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 2774 amends the Government Code to authorize the Health and Human
Services Commission to establish one or more pilot projects through which
reimbursement under the medical assistance program is made to demonstrate
the applications of technology in providing services under the medical
assistance program. The bill provides that a pilot project must relate to
providing rehabilitation services, services for the aging or disabled, or
long-term care services, including community care services and support.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 2774 differs from the original bill by adding the provisions to
the Government Code rather than the Health and Safety Code.  The substitute
allows for reimbursement of such projects under the medical assistance
program instead of the financial assistance program. The substitute
provides that a pilot project must, rather than may, relate to providing
certain services under the medical assistance program. The substitute
conforms to Texas Legislative Council format.