The commission may create a consolidated method for recipient identification and benefits issuance if it finds the approach feasible and cost-effective.
Sec. 545.0051. CONSOLIDATED RECIPIENT IDENTIFICATION AND BENEFITS ISSUANCE METHOD. (a) If the commission determines that the implementation would be feasible and cost-effective, the commission may develop and implement a method to consolidate, to the extent possible, recipient identification and benefits issuance for the commission and health and human services agencies. (b) The method may: (1) provide for the use of a single integrated benefits issuance card or multiple cards capable of integrating benefits issuance or other program functions; (2) incorporate a fingerprint image identifier to enable personal identity verification at a point of service and reduce fraud; (3) enable immediate electronic verification of recipient eligibility; and (4) replace multiple forms, cards, or other methods used for fraud reduction or provision of health and human services benefits, including: (A) electronic benefits transfer cards; and (B) smart cards used in Medicaid. (c) In developing and implementing the method, the commission shall: (1) to the extent possible, use industry-standard communication, messaging, and electronic benefits transfer protocols; (2) ensure that all identifying and descriptive information of recipients of each health and human services program included in the method can be accessed only by a provider or other entity participating in the particular program; (3) ensure that a provider or other entity participating in a health and human services program included in the method cannot identify whether a program recipient is receiving benefits under another program included in the method; and (4) ensure that the storage and communication of all identifying and descriptive information included in the method comply with existing federal and state privacy laws governing individually identifiable information for recipients of public benefits programs. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.