HBA-MSH S.B. 751 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 751
By: Shapleigh
Public Health
5/1/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

A promotora is a person who with or without compensation provides a
bilingual liaison between health care providers and patients through
activities that include assisting in case conferences, providing patient
education, making referrals to health and social services, conducting needs
assessments, distributing surveys to identify barriers to health care
delivery, making home visits, and providing language services.  Medicaid
does not provide reimbursement for the services of a promotora decreasing
the frequency with which they are used and hindering the quality of care
provided to underserved, non-English speaking clients.  Senate Bill 751
requires the Health and Human Services Commission to require health and
human services agencies to use certified promotoras in health outreach and
education programs for recipients of Medicaid. 

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

Senate Bill 751 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the Health and
Human Services Commission to require health and human services agencies to
use certified promotoras to the extent possible in health outreach and
education programs for recipients of medical assistance. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.