Below is a list of legislative and state agency health care hearings scheduled between March 20 and April 10.
 
3/23/2015
 
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
March 23, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: SB 200 – Nelson | et al., Relating to the continuation and functions of the Health and Human Services Commission and the provision of health and human services in this state. SB 202 – Nelson | et al., Relating to the Department of State Health Services, the provision of health services in this state, and the regulation of certain health-related occupations and activities. SB 204 – Hinojosa | et al., Relating to the functions and operations of the Department of Aging and Disability Services; increasing penalties. SB 206 – Schwertner | et al., Relating to the functions of the Department of Family and Protective Services and procedures applicable to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations of child abuse and neglect, and conservatorship of a child; affecting fee amounts and authorizing an administrative penalty. SB 207 – Hinojosa | et al., Relating to the authority and duties of the office of inspector general of the Health and Human Services Commission. SB 212  – Birdwell | et al., Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts. SB 277 – Schwertner, Relating to the abolition of certain health-related task forces, work groups, advisory councils, and advisory committees. Contact; Meagan Kirby (512) 463-0360
 
Department of State Health Services
March 23, 2015 – 02:00 PM
Moreton Building, Conference Room M-101, 1100 West 49th St, Austin
 
Public Health Funding and Policy Committee The Committee will meet in a telephone conference call meeting to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda. Members of the public may access the meeting via conference call 1-877-820-7831, passcode 899597; or attend in person at the address reflected in this posting. Welcome/Call to Order 1. Approval of February 11th and February 23rd, 2015 Meeting Minutes* 2. Core Services Process Workgroup Update 3. Public Health Emergency Preparedness Funding Formula Options Discussion* 4. Ebola/Infectious Disease Funding Sustainability Discussion* 5. Chronic Disease 1115A Waiver Discussion* 6. General Public Comment 7. Agenda Items for Next Meeting* 8. Future Meeting Dates/Locations* Adjourn *Denotes Action Items. Additional Information Contact: Glenna Laughlin, 512/776-7111
 
House Human Services Committee
March 23, 2015 – 02:00 PM or upon adjournment
Capitol Extension, Room E2.030, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: HB 1678 – Raymond | et al., Relating to the continuation and functions of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. HB 2510 – Price, Relating to the Department of State Health Services, the provision of health services in this state, and the regulation of certain health-related occupations and activities. HB 2699 – Raymond, Relating to the functions and operations of the Department of Aging and Disability Services; increasing penalties. Contact: Jim Terrell (512) 463-0786
 
3/24/2015
 

Senate Business & Commerce Committee
March 24, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: SB 94 – Hinojosa | et al., Relating to certain fees charged for the adjudication of pharmacy benefit claims. SB 332 – Schwertner, Relating to the use of maximum allowable cost lists related to pharmacy benefits. SB 425 – Schwertner | et al., Relating to health care information provided by and notice of facility fees charged by certain freestanding emergency medical care facilities and the availability of mediation. SB 481 – Hancock, Relating to notice and availability of mediation for balance billing by a facility-based physician. SB 979 – Creighton, Relating to individual indemnity health insurance. SB 1176 – Eltife, Relating to the authority and rights of pharmacy services administrative organizations to conduct the business of independent pharmacies with respect to certain pharmacy benefits. Contact: Brady Faglie (512) 463-0365
 
House Public Health Committee
March 24, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E2.012, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: HB 21 – Kacal | et al., Relating to authorizing patients with certain terminal illnesses to access certain investigational drugs, biological products, and devices that are in clinical trials. HB 81 – Guillen, Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of nicotine products and cigarettes; authorizing a fee; creating offenses. HB 646 – Collier | et al., Relating to regulation of vapor products and cigarettes; creating offenses; authorizing fees. HB 647 – Isaac, Relating to prohibiting the sale of nicotine products to minors; creating an offense. HB 970 – Paddie, Relating to prohibiting the sale of nicotine products to minors; creating an offense. HB 1945 – Bonnen, Greg, Relating to the provision of direct primary care. HB 2171 – Sheffield, Relating to information maintained in the immunization registry with the consent of an individual after the individual becomes an adult. HB 2321 – Longoria, Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of vapor products; authorizing a fee; creating offenses. HB 2474 – Sheffield, Relating to requirements for and the transparency of epidemiological reports and immunization exemption information and reports. HB 3332 – Clardy, Relating to the authority of certain public hospitals to construct certain facilities and to provide certain services. Contact: Rudy England (512) 463-0806

House Ways & Means Committee
March 24, 2015 – 08:30 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E2.010, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: HB 633 – Bonnen, Greg, Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for certain health care supplies. HB 2506 – Parker, Relating to an exemption for certain tangible personal property related to medical data centers from the sales and use tax. Contact: Jennifer Raab (512) 463-0822
 
