behavior analysis services by telehealth

The text as introduced · 332 words

89R6222 SCF-F

By: Zaffirini
S.B. No. 962

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the provision of certain benefits, including applied

behavior analysis, behavior supports, and associated evaluation

services, through telecommunications or information technology

under certain public benefits programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 548.0001(b), Government Code, as

effective April 1, 2025, is amended to read as follows:

(b) To the extent permitted by federal law and to the extent

it is cost-effective and clinically effective, as the commission

determines, the commission shall ensure that Medicaid recipients,

child health plan program enrollees, and other individuals

receiving benefits under a public benefits program the commission

or a health and human services agency administers, regardless of

whether receiving benefits through a managed care delivery model or

another delivery model or under a Section 1915(c) waiver program ,

have the option to receive services as telemedicine medical

services, telehealth services, or otherwise using

telecommunications or information technology, including the

following services:

(1) preventive health and wellness services;

(2) case management services, including targeted case

management services;

(3) subject to Subsection (c), behavioral health

services;

(4) occupational, physical, and speech therapy

services;

(5) applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, and

associated evaluation services;

(6) nutritional counseling services; and

(7) [ (6) ] assessment services, including nursing

assessments under the following Section 1915(c) waiver programs:

(A) the community living assistance and support

services (CLASS) waiver program;

(B) the deaf-blind with multiple disabilities

(DBMD) waiver program;

(C) the home and community-based services (HCS)

waiver program; and

(D) the Texas home living (TxHmL) waiver program.

SECTION 2. If before implementing any provision of this Act

a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a

federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,

the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or

authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the

waiver or authorization is granted.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.