Sec. 35.003. SERVICES PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

(a) The program is in the department to provide services to eligible children with special health care needs. The program shall provide:

(1) early identification of children with special health care needs;

(2) diagnosis and evaluation of children with special health care needs;

(3) rehabilitation services to children with special health care needs;

(4) development and improvement of standards and services for children with special health care needs;

(5) case management services;

(6) other family support services; and

(7) access to health benefits plan coverage under Section 35.0031.

(b) The board by rule shall:

(1) specify the type, amount, and duration of services to be provided under this chapter; and

(2) permit the payment of insurance premiums for eligible children.

(c) If budgetary limitations exist, the board by rule shall establish a system of priorities relating to the types of services or the classes of persons eligible for the services. A waiting list of eligible persons may be established if necessary for the program to remain within the budgetary limitations. The department shall collect from each applicant for services who is placed on a waiting list appropriate information to facilitate contacting the applicant when services become available and to allow efficient enrollment of the applicant in those services. The information collected must include:

(1) the applicant's name, address, and phone number;

(2) the name, address, and phone number of a contact person other than the applicant;

(3) the date of the applicant's earliest application for services;

(4) the applicant's functional needs;

(5) the range of services needed by the applicant; and

(6) a date on which the applicant is scheduled for reassessment.

(d) The program may provide:

(1) transportation and subsistence for an eligible child with special health care needs and the child's parent, managing conservator, guardian, or other adult caretaker approved by the program to obtain services provided by the program; and

(2) the following services to an eligible child with special health care needs who dies in an approved facility outside the child's municipality of residence while receiving program services:

(A) the transportation of the child's remains, and the transportation of a parent or other person accompanying the remains, from the facility to the place of burial in this state that is designated by the parent or other person legally responsible for interment;

(B) the expense of embalming, if required for transportation;

(C) the cost of a coffin purchased at a minimum price, if a coffin is required for transportation; and

(D) any other necessary expenses directly related to the care and return of the child's remains to the place of burial in this state.

(e) The department may:

(1) develop methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program; and

(2) conduct pilot studies.

(f) The program is separate from the financial or medical assistance program established by Chapters 31 and 32, Human Resources Code.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1505, Sec. 3.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.