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O.1 Guidelines for Women's Health Program Family Planning Providers
HHSC implemented a new family planning program, the Women's Health Program (WHP), in January 2007. The program was authorized by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) granted HHSC a demonstration waiver to operate WHP from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2011. The goal of the program is to expand access to family planning services to reduce unintended pregnancies in the eligible population. WHP participants receive a limited, family planning benefit that supports the goal of the program. WHP participants do not have access to full Medicaid coverage
WHP provides an annual family planning exam, family planning services, and contraception to women 18 to 44 years of age who are United States citizens or eligible immigrants and Texas residents with a net family income at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
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 a registered nurse (RN), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). WHP participants may receive services from any provider that participates in the WHP.
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. All Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved methods of contraception must be made available to the client, either directly or by referral to another provider of contraceptive services. 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 XIX.
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