The department is specifically authorized by law to distribute anti-rabies biologicals and to receive reimbursement for the cost of the distribution.

1. (1) Options for reimbursement will be in accordance with policies set by the Immunizations Division, Texas Department of Health, and are as follows:

   1. (A) Payment at time of issue. Arrangements for payment must be complete at the time of issuance of the anti-rabies biologicals, including options for monthly payments and/or third party coverage, or payment in full at the time of receipt. The regional director is responsible for ensuring that payment arrangements are made.
   2. (B) Inability to pay. The regional director will accept, in lieu of payment, a certificate signed by the patient that the patient is unable to pay in whole or part the cost of the biologicals and has no third party or other alternate source to provide payment.
2. (2) Refusal to pay. The department shall have the right to seek reimbursement in the event of a refusal to pay by a patient, or by his or her third-party coverage or other legally obligated source. A county or district attorney or the Texas attorney general, upon request of a department, may initiate suit or other proceeding in the county of the recipient's residence against the recipient, the parent, guardian, or other person or persons legally responsible for the support of the recipient or against responsible third parties.

Source Note:The provisions of this §97.124 adopted to be effective March 5, 1982, 7 TexReg 743; amended to be effective February 5, 1998, 23 TexReg 756.