HB 5153

relating to amending Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code, by adding
certain local health entities as provider types for reimbursement
under the Children's Health Insurance Program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 62.002, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (5) to read as follows:
(5)  "Local public health entity" means an entity
established by Chapter 121 (Local Public Health Reorganization
Act), including health authorities established under Section
121.021, local health departments established under Section
121.031, and public health districts established under Section
SECTION 2.  Section 62.156, Health and Safety Code, is
(a)  Health care providers who provide health care services
under the child health plan must satisfy certification and
licensure requirements, as required by commission rules and
(b)  The executive commissioner shall establish a separate
provider type for a local public health entity for purposes of
enrollment as a provider for and reimbursement under the child
SECTION 3.  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 4.  The Health and Human Services Commission is
required to implement a provision of this Act only if the
legislature appropriates money specifically for that purpose.  If
the legislature does not appropriate money specifically for that
purpose, the commission may, but is not required to, implement a
provision of this Act using other appropriations available for that
SECTION 5.  This act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.