Relating to access to criminal history record information that relates to providers and provider applicants under Medicaid and other public benefits programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

SB 1640 would expand background checks for Medicaid providers and applicants by requiring the Health and Human Services Commission to access criminal history records for specific individuals. It directly affects current Medicaid providers and those applying to join the program, including people with 5% or more ownership interest, mortgage holders with 5%+ stakes in provider property, officers/directors of corporate providers, partners in partnership providers, and managing employees. The bill clarifies that providers must disclose these individuals' criminal history records as part of enrollment and eligibility requirements under Medicaid and other public benefits programs. This change modifies existing Texas law to align with federal regulations regarding provider background checks.