TITLE: Relating to the inclusion of optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the health care provider networks of certain Medicaid managed care organizations.

SUMMARY: Relating to the inclusion of optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the health care provider networks of certain Medicaid managed care organizations.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the inclusion of optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the health care provider networks of certain Medicaid managed care organizations. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 533, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 533.0065 to read as follows: Sec. 533.0065. EYE HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS. Subject to Section 32.047, Human Resources Code, but notwithstanding any other law, if the commission determines that recipient access to optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists under any Medicaid managed care model or arrangement in a region is not adequate, the commission shall require that each managed care organization that contracts with the commission to provide health care services to recipients in that region under the model or arrangement include in the organization's provider network each optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, and ophthalmologist in the region who: (1) agrees to comply with the terms and conditions of the organization; (2) agrees to accept the prevailing provider contract rate of the organization; (3) agrees to abide by the standards of care required by the organization; and (4) has the credentials required by the organization. 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, 2013.