The following legislative and state agency health care hearings have been scheduled between August 30 and September 19.
9/2/2014
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 2, 2014 – 09:00 AM
Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room, 4900 North Lamar Blvd., Austin
Proposed amendment to rules concerning Prohibition on Children's Health Insurance Program Balance Billing. Health and Human Services Commission will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed amended rules §370.4 under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 370, Subchapter A, Definitions, and §370.453 under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 370, Subchapter E, Balance Billing. The proposed amendment was published in the July 18, 2014, issue of the Texas Register. See 39 Tex. Reg. 5489 (July 18, 2014). The comments period ended on August 18, 2014.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 2, 2014 – 01:30 PM
Daybreak, 7401 West Cleburne Rd., Fort Worth
STAR+PLUS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Provider Training. Beginning September 1, 2014, certain individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are covered by Medicaid will receive their basic medical services, or acute care, through a STAR+PLUS managed care health plan. Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is holding provider trainings across the state to educate providers who serve individuals with IDD on STAR+PLUS managed care and what changes to expect. Tarrant service area managed care organizations will be present to answer questions. You can learn more about the expansion of managed care here: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/managed-care/mmc.shtml. 1. STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care program overview 2. Delivery of acute care services for the following people through STAR+PLUS: a. People who live in community-based intermediate care facilities for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions (ICF-IID) b. People who receive services in a Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) IDD waiver, including: i. Home and Community-based Services ii. Community Living Assistance and Support Services iii. Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities iv. Texas Home Living 3. Coordination of acute care services through STAR+PLUS and long-term services and supports through DADS 4. Questions and Answers 5. Adjourn Contact: Heather Kuhlman, Communications Specialist, HHSC, 512-462-6356, Heather.Kuhlman@hhsc.state.tx.us.
9/3/2014
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee
September 3, 2014 – 08:30 AM
Board Room, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1200 E. Anderson Lane, Austin
The Oversight Committee may discuss or take action regarding any item on this agenda, and as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 et seq., may meet in closed session concerning any and all purposes permitted by the Act. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call/Excused Absences 3. Contract Terms for Product Development Grants 4. Program Priorities Project – Measures of Success for CPRIT – Prevention Program Priorities – Scientific Research Program Priorities – Product Development Program Priorities – Cross Program Priorities 5. Public Comment 6. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Wayne Roberts, 512/463-3190
Department of State Health Services
September 3, 2014 – 10:00 AM
909 West 45th Street, Building 552, Austin
Local Authority Network Advisory Committee Teleconference The Committee will meet in a telephone conference call meeting to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Public Comment Approval of Minutes Update on status of revisions to 25 TAC, Chapter 412, Subchapter P (relating to Provider Network Development) Update on status of Sunset Commission recommendations (Issue 2.3 and Issue 2.6) Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Tamara Allen, 512/206-5007
House Committee on Human Services
September 3, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Capitol Extension Building, Room E2.030, Austin
The committee will meet to take invited and public testimony on the following interim charge: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee.s jurisdiction, including implementation of the Balancing Incentives Program and relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. Additional Information Contact: Rep. Raymond, 512/463-0558
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 3, 2014 – 02:00 PM
John H. Winters Building, Public Hearing Room, 701 West 51st St., Austin
Proposed draft state plan amendment to implement Community First Choice program. Conference Line (Listen Only)1-877-226-9790 Access code: 6677111. Effective September 1, 2014, this building and campus are smoke-free. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property. Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on transmittal number 14-026 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment would implement the Community First Choice (CFC) program. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. CFC Presentation 3. Review of Draft CFC State Plan Amendment and Draft Program Rules 4. Public comment 5. Adjourn Proposal. HHSC proposes to implement the CFC program under section 1915(k) of the Social Security Act. CFC services would be provided at an enhanced federal match rate to individuals who have a physical or intellectual disability, who meet categorical coverage requirements for Medicaid or meet financial eligibility for home and community-based services, and who meet an institutional level of care. The requested effective date for the proposed amendment is March 1, 2015. Methodology and Justification. Texas Government Code §534.152(a)(1), adopted in 2013, requires HHSC to "implement the most cost-effective option for the delivery of basic attendant and habilitation services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program that maximizes federal funding for the delivery of services for that program and other similar programs." See Act of May 26, 2013, 83d Legislature, Regular Session, chapter 1310, §1.01, 2013 Texas General Laws 3409, 3416. Texas Government Code §534.152(a)(2) requires voluntary training to individuals receiving services under the STAR + PLUS Medicaid managed care program or their legally authorized representatives regarding how to select, manage, and dismiss personal attendants providing basic attendant and habilitation services under the program. CFC is available under federal law and lets states provide home and community-based attendant services to Medicaid enrollees with disabilities under their State Plan. See 42 United States Code §1396n(k). This option became available on October 1, 2011, and provides a six percent increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for expenditures related to this option. