Bill > HB4643

This bill expands the ability of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to access criminal history record information for providers and provider applicants in public benefits programs. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of who can be subject to criminal background checks beyond the previous federal regulations. The bill now allows HHSC to obtain criminal history information for a wider range of individuals, including those with 5% or more ownership interest in a provider, officers or directors of corporate providers, partners in partnership providers, and managing employees. The bill defines "managing employee" as individuals who exercise operational control or conduct daily operations of a provider, and "ownership interest" as having equity in the provider's capital, stock, or profits. The legislation aims to enhance background screening for healthcare providers participating in Medicaid and other public benefits programs, potentially improving oversight and preventing fraud by allowing more comprehensive criminal background checks. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4643