TMPPM 2008 > Texas Medicaid Services > Family Planning Services > Guidelines for Family Planning Providers

20.4 Guidelines for Family Planning Providers

Family planning services are provided by a physician or under physician direction, not necessarily personal supervision. A physician provides direction for family planning services through written standing delegation orders and medical protocols. The physician is not required to be on the premises for the provision of family planning services by an RN, PA, NP, or CNS. Medicaid clients, including limited and managed care clients, are allowed to choose any enrolled family planning service provider.

Family planning clients must be allowed freedom of choice in the selection of contraceptive methods as medically appropriate. They must also be allowed the freedom to accept or reject services without coercion. Services must be provided without regard to age, marital status, sex, race/ethnicity, parenthood, handicap, religion, national origin, or contraceptive preference. Only family planning clients, not their parents, spouses, or any other individuals, may consent to the provision of family planning services funded by Title X, XIX, or combined X and XX funds; however, counseling should be offered to adolescents that encourages them to discuss their family planning needs with a parent, an adult family member, or other trusted adult. For family planning services provided by Title V- or Title XX-only clinics, the consent of a parent or other adult is governed by the Texas Family Code, Section 32. For more information, visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/famplan/contractor/rider13.shtm.