HB720 - Relating to a ketamine treatment grant program for ketamine clinics serving active duty military personnel, first responders, and veterans.

  89R2366 MPF-F     By: Flores H.B. No. 720       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a ketamine treatment grant program for ketamine clinics   serving active duty military personnel, first responders, and   veterans.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 547, Government Code, as effective April   1, 2025, is amended by adding Subchapter K to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER K. KETAMINE TREATMENT GRANT PROGRAM           Sec. 547.0501.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                   (1)     "First responder" has the meaning assigned by   Section 421.095.                   (2)     "Physician" means a person licensed to practice   medicine in this state.                 (3)     "Program" means the ketamine treatment grant   program established under this subchapter.                   (4)  "Veteran" means an individual who has served in:                       (A)     an active or reserve component of the army,   navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States;   or                       (B)     the Texas National Guard, as defined by   Section 431.001.           Sec.   547.0502.     KETAMINE TREATMENT GRANT PROGRAM. The   commission shall establish a ketamine treatment grant program to   award grants to ketamine clinics providing mental health treatment   to:                 (1)  active duty military personnel;                   (2)  first responders; and                 (3)  veterans.           Sec.   547.0503.     USE OF GRANT. A ketamine clinic may use   grant money awarded under this subchapter to:                   (1)     cover the cost of uncompensated mental health   treatment provided to active duty military personnel, first   responders, and veterans; and                   (2)     pay for other activities, services, resources,   supplies, or equipment the commission determines necessary for the   clinic to provide the treatment described by Subdivision (1).           Sec.   547.0504.     SELECTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF GRANT   RECIPIENTS. (a) The commission, with any necessary assistance of   physicians or other mental health care providers, may select   eligible ketamine clinics for a grant award under this subchapter.             (b)  The commission shall:                 (1)     develop eligibility and selection criteria for   grant applicants; and                 (2)     establish accountability controls for grant   recipients to ensure the public purpose of providing mental health   treatment is accomplished and this state receives a return benefit.           Sec.   547.0505.     GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The   commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from   any source for the purposes of this subchapter.           Sec.   547.0506.     WORK GROUP. (a) The commission may   establish a work group to:                   (1)     assist the commission in developing,   implementing, or evaluating the program; and                   (2)     prepare a report on the results and outcomes of   grants awarded under this subchapter.           (b)  A member of a work group established under this section:                 (1)     is not entitled to compensation for serving on the   work group; and                   (2)     may not be reimbursed for travel or other expenses   incurred while conducting the business of the work group.             (c)     The work group established under this section is not   subject to Chapter 2110.           Sec.   547.0507.     BIENNIAL REPORT. Not later than December 1   of each even-numbered year, the commission shall submit a report to   the governor and the legislature regarding the activities of the   program and grant recipients, including the results and outcomes of   grants awarded under this subchapter.             Sec.   547.0508.     RULES. The executive commissioner may adopt   rules necessary to implement this subchapter.          SECTION 2.  Not later than December 1, 2025, the Health and   Human Services Commission shall establish and implement the   ketamine treatment grant program authorized by Subchapter K,   Chapter 547, Government Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  Not later than December 1, 2026, the Health and   Human Services Commission shall provide the initial report to the   governor and the legislature as required by Section 547.0507,   Government Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.