MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR TELEMEDICINE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN SCHOOL-BASED SETTING.

(a) In this section, "physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in this state under Subtitle B, Title 3, Occupations Code.

(b) The commission shall ensure that Medicaid reimbursement is provided to a physician for a telemedicine medical service provided by the physician, even if the physician is not the patient's primary care physician or provider, if:

(1) the physician is an authorized Medicaid health care provider;

(2) the patient is a child who receives the service in a primary or secondary school-based setting; and

(3) the parent or legal guardian of the patient provides consent before the service is provided.

(c) In the case of a telemedicine medical service provided to a child in a school-based setting as described by Subsection (b), the notification under Section 548.0106, if any, must include a summary of the service, including exam findings, prescribed or administered medications, and patient instructions.

(d) If a patient receiving a telemedicine medical service in a school-based setting as described by Subsection (b) does not have a primary care physician or provider, the commission shall require that the patient's parent or legal guardian receive:

(1) the notification required under Section 548.0106; and

(2) a list of primary care physicians or providers from which the patient may select the patient's primary care physician or provider.

(e) The commission in consultation with the Texas Medical Board shall monitor and regulate the use of telemedicine medical services to ensure compliance with this section. In addition to any other method of enforcement, the commission may use a corrective action plan to ensure compliance with this section.

(f) The Texas Medical Board, in consultation with the commission, as appropriate, may adopt rules as necessary to:

(1) ensure that appropriate care, including quality of care, is provided to patients who receive telemedicine medical services; and

(2) prevent abuse and fraud through the use of telemedicine medical services, including rules relating to filing of claims and records required to be maintained in connection with telemedicine.

(g) This section does not affect any requirement relating to:

(1) a rural health clinic; or

(2) physician delegation to an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant of the authority to carry out or sign prescription drug orders.