Hospitals across the state are rushing to implement Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order and trying to prevent the spread of misinformation that could deter patients from seeking medical care.
The order, which went into effect Nov. 1, directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to collect information about undocumented immigrants who use the state’s public hospitals for inpatient or emergency care.
According to an Aug. 8 news release from Abbott’s office, HHSC will annually report to him and the Texas Legislature “the costs of caring for undocumented immigrants so that Texas can seek reimbursement from the federal government.” It’s planned.
Dennis McMahan, chief quality officer at Cuero Health, which operates Goliad Family Practice in Goliad, said the order blindsided most hospitals and added additional workload to already understaffed rural health facilities. He said he was forced to do so.
“It’s an added effort for us and it’s upsetting in some ways for some people to have to ask if they’re here legally every time they’re allowed into the country,” McMahan said. . “Even if they come to the ER today, go home, and come back tomorrow, we have to ask them again.”
Currently, only those seeking treatment at the hospital are required to answer the questions. No questions asked are patients seeking services at Goliad Family Practice or any other practice in Texas.
Patients do not need to show proof of citizenship before receiving treatment. This process is completely based on the “Honors System”.
“They can say, ‘Yes, that’s right,’ or ‘No, that’s not true,'” McMahan said. “Before they are asked any questions, they are informed in advance that regardless of their answers, their care will not be affected and their names will not be reported to any agency.
“The only thing we’ll be reporting is the numbers that say they’re not here legally and the amount of their charges,” McMahan said.
Even if patients admit they are illegal immigrants, they can still receive treatment.
Health care providers fear the order will prevent people suffering from injuries and illnesses, including infectious diseases, from receiving treatment.
“They don’t have to be afraid to come here,” McMahan said. “To be honest, I don’t really care how they answer.”
McMahan said he hopes the order doesn’t extend to clinics.
“Many hospital organizations are against it because they think it’s a waste of time and they don’t get the data they’re looking for,” McMahan said.
