HB1621 - Relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements at hospitals providing mental health care services.

  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.