Below is a list of legislative and state agency health care hearings scheduled between March 28 and April 17.
 
3/30/2015
 
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
March 30, 2015 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E1.016, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: SB 949 – Uresti,                  
Relating to the release of certain child fatality and near fatality information for abused or neglected children. SB 1214 – Taylor, Van, Relating to the use of human remains for forensic science education, including the training of search and rescue animals. SB 1618 – Estes, Relating to certain nicotine products other than cigarettes or tobacco products, including the sale or marketing of nicotine products to minors, the possession or use of those nicotine products by minors, and to delivery sales of those nicotine products; creating an offense. Contact: Meagan Kirby (512) 463-0360
 
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 Council 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
 
House Human Services Committee
March 30, 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 679 – Turner, Sylvester, Relating to a study on homeless youth.  HB 873 – Sanford, Relating to the publication of certain information regarding the vocational rehabilitation program on the Internet. HB 2084 – Muñoz Jr., Relating to transparency in the STAR Medicaid managed care rate-setting process. HB 3327 – Alvarado | et al, Relating to a grant program to fund domestic violence high risk teams. HB 967 – Crownover, Relating to a pilot project to evaluate the use of radio frequency identification technology to transmit information regarding residents of certain group homes. HB 993 – Walle | et al. Relating to employee caseload standards for child and adult protective services and child-care licensing services and call processing standards for certain of those services. HB 1769 – Zerwas, Relating to prohibited resident admission requirements before certain inspections of an assisted living facility license applicant. HB 1776 – Kuempel, Relating to the abolishment of the interagency task force on electronic benefits transfers. HB 1998 – Coleman, Relating to the definition of "non-physician mental health professional" for purposes of the Texas Mental Health Code. HB 1852 – Naishtat | et al. Relating to certain assessments for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. HB 843 – Naishtat, 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. HB 2283 – Guillen, Relating to entities exempt from regulation as a boarding home facility. HB 3035 – Martinez, "Mando", Relating to a study on the savings to the state achieved by the expansion of Medicaid managed care in regards to the provision of prescription drugs and other pharmacy benefits. HB 1180 – Burkett | et al., Relating to establishment of a child-care facility database on the Department of Family and Protective Services' Internet website. Contact: Jim Terrell (512) 463-0786
 
3/31/2015
 
House Public Health Committee
March 31, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E2.012, Austin
 
The committee will hear invited testimony from State Academic Health Leaders on Improving Health in Texas. Contact: Rudy England (512) 463-0806
 
House Ways & Means Committee
March 31, 2015 – 08:30 AM
Capitol Extension, Room E2.010, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bill, among others: HB 1905 – Springer, Relating to the repeal of certain alcoholic beverage taxes and the tax on controlled substances. Contact: Jennifer Raab (512) 463-0822
 
Texas Medical Board
March 31, 2015 – 01:30 PM
333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 610, Austin
 
Disciplinary Committee 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Consideration of the Cease and Desist hearing of Dale Southerland, pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, s165.052(a). 4. Adjourn.  Additional Information Contact: Sandra Ramirez-Carbajal, 512/305-7111
 
4/1/2015
 
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
April 1, 2015 – 08:00 AM
Texas Capitol, Senate Chamber, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills: SB 354 РNelson, Relating to the transfer to the Health and Human Services Commission of contracting authority for children's advocacy centers and volunteer advocate programs. SB 914 РKolkhorst, Relating to a council on long-term care facility surveys and informal dispute resolution. SB 1018 РHancock, Relating to the provision of direct primary care. SB 1324 РMen̩ndez, Relating to food and beverage consumption in certain public swimming pools. SB 1507 РGarcia | et al. Relating to the appointment of a forensic medical director responsible for statewide coordination and oversight of forensic mental health services provided by the Department of State Health Services. SB 1753 РCampbell, Relating to the identification requirements of certain health care providers associated with a hospital. Contact: Meagan Kirby (512) 463-0360
 
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
 
4/2/2015

 
Texas Medical Board
April 2, 2015 – 09:00 AM
333 Guadalupe, Lobby Area, Room 100, Austin
 
Disciplinary Panel 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call. 3. Consideration of the Application for Temporary Suspension With Notice pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, s164.059, of the license of Abraham K. Peringol, M.D., License No. N3989. 4. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: Laura Fleharty, 512/305-7174
 
House County Affairs Committee
April 2, 2015 – 10:30 AM or upon final adjournment
Capitol Extension E2.016, Austin
 
The committee will meet to take up and consider the following bills, among others: HB 2809 – Anderson, Charles "Doc" | et al. Relating to the creation and operations of health care provider participation programs in certain counties. HB 2476 – Guerra, Relating to the repeal of the statutory provision regarding the abolishment of health care funding districts in certain counties located on the Texas-Mexico border. HB 3185 – Raney, Relating to the creation of county health care funding districts in certain counties. HB 2519 – Coleman, Relating to expenditures made by emergency services districts and the sale of district property. Contact: Katy Reagan (512) 463-0760
 
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 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
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 10, 2015 – 09:00 AM
4900 North Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly Bldg., Public Hearing Room), Austin
 
Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council 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 and determination of quorum. 2. Welcome and introductions. 3. Approval of January 9, 2015, Minutes (vote required *). 4. Report by the Chair. 5. Member activity reports and announcements. 6. Committee Reports and Assignments: a. Membership Committee b. Education and Resources Committee c. Legislative Committee d. Pediatric and Young Adult Outcomes Committee 7. Acceptance of Committee Reports (vote required *). 8. Report by the Office of Acquired Brain Injury. 9. Guest Speaker on Long Term Brain Injury Services. 10. General Public Comment. 11. Adjourn. *Public comment will be taken on this agenda item. Additional Information Contact: Gabi Teal, 512/706-7319
 
4/13/2015

 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 13, 2015 – 10:30 AM
6330 East Highway 290 (ITT Institute Bldg., Theory/Classrooms #3 and #4), Austin
 
Perinatal Advisory Council 1. Welcome. 2. Approval of the Minutes. (Meeting February 11, 2015) 3. Status of Draft Rules proposed for Neonatal Levels of Care. 4. Discussion on Maternal Levels of Care. 5. Lunch. (Recess) 6. Discussion on Maternal Level of Care. 7. Public Comment. 8. Set agendas, dates, times and locations of upcoming meetings in 2015. 9. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: David Williams, 512/380-4374
 
4/16/2015
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 16, 2015 – 09:00 AM
4900 North Lamar Blvd. (HHSC, Brown-Heatly Bldg., Public Conference Room), Austin
 
Promoting Independence Advisory Committee 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. Welcome and Introductions. 2. 84th Legislative Session Update. 3. Senate Bill 7 Implementation Update. a. Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Assessment. b. Nursing Facility Carve-In. c. Community First Choice. d. Dual Demonstration Project. 4. STAR+PLUS Waiver Interest List Update. 5. Employment First Task Force Update. 6. State Supported Living Center Update. 7. Public Comment. 8. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: April Young, 512/424-6911
 
Texas Board of Nursing
April 16, 2015 – 02:00 PM
333 Guadalupe Street, Austin
 
Board of Nursing for the state of Texas. notice of public hearing for Consideration of a Proposal from Carrington College To Establish An Associate Degree Nursing Education Program