COMPARISON OF TEXAS S.B. 1468 AND H.R. 1304
|
TEXAS S.B. 1468 |
H.R. 1304 |
Who can negotiate collectively? |
Physicians only. |
All licensed health care professionals. |
How many providers can be represented by the negotiator? |
10% of physicians in health plan's service area, except if State Attorney General sets higher or lower figure. |
No limitation (as many as 100% of all providers). |
What terms can be collectively negotiated? |
16 enumerated "non-fee-related subjects, unless State Attorney General has found that health plan has substantial market power and terms would otherwise threaten quality and access. |
No limitation - can cover price and fee-related issues, as well as non-fee terms. |
Who must approve the negotiator? |
State Attorney General |
No one. |
Who must approve the results of the negotiation? |
State Attorney General |
No one. |
Who generally oversees implementation of the statute? |
Exemption does not apply unless State Attorney General exercises active and ongoing supervision. |
No oversight by FTC, DOJ, HHS, NLRA or any other government agency. |
What are the criteria for the approval of a negotiation? |
Determination by the State Attorney General that advantages of joint negotiation outweigh the disadvantages. |
No criteria - negotiations are not subject to review by anyone. |
Can providers negotiate fee-related terms with state Medicaid plans? |
No - expressly prohibited. |
Yes - expressly permitted. |
Can physicians negotiate to restrict non-physician providers? |
Expressly prohibited. |
No limitation. |
Sunset provision |
4 years |
None |