The bill, H.B. No. 5153, aims to enhance the provision and reimbursement of health care services by local public health entities under the child health plan program in Texas. It introduces a new section, 62.1552, to the Health and Safety Code, defining "local public health entity" to include local health units, local health departments, and public health districts. The bill mandates the executive commissioner to establish a separate provider type for these entities to facilitate their enrollment and reimbursement as providers under the child health plan program.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a state agency determines that a federal waiver or authorization is necessary for implementing any provision, it may delay implementation until such approval is granted. The Health and Human Services Commission is required to implement the new section only if the legislature allocates specific funding for it; otherwise, it may use available appropriations at its discretion. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 62.002, Health and Safety Code 62.156 (Health and Safety Code 62)
House Committee Report: (Health and Safety Code 62)