TX HB3396

Medical consenters (persons authorized to consent to medical care for foster children under Section 266.004(b)) may voluntarily assume financial responsibility for out-of-network medical care, including behavioral health services, provided to foster children

The Department of Family and Protective Services is not liable for costs of out-of-network care paid for by medical consenters, unless a court orders otherwise

Medical consenters must notify the child's caseworker within 10 business days after out-of-network care is provided, and the department must update the child's health passport with records of that care

Medicaid managed care organizations are prohibited from taking adverse action to prevent or discourage foster children from accessing health care paid for by medical consenters under this provision

The bill preserves foster children's access to Medicaid benefits, parents' rights for children in temporary managing conservatorship, and courts' authority to order the department to pay for out-of-network services