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a Final Rule on May 7, 2012, and regulations are in effect as of July 6, 2012. See 42 Code of Federal Regulations part 441, subpart K. Briefing Package. The briefing package is linked above (see agenda items two and three). Those interested may also obtain a copy of the draft proposed amendment and draft program rules before the hearing by contacting Policy Development Support by telephone at 512-428-1932; by fax at 512-730-7472; or by email at Berengere.Dutra@hhsc.state.tx.us. The briefing package also will be available at the public hearing. Written Comments. Written comments regarding the proposed amendment may be submitted instead of or in addition to oral testimony. Written comments may be sent by United States mail to Health and Human Services Commission, Policy Development Support Department, Mail Code H-600, Post Office Box 85200, Austin, Texas 78708-5200; by fax to Policy Development at 512-730-7472; or by email to Berengere.Dutra@hhsc.state.tx.us. In addition, written comments may be sent by overnight mail or hand delivered to Health and Human Services Commission, Policy Development Support Department, Mail Code H-600, 4900 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78751.
9/4/2014
House Committee on Appropriations
September 4, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Capitol Extension Building, Room E1.030, Austin
The House Appropriations Committee will meet to discuss the Strategic Fiscal Review directive given to the Committee by the Speaker of the House. This hearing will be organizational in nature and provide an overview in order to lay the groundwork for future hearings regarding this charge. The Committee will hear invited testimony only. Additional Information Contact: Rep. Jim Pitts, 512/463-0516
House Committee on State Affairs
September 4, 2014 – 10:30 AM
John H. Reagan Building, Room 140, Austin
The committee will meet to hear invited testimony to address the following interim charges: 1. Study the methods state agencies use for planning for investment in future infrastructure. Specifically, review how agencies determine what investments in infrastructure will be necessary to meet the state's demands and facilitate continued economic expansion. Review how agencies determine the costs and benefits associated with future infrastructure investment to ensure that the citizens of the state are receiving the best value and what other factors agencies use to make investment decisions. 4. Review state agency contracting with businesses seeking to provide goods and services to the state. Study the procedures agencies use to determine the costs versus benefits when evaluating proposals. Determine whether additional disclosure and reporting requirements are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability and to promote ethical business practices. 5. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committees jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should: a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens; b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate; c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner; and d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs. Additional Information Contact: Rep. Byron Cook, 512/463-0730
9/5/2014
Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
September 5, 2014 – 09:00 AM
333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin
1. Call to Order 2. Public comment 3. Approval of Minutes of June 13, 2014 4. Discussion and possible action on Executive Director's Report concerning fiscal and budgetary matters, performance measures, ongoing projects, agency personnel matters, upcoming legislative session, and other agency business 5. Investigation Committee Report A. Review and possible action on Agreed Orders for cases: #14-002; 14-069; 14-097; 14-098; 14-103; 14-104; 14-105; 14-106; 14-115; 14-118; 14-122; 14-140; and 14-159 B. Discussion and possible action on the Investigation Committee Meetings of August 22, 2014 C. Discussion and possible action on investigative activities to date 6. Discussion and possible action on adopting changes to proposed 367.2, Categories of Education, and 367.3, Continuing Education Audit 7. Discussion and possible action on the OT Coordinator's Report. The Coordinator's Report may concern any items listed on the agenda and events that have occurred between this meeting and the Board's last meeting. 8. Election of Board Secretary 9. Discussion and possible action on the Presiding Officer's Report. The Presiding Officer's report may concern any item listed on the agenda and events that have occurred between this meeting and the Board's last meeting. 10. Discussion and possible action on scheduling future board meeting dates and agenda items for future consideration 11. Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Lea Weiss, 512/305-6900
Texas Board of Nursing
September 5, 2014 – 10:00 AM
333 Guadalupe Street, Austin
Texas Board of Nursing Delegation Task Force – Chapter 224 September 5, 2014 10:00am to 3:00pm Hobby Building 333 Guadalupe Room 225, Tower II Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda I. Welcome II. Introductions III. Review and Approval of July 30, 2014 Meeting Minutes IV. Discussion of Draft for RN Delegation Rules in Chapter 224 V. Next meeting: To be determined VI. Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Bonnie Cone, 512/305-6840
Department of State Health Services
September 5, 2014 – 10:30 AM
Department of State Health Services, Tower Building, Room T-609, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin
Interagency Council for Genetic Services The Council will meet to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Call to order Welcome and Introductions Approval of July 14, 2014 Minutes Representative Reports/Updates: -Texas Department of Insurance -Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services -University of Texas Health Science Centers -Public and Private Entities that Contract with Department of State Health Services -Department of State Health Services -Consumer Reports Transition Services Presentation – CSHCN Services Program Sunset Review Update Public Comment Confirm next meeting date, discuss and accept items for future meeting agenda.