3/25/2015
 
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
March 25, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Texas Capitol, Senate Chamber, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: SB 195 – Schwertner, Relating to information relating to prescriptions for certain controlled substances. SB 359 – West | et al., Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities to temporarily detain a person with mental illness. SB 723 – Perry, Relating to mandatory participation in certain TANF employment and other programs by certain persons. SB 785 – Uresti, Relating to a prohibition on a resident admission requirement for on-site inspections of assisted living facility license applicants. SB 1117 – Zaffirini, Relating to housing services provided through the transitional living services program to certain children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. SB 1385 – Schwertner, Relating to the authorization of the imposition of administrative penalties on providers participating in certain Medicaid waiver programs. SB 1406 – Schwertner, Relating to the protection of certain children through the operation of the child safety check alert list. SB 1407 – Schwertner, Relating to encouraging age-appropriate normalcy activities for children in the managing conservatorship of the state. Contact: Meagan Kirby (512) 463-0360
 
Department of State Health Services
March 25, 2015 – 10:00 AM
ITT Technical Institute, 6330 Highway 290 East, Suite 150, Austin
 
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee of the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) The Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act the following agenda: Call to Order/Roll Call Discussion and possible action on the following item: 1. Review entirety of Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMS rules at Title 25 of Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 157, including DSHS staff's draft proposed revisions/amendments to 25 TAC Chapter 157: Sections 157.11, entitled: Requirements for an EMS Provider License; 157.12, entitled: Rotor-wing Air Ambulance Operations; 157.13, entitled: Fixed-wing Air Ambulance Operations; 157.14, entitled: Requirements for a First Responder Organization License; 157.16, entitled: Emergency Suspension, Suspension, Probation, Revocation or Denial of a Provider License; 157.32, entitled: EMS Education Program and Course Approval; 157.33, entitled: Certification; 157.34; entitled: Recertification; 157.36; entitled: Criteria for Denial and Disciplinary Actions for EMS Personnel and Applicants and Voluntary Surrender of a Certification; 157.38; entitled: Continuing Education; 157.40, entitled: Paramedic Licensure; 157.43, entitled: Course Coordinator Certification; and consider providing input on proposed revisions or amendments. General Public Comment (Comment time may be limited at Chair's discretion) Summary of this meeting for the May 2015 quarterly GETAC meeting Announcements Review and list agenda items for next meeting Next Meeting Date Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Phil Lockwood, 512/776-2780
 
House State Affairs Committee
March 25, 2015 – 10:30 AM
Reagan Building, Room JHR 140, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: HB 881 – Dukes, Relating to outsourcing a service performed by a health and human services agency to a private commercial contractor. Contact: Toni Barcellona (512) 463-0814
 
House Insurance Committee
March 25, 2015 – 02:00 PM or upon adjournment
Capitol Extension, Room E2.036, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: HB 1948 – Meyer, Relating to individual indemnity health insurance. HB 2505 – Clardy, Relating to health benefit plan coverage for abuse-deterrent opioid analgesic drugs. HB 2813 – King, Ken | et al., Relating to health benefit plan coverage for ovarian cancer screening. Contact: Jesse Sifuentez (512) 463-0788
 
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee
March 25, 2015 – 06:00 PM
Texas State Capitol Extension 1400 N. Congress Ave., Auditorium E1.004, 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. Preview Screening of Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies 3. Panel Discussion by Cancer Research and Prevention Experts 4. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Kristen Doyle, 512/463-3190
 
3/26/2015
 
House County Affairs Committee
March 26, 2015 – 10:30 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E2.016, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: HB 2068 – Coleman, Relating to automatic employee participation in and administration of a deferred compensation plan provided by hospital districts. HB 2913 – Aycock | et al., Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties. HB 2280 – VanDeaver, Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties. Contact: Katy Reagan (512) 463-0760
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
March 26, 2015 – 02:00 PM
701 West 51st St. (DADS, Winters Bldg., Room 560W), Austin
 
Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee Housing Subcommittee 1. Welcome and Introductions. 2. Approval of Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee, Housing Subcommittee Meeting Minutes from February 26, 2015. 3. Review and Discussion of Recommendations Adopted by Other Committees. a. Promoting Independence Advisory Committee (PIAC) b. Housing and Health Services Coordination Council (HHSCC) c. Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities d. Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) 4. Discuss and Set Agenda Items for April 29, 2015, meeting. 5. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Laura Gold, 512/438-5986
 
3/27/2015
 
Texas Medical Board
March 27, 2015 – 09:00 AM
333 Guadalupe, Tower II, Suite 225, Austin
 
