FUNDING EFFORTS REACH DISAPPOINTING CONCLUSION
The 86th Texas Legislative Session concluded on Memorial Day with legislators again failing to address the funding crisis faced by long term care providers.
The long term care community focused its efforts this session on passing the Nursing Home Quality Act (NHQA), which would have used federal funds to create a quality program. A similar proposal passed the House and Senate committee last session before the clock ran out. It was revived this session with updates to address concerns legislators had raised.
The bill, SB 1050, gained support among legislators as THCA members sent e-mails and letters, made phone calls, and personally visited the Capitol. But two key legislators—the chairs of the committees in each chamber to which the bill was sent—proved to be stubborn barriers. The bill was never given a hearing in the House. In the Senate, the bill was heard in April but the chair refused to allow a vote on it in her committee.
Once it was clear that the bill would not pass, THCA began working on alternatives to attain funding. But none were able to gain approval before hitting session deadlines.
“We are frustrated, angry, and incredulous and—most of all—heartbroken at this outcome,” THCA President and CEO Kevin Warren said. “The Legislature again has failed to do their part to help providers care for their residents.
“We have no choice but to keep fighting, however. Long term care in Texas is in a funding crisis caused entirely by the Legislature. We will not rest until state leaders understand this and do what is necessary to correct it.”