Sec. 61.032.  NOTIFICATION OF PROVISION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.  (a)  If a nonmandated provider delivers emergency services to a patient who the provider suspects might be eligible for assistance under this subchapter, the provider shall notify the patient's county of residence that emergency services have been or will be provided to the patient.  The notice shall be made:
(1)  by telephone not later than the 72nd hour after the provider determines the patient's county of residence;  and
(2)  by mail postmarked not later than the fifth working day after the date on which the provider determines the patient's county of residence.
(b)  The provider shall attempt to determine the patient's county of residence when the patient first receives services.
(c)  The provider, the patient, and the patient's family shall cooperate with the county of which the patient is presumed to be a resident in determining if the patient is an eligible resident of that county.
(d)  Not later than the 14th day after the date on which the patient's county of residence receives notification and sufficient information to determine eligibility, the county shall determine if the patient is eligible for assistance from that county.  If the county does not determine the patient's eligibility within that period, the patient is considered to be eligible. The county shall notify the provider of its decision.
(e)  If the county and the provider disagree on the patient's residence or eligibility, the county or the provider may submit the matter to the department as provided by Section 61.004.
(f)  If a provider delivers emergency services to a patient who is eligible for assistance under this subchapter and fails to comply with this section, the provider is not eligible for payment for the services from the patient's county of residence.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1377, Sec. 1.11, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1128, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.