Additional Information Contact: Monica Molina, 512/776-3386
9/8/2014
Department of State Health Services
September 8, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Brown Heatly Building, 4900 North Lamar, Room 1430, Austin
Texas School Health Advisory Committee The Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Call to Order-Jan Hungate, Ed.D., Presiding Officer Welcome and Introduction of New Members, Guests and Staff Approval of the Agenda-Jan Hungate Reading and Approval of the May 12, 2014 Minutes Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Revision of the Bullying Prevention Toolkit Robert Conlon, Ph.D. Review of the Revision Schedule Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Healthy School Environment Checklist Laurie Anderson "Teens and Technology" Presentation Ross Shegog, Ph.D., UT-School of Public Health Review of New Coordinated School Health Curricula Barney Fudge FY14-15 Fitnessgram Data Barney Fudge Agency Updates: Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of State Health Services Review of FY14 Annual Report Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Work Plan Development Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Agenda Topics for School Health Advisory Councils – Call for New Topics – Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Coordinated School Health Data Sets Call for New Websites Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Reminder of Next Meeting Date: November 10, 2014; Announcement of Meeting dates for 2015; Determine Agenda Topics for November meeting Jan Hungate, Ed.D. Public Comment Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Ellen Smith, 512/776-2140
9/9/2014
Texas Department of Insurance
September 9, 2014 – 01:30 PM
333 Guadalupe, Room 100, Austin
Independent Review Organization Advisory Group 1. Welcome 2. Introductions 3. Purpose a. Discussion of rule process b. Discussion of bill process 4. Vote on a chairperson for advisory group 5. Review and discussion of informal independent review organization rule text amendments prepared by TDI 6. Next Steps a. Discussion of advisory group meeting schedule 7. Public Comments.
Additional Information Contact: Debra Diaz-Lara, 512/322-4266
9/10/2014
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 10, 2014 – 09:00 AM
4900 N Lamar Blvd., Brown-Heatly Bldg., Public Hearing Rm, Austin
STAR Kids Managed Care Advisory Committee 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks a. Member introductions b. Approve meeting minutes from June 2, 2014 2. STAR Kids Updates 3. Additional Updates a. Member feedback b. Summary of other advisory committees 4. Discussion of home health promising practices 5. Public Comment 6. Determine Priorities and Possible Dates for future meetings 7. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: kate.volti@hhsc.state.tx.us
9/12/2014
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 12, 2014 – 10:00 AM
4900 N. Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly Bldg, Room 4501), Austin
Interagency Coordinating Council for HIV and Hepatitis (Council) 1. Welcome and introductions. 2. Presentation on Medicaid 1115 Waiver and Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Projects Relevant to the Council, Amanda Broden, Health and Human Services Commission. 3. Recap of 2014 Texas HIV-STD Conference and 2014 Texas Viral Hepatitis Summit, Shelley Lucas & Larry Cuellar, Department of State Health Services 4. Discussion on the 2015 Interagency Coordinating Council for HIV and Hepatitis Report. 5. Roundtable discussion on members' current agency initiatives related to HIV and Hepatitis. 6. Discussion and identification of future agenda items and potential dates for future meetings. 7. Public comment. 8. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Clare Seagraves, 512/424-6967
Texas Medical Disclosure Panel
September 12, 2014 – 10:30 AM
Department of State Health Services, Exchange Building, Room N-218, 8407 Wall Street, Austin
The Panel will meet to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Call to Order 1. Introduction of members and guests. 2. Approval of minutes from the April 25, 2014 meeting. 3. Discussion of robotic assisted surgery. 4. Review and discussion of comments received regarding proposed rules 601.2, 601.3, and 601.9 and approval to publish as adopted. 5. Discussion of plastic surgery procedures. 6. Discussion of power morcellation and occult malignancy in gynecologic surgery. 7. Discussion of FDA warning on corticosteroid injections. 8. Discussion related to when a consent form must be signed. 9. Continuation of the review of any other updates to 25 TAC s601.2 – s601.9. 10. Update regarding study on readability levels of consent forms/lists. 11. Public Comment. 12. Next meeting date. 13. Adjournment.
