SECTION 87.403. Creation of the Program and Populations Served

(a) OBH is established by Texas Government Code §531.02251, and is administratively attached to OO.

(b) OBH serves as a neutral party to help consumers, including consumers who are uninsured or have public or private health benefit coverage, and behavioral health care providers navigate and resolve issues related to consumer access to behavioral health care, including care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. OBH identifies, tracks, and helps report potential violations of Texas Insurance Code Subchapter F of Chapter 1355.

(c) OBH advocates for the rights and service needs of consumers who have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding services provided by a state hospital, an LBHA or LMHA, or through a contract with HHSC as part of the AMH program. Specific rights of these consumers are outlined in 25 TAC Chapter 404, Subchapter E (relating to Rights of Persons Receiving Mental Health Services).

Source Note: The provisions of this §87.403 adopted to be effective January 10, 2019, 44 TexReg 252; amended to be effective December 21, 2022, 47 TexReg 8273