Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 547.0002.  OMBUDSMAN FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCESS TO CARE.  (a)  In this section, "ombudsman" means the individual designated under this section by the executive commissioner as the ombudsman for behavioral health access to care unless the context requires otherwise.
(b)  The executive commissioner shall designate an ombudsman for behavioral health access to care.
(c)  The ombudsman is administratively attached to the commission's office of the ombudsman established under Section 523.0255.
(d)  The commission may use an alternate title for the ombudsman in consumer-facing materials if the commission determines that an alternate title would benefit consumer understanding or access.
(e)  The ombudsman serves as a neutral party to help consumers, including consumers who are uninsured or have public or private health benefit coverage, and behavioral health care providers navigate and resolve issues related to consumer access to behavioral health care, including care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
(f)  The ombudsman shall:
(1)  interact with consumers and behavioral health care providers regarding concerns or complaints to help the consumers and providers resolve behavioral health care access issues;
(2)  identify, track, and help report potential violations of state or federal rules, regulations, or statutes concerning the availability of, and terms and conditions of, benefits for mental health conditions or substance use disorders, including potential violations related to quantitative and nonquantitative treatment limitations;
(3)  report concerns, complaints, and potential violations described by Subdivision (2) to the appropriate regulatory or oversight agency;
(4)  receive and report concerns and complaints relating to inappropriate care or mental health commitment;
(5)  provide appropriate information to help consumers obtain behavioral health care;
(6)  develop appropriate points of contact for referrals to other state and federal agencies; and
(7)  provide appropriate information to help consumers or providers file appeals or complaints with the appropriate entities, including insurers and other state and federal agencies.
(g)  The Texas Department of Insurance shall appoint a liaison to the ombudsman to receive the reports of concerns, complaints, and potential violations described by Subsection (f)(2) from the ombudsman, consumers, or behavioral health care providers.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.