Additional Information Contact: beverly.grace@dshs.state.tx.us
9/15/2014
Senate Committee on State Affairs
September 15, 2014 – 8:00 AM
Capitol Extension Building, Hearing Room E1.012, Austin
The Committee will take up the following Interim Charges: Examine the negative economic impact on Texas business from legal issues involving threatened and actual patent litigation by "patent assertion entities" (PAEs). Consider the effects of PAE actions on innovation and economic development in Texas, paying particular attention to threats and lawsuits involving software and technology patent claims. Make recommendations on how the State of Texas can address problems related to frivolous legal actions and unsubstantiated patent claims asserted against legitimate business enterprises in light of the relevant federal jurisdiction, laws, regulations, and court rules in patent cases. Study the emerging negative impacts of the Federal Affordable Care Act, including the use of navigators, and make recommendations to mitigate any unintended consequences including rising health insurance premiums, lack of access to healthcare, mishandling of Texans' private information by insufficiently-trained navigators, and the Act's overall effect on Texas employers and insurance consumers. Evaluate free-market alternatives to the Act, including state-led proposals to repeal, reduce or replace the Act. Closely monitor and make recommendations on the continuation of the Texas Health Insurance Pool. Study and make recommendations on increasing medical price transparency in Texas, including studying the impact of SB 1731, 80th Legislative Session. Analyze relevant reforms considered or implemented in other states, and make recommendations regarding potential changes designed to create a more open marketplace for enhanced consumer decision making in Texas. Study and make recommendations relative to the structure of Texas Mutual Insurance Company and the residual market for workers' compensation insurance in Texas. Testimony will be limited to three minutes. Additional Information Contact: Sen. Craig Estes, 512/463-0130
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 15, 2014 – 10:00 AM
2405 Robert Dedman Dr. (UT Thompson Conf. Ctr., Rm. 3.102), Austin
Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Work Group Meeting (IHCQE) 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Staff Update 3. Expanded Access to Care Panel Discussion 4. Recess (Break) 5. Other topic area progress (if necessary) a. Value Based Care b. Serious and Persistent Mental Illness c. Health Literacy d. Administrative simplification 6. Public Comment 7. Review of staff action follow-up items prior to next meeting 8. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Jimmy Blanton, 512/380-4372
9/16/2014
Senate Committee on State Affairs
September 16, 2014 – 8:00 AM
Capitol Extension Building, Hearing Room E1.012, Austin
The Committee will take up the following Interim Charges: Examine possible measures to protect the personal privacy of Texas residents from governmental and commercial surveillance, including: (1) any necessary limits on warrantless search and seizure of data from electronic devices and wireless providers, including digital content and geolocational data; (2) any necessary protections against non-consented video and audio recordings collected by private handheld and wearable mobile devices and other private surveillance; and (3) any necessary limits on warrantless monitoring of the physical location of individuals through the use of biometrics, RFID chips, facial recognition, or other technologies. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states. Review the types and scope of personal data collected by governmental and commercial entities and consider methods to minimize the government's collection of data on its citizens. The study should include: (1) whether sufficient protections exist for DNA samples and information, including whether there should be a prohibition on the creation of DNA databases, except for felons and sex offenders; (2) methods to protect the privacy of gun owners from aggregated purchasing pattern tracking; (3) mechanisms to ensure that private health care information is properly protected; and (4) ways to ensure that previously anonymous data is not improperly re-identified and marketed. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states. Examine possible reforms designed to increase citizens' ability to know what data is being collected about them by governmental and commercial entities and with whom that data is being shared, including an analysis of consumer informed consent. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states. Study the online legislative resources available to the public from Texas Senate Committee websites and compare resources to those provided by other state legislative committees in Texas and other states. Determine how Texas Senate websites can be improved to provide a more interactive and transparent government. Testimony will be limited to three minutes. Additional Information Contact: Sen. Craig Estes, 512/463-0130
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