SB151 - Relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements at certain health care facilities that provide mental health care services.

      By: Menéndez S.B. No. 151               A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements   at certain health care facilities that provide mental health care   services.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 531, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 531.09915 to read as follows:           Sec.   531.09915.   MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM FOR TECHNOLOGICAL   ENHANCEMENTS AT CERTAIN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES PROVIDING MENTAL   HEALTH CARE SERVICES.   (a)     In this section, "health care facility"     means:                 (1)     a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and   Safety Code, that is located in a rural county; or                 (2)     a hospital licensed under Chapter 577, Health and   Safety Code.           (b)     The commission shall establish a matching grant program   for the purpose of enhancing the technological capabilities of   health care facilities providing mental health care services in   this state.           (c)     To be eligible for a grant under this section, a health   care facility must:                 (1)     demonstrate how the grant money and matching funds   will be used 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 other additional eligibility criteria   established by the commission.           (d)     The commission shall condition each grant provided to a   health care facility under this section on the facility providing   funds from non-state sources in an amount equal to 25 percent of the   grant amount.           (e)     To raise the required non-state sourced funds, the   health care facility may seek and receive gifts, grants, or   donations from any person.           (f)     A health care facility awarded a grant under this   section may only use the grant money and matching funds to:                 (1)     purchase a recordkeeping platform that uses a   certified electronic health record;                 (2)     expand the interoperability of health information   in the health care facility 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   regarding the data privacy and security of patient information,   including consent management; and                 (5)     improve the efficiency of the provision of mental   health care services through the use and interconnectivity of   mobile devices.           (g)     The commission may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and   donations from any source for the purposes of awarding grants under   this section.           (h)     Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year,   the commission shall submit a report to the legislature regarding   the results of the grant program administered under this section.           (i)     The commission may adopt any rules necessary to   implement this section.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.