Texas Physician Health Program Board. Agenda item numbers are assigned for ease of reference only and do not necessarily reflect the order of their consideration by the Board. Call to Order; Roll Call; Welcome Agenda Item 1 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding January 30, 2015 Board meeting minutes. Agenda Item 2 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding case advisory panels, case reviews, proposed agreement terminations and modifications. Agenda Item 3 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding the scheduling and procedures of TXPHP Governing Board meetings. Agenda Item 4 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding program operations. a) Status of program enrollment to date and related information b) Budget update c) Legal Update d) Listing Governing Board Members on the Texas Medical Board website Agenda Item 5 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding TXPHP Sunset Review, including statutory amendments to expand the participant population to residents, medical and physician assistant students, and individuals intending to apply for licensure. Agenda Item 6 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding length of agreements for participants with substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, and physical disorders. Agenda Item 7 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding the TXPHP Advisory Committee process, activities, and membership. Agenda Item 8 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding TXPHP guidelines for agreements with health and rehabilitation centers and sending out data questionnaires and making site visits. Agenda Item 9 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding TXPHP outreach activities. Agenda Item 10 Discussion, recommendations, and possible action regarding upcoming Board meetings, member rotation, and possible agenda topics. Agenda Item 11 Open forum for public comments. Executive Session The Board may close the meeting to the public and continue in executive session for the following reasons: a. Private consultation and advice of legal counsel concerning pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client privilege under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code. b. Deliberations concerning the appointment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.074, Government Code. While in executive session, the Board will not take any action, make any decision, or vote with regard to any matter that may be considered or discussed. A certified agenda of any executive session will be made. Additional Information Contact: 512/305-7010
 
Department of State Health Services
March 27, 2015 – 10:00 AM
Moreton Building, Conference Room #M-204, 1100 W 49th Street, Austin
 
Promotor(a) or Community Health Worker Training and Certification Advisory Committee teleconference Please check in with Security – someone will escort you to the Conference Room. Members of the public may also access the meeting through conference call and webinar. Via Conference Call (888) 438-5519, Conference Code 8007068. Conference Call Instructions: Dial and log in to webinar in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time using the conference phone number and conference code. Webinar Link: https://stateoftx-dshs.centurylinkccc.com/CenturylinkWeb/TitleVC W (Ctrl+Click) Webinar Instructions link: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mch/Advisory-Committee-Webinar-Instr ctions.shtm (Ctrl+Click) The Committee will meet in a telephone conference call meeting to discuss and possible act on the following agenda. Welcome and introductions Approval of minutes Public comment 2014 Annual Report Highlights 2015 CHW Advisory Committee Workgroups CHW Spotlight: DSHS CHW Regional Meeting – CHW "Dolls" Fredericksburg, Texas February 11, 2015 Program Update CHW Training and Certification Program Proposed Rules- Public Comment Committee Business: -Review and recommend to DSHS applications for certification of training institutions Committee Member Updates New business for consideration at next meeting Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Beatrice Smith, 512/776-7111
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
March 27, 2015 – 10:00 AM
4900 North Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly Bldg., Rm 4501), Austin
 
Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters 1. Call to order. 2. Approval of minutes from the January 23, 2015 meeting. (vote required) 3. Discussion of ASTM International standards for interpreting. 4. Discussion on disseminating information on the committee recommendations to the Executive Commissioner about qualifications for healthcare translators and interpreters, pursuant to Texas Government Code s531.706. 5. Public comment. 6. Discuss goals and work plan of the committee for 2015. 7. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Paula Traffas, 512/438-2944
 
3/30/2015
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
March 30, 2015 – 01:00 PM
4900 N Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly, Public Hearing Room), Austin
 
STAR+PLUS Quality This meeting will be webcast. To access the webcast, go to http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/meetings.asp the day and time of the meeting. 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Approval of the August 18, 2014 meeting minutes. 4. Agency update. a. Long term services and supports quality measures b. Nursing facility quality measures c. Managed Care Organization Report Cards d. Community First Choice e. Nursing Facility Carve-in f. Duals Demonstration 5. Overview of National Core Indicators: Aging and Disabilities. 6. Discussion of council recommendations contained in the 2014 Annual Report to the Executive Commissioner. 7. Pending state legislation regarding STAR+PLUS quality. 8. Public Comment. 9. Discussion of future agenda items. 10. Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Charles Bredwell, 512/462-6337
 
4/1/2015
 
Department of State Health Services
April 1, 2015 – 10:00 AM
ITT Technical Institute, 6330 Highway 290 East, Theory/Classrooms #3 and #4, Austin
 
