Relating to the authority of certain medical consenters to assume financial responsibility for certain out-of-network medical care provided to children in foster care.

HB 3396 allows foster children's medical consenters (such as foster parents or guardians) to pay for out-of-network medical care - including behavioral health services - for foster children, rather than relying solely on Medicaid. This applies when the consenter engages an out-of-network provider directly, and the state (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services) is not liable for these costs. The bill clarifies that this does not restrict foster children's access to standard Medicaid benefits or in-network care. It also requires medical consenters to notify caseworkers within 10 business days of providing such care, ensuring records are added to the child's health passport.