Sec. 531.02252. MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PARITY WORK GROUP. (a) The commission shall establish and facilitate a mental health condition and substance use disorder parity work group at the office of mental health coordination to increase understanding of and compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, and statutes concerning the availability of, and terms and conditions of, benefits for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

(b) The work group may be a part of or a subcommittee of the behavioral health advisory committee.

(c) The work group is composed of:

(1) a representative of:

(A) Medicaid and the child health plan program;

(B) the office of mental health coordination;

(C) the Texas Department of Insurance;

(D) a Medicaid managed care organization;

(E) a commercial health benefit plan;

(F) a mental health provider organization;

(G) physicians;

(H) hospitals;

(I) children's mental health providers;

(J) utilization review agents; and

(K) independent review organizations;

(2) a substance use disorder provider or a professional with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder expertise;

(3) a mental health consumer;

(4) a mental health consumer advocate;

(5) a substance use disorder treatment consumer;

(6) a substance use disorder treatment consumer advocate;

(7) a family member of a mental health or substance use disorder treatment consumer; and

(8) the ombudsman for behavioral health access to care.

(d) The work group shall meet at least quarterly.

(e) The work group shall study and make recommendations on:

(1) increasing compliance with the rules, regulations, and statutes described by Subsection (a);

(2) strengthening enforcement and oversight of these laws at state and federal agencies;

(3) improving the complaint processes relating to potential violations of these laws for consumers and providers;

(4) ensuring the commission and the Texas Department of Insurance can accept information on concerns relating to these laws and investigate potential violations based on de-identified information and data submitted to providers in addition to individual complaints; and

(5) increasing public and provider education on these laws.

(f) The work group shall develop a strategic plan with metrics to serve as a roadmap to increase compliance with the rules, regulations, and statutes described by Subsection (a) in this state and to increase education and outreach relating to these laws.

(g) Not later than September 1 of each even-numbered year, the work group shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the appropriate state agencies on the findings, recommendations, and strategic plan required by Subsections (e) and (f).

(h) The work group is abolished and this section expires September 1, 2021.

Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 10), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.