ENROLLMENT OF CERTAIN EYE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

(a) This section applies only to: (1) an optometrist who is licensed by the Texas Optometry Board; (2) a therapeutic optometrist who is licensed by the Texas Optometry Board; (3) an ophthalmologist who is licensed by the Texas Medical Board; and (4) an institution of higher education that provides an accredited program for: (A) training as a doctor of optometry or an optometrist residency; or (B) training as an ophthalmologist or an ophthalmologist residency. (b) The commission may not prevent a provider to whom this section applies from enrolling as a Medicaid provider if the provider: (1) either: (A) joins an established practice of a health care provider or provider group that has a contract with a Medicaid managed care organization to provide health care services to recipients under Chapter 540 or 540A; or (B) is employed by or otherwise compensated for providing training at an institution of higher education described by Subsection (a)(4); (2) applies to be an enrolled Medicaid provider; (3) if applicable, complies with the requirements of the contract described by Subdivision (1)(A); and (4) complies with all other applicable requirements related to being a Medicaid provider. (c) The commission may not prevent an institution of higher education from enrolling as a Medicaid provider if the institution: (1) has a contract with a managed care organization to provide health care services to recipients under Chapter 540 or 540A; (2) applies to be an enrolled Medicaid provider; (3) complies with the requirements of the contract described by Subdivision (1); and (4) complies with all other applicable requirements related to being a Medicaid provider.