Relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements at hospitals providing mental health care services.

89(R) HB 1621 - Engrossed version - Bill Text

89R25352 MPF-D

By: Lujan

H.B. No. 1621

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements

at hospitals providing mental health care services.

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

SECTION 1. Chapter 547, Government Code, is amended by

adding Subchapter K to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER K. MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR TECHNOLOGICAL

ENHANCEMENTS AT HOSPITALS PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Sec.

547.0551.

APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only

to:

(1)

a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and

Safety Code; or

(2)

a hospital licensed under Chapter 577, Health and

Safety Code.

Sec.

547.0552.

ESTABLISHMENT OF MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM.

The commission shall establish a matching grant program to enhance

the technological capabilities of hospitals providing mental

health care services in this state.

Sec.

547.0553.

ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANT AWARD. To be eligible

for a grant under this subchapter, a hospital must:

(1)

demonstrate the hospital's planned uses for the

grant money and matching funds to improve the quality of and access

to mental health care services in this state;

(2)

align with the interoperability and technology

standards in the 21st Century Cures Act (Pub. L. No.

114-255); and

(3)

meet any additional eligibility criteria the

commission establishes.

Sec.

547.0554.

HOSPITAL MATCHING REQUIREMENT.

(a)

The

commission shall condition each grant provided to a hospital under

this subchapter on the hospital providing funds from non-state

sources in an amount equal to 100 percent of the grant amount.

(b)

To raise the required non-state sourced funds, the

hospital may seek and receive gifts, grants, or donations from any

person.

Sec.

547.0555.

ACCEPTABLE USES OF GRANT MONEY AND MATCHING

FUNDS. A hospital awarded a grant under this subchapter may use the

grant money and matching funds to:

(1)

purchase a data recording platform for certified

electronic health data;

(2)

expand the interoperability of health information

in the hospital or as part of a network with other health care

providers;

(3)

expand a patient's access to the patient's digital

health records and mental health care services;

(4)

improve information technology infrastructure for

data privacy and patient information security, including consent

management; and

(5)

improve the efficiency of mental health care

service provision through the use and interconnectivity of mobile

devices.

Sec.

547.0556.

GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The

commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from

any source to award grants under this subchapter.

Sec.

547.0557.

BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than December 1

of each even-numbered year, the commission shall submit a report to

the legislature regarding the results of the matching grant program

administered under this subchapter.

Sec.

547.0558.

RULES. The executive commissioner may adopt

any rules necessary to implement this subchapter.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.