ENROLLMENT OF CERTAIN EYE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

(a) This section applies only to:

(1) an optometrist who is licensed by the Texas Optometry Board;

(2) a therapeutic optometrist who is licensed by the Texas Optometry Board;

(3) an ophthalmologist who is licensed by the Texas Medical Board; and

(4) an institution of higher education that provides an accredited program for:

(A) training as a doctor of optometry or an optometrist residency; or

(B) training as an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist residency.

(b) The commission may not prevent a provider to whom this section applies from enrolling as a Medicaid provider if the provider:

(1) either:

(A) joins an established practice of a health care provider or provider group that has a contract with a Medicaid managed care organization to provide health care services to recipients under Chapter 540 or 540A; or

(B) is employed by or otherwise compensated for providing training at an institution of higher education described by Subsection (a)(4);

(2) applies to be an enrolled Medicaid provider;

(3) if applicable, complies with the requirements of the contract described by Subdivision (1)(A); and

(4) complies with all other applicable requirements related to being a Medicaid provider.

(c) The commission may not prevent an institution of higher education from enrolling as a Medicaid provider if the institution:

(1) has a contract with a managed care organization to provide health care services to recipients under Chapter 540 or 540A;

(2) applies to be an enrolled Medicaid provider;

(3) complies with the requirements of the contract described by Subdivision (1); and

(4) complies with all other applicable requirements related to being a Medicaid provider.