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Committee of the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) The Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Call to Order/Roll Call Discussion and possible action on the following items: 1. Review entirety of Department of State Health Services EMS rules at Title 25 of Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 157, including DSHS staff's draft proposed revisions/amendments to 25 TAC, Chapter 157: s157.2 entitled Definitions; s157.11 entitled Requirements for an EMS Provider License; s157.12 entitled Rotor-wing Air Ambulance Operations; s157.13 entitled Fixed-wing Air Ambulance Operations; s157.14 entitled Requirements for a First Responder Organization License; s157.16 entitled Emergency Suspension, Suspension, Probation, Revocation or Denial of a Provider License; s157.32 entitled EMS Education Program and Course Approval; s157.33 entitled Certification; s157.34 entitled Recertification; s157.36 entitled Criteria for Denial and Disciplinary Actions for EMS Personnel and Applicants and Voluntary Surrender of a Certificate; s157.38 entitled Continuing Education; s157.39 entitled Comprehensive Clinical Management Program Approval; s157.40 entitled Paramedic Licensure; and s157.43 entitled Course Coordinator Certification and consider providing input on proposed revisions or amendments. General Public Comment (Comment time may be limited at Chair's discretion) Summary of this meeting for the May 2015 quarterly GETAC meeting Announcements Review and list agenda items for next meeting Next Meeting Date Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Phil Lockwood, 512/834-6700 X 2032
 
4/7/2015
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 7, 2015 – 10:00 AM
2405 Robert Dedman Dr. (UT Thompson Conf. Ctr., Room 3.102), Austin
 
Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Full Board Meeting 1. Welcome and Introductions. 2. Staff Update.* (Vote May Be Taken) a. 84th Legislative Session b. Serious and Persistent Mental Illness Project Update c. Board Discussion 3. Health Literacy.* (Vote May Be Taken) a. Review objectives and strategies b. Board Discussion 4. Value-Based Care among All Payers.* (Vote May Be Taken) a. Review objectives and strategies b. Board Discussion 5. Lunch. (Recess) 6. Health Care Quality, Patient Safety, and Best Practices.* (Vote May Be Taken) a. Review objectives and strategies b. Board Discussion 7. Innovation in Health Care Delivery and Systems.* (Vote May Be Taken) a. Review objectives and strategies b. Board Discussion 8. Review of board or staff action items for follow-up prior to next meeting. 9. Adjourn. *Public comment will be taken on this agenda item. Additional Information Contact: Jimmy Blanton, 512/380-4372
 
4/9/2015
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 9, 2015 – 10:00 AM
701 West 51st St. (DADS, Winters Bldg., Public Hearing Rm), Austin
 
Medicaid Health Information Exchange Advisory Committee This meeting will be webcast. To access the webcast, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2857458462376482817 on April 9, 2015, at 10 a.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions. 2. Committee Minutes. (vote required)* 3. State and Federal Developments.* 4. Statewide Health Information Exchange Activities.* 5. Electronic Health Record Incentive Program and Meaningful Use.* 6. Update on Health and Human Services Health Information Exchange Policy.* 7. The State of Interoperability.* 8. Usability, Workflow, and Cognitive Support in Electronic Health Records: Lessons Learned From Office of the National Coordinator Funded Strategic Health Information Technology Advanced Research Projects Program.* 9. Public Comment. 10. Adjourn. *Public comment will be taken on this agenda item. Additional Information Contact: David Fulton, 512/462-6233
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 9, 2015 – 12:30 PM
4900 North Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly Bldg., Rm 1420), Austin
 
Employment First Task Force 1. Welcome and Introductions. 2. Review and Approval of January 15, 2015, Meeting Summary. 3. Public Comment. 4. Task Force Updates. a. New Member Introduction. b. Chair Webb Retirement. c. Update on Association of People Supporting Employment First, Texas Chapter. d. Employment First Task Force PowerPoint Presentation. e. Other Updates. 5. Updates from State Agencies. a. Update on Employment First Policy Adoption. b. Report from Department of Aging and Disability Services on Task Force Recommendations. c. Money Follows the Person Employment Pilot Update. d. Updates from Other State Agencies Regarding Task Force Recommendations. 6. Update on Policy Issues. 7. Education and Outreach Activities Discussion. 8. Next Meeting Date Discussion. 9. Announcements. 10. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Marc Mullins, 512/438-3641
 
4/10/2015
 
Department of State Health Services
April 10, 2015 – 09:00 AM
Coastal Bend Reg. Advisory Council, 1201 Laguna Shores, Corpus Christi
 
Education Committee of the Governor's EMS & Trauma Advisory Council The Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act on the following agenda: Call to Order/Roll Call Discussion and possible action on the following items: 1. Development of the Advanced Practice Paramedic/Community Health Paramedic curriculum. 2. Stroke specific continuing education objectives for EMS personnel certification and recertification. General Public Comment (Comment time may be limited at Chair's discretion) Summary of this meeting for the next GETAC meeting Members Announcements Review and list agenda items for next meeting Next Meeting Date Adjournment. Additional Information Contact: Phil Lockwood, 512/834-6700 X 2032
 
-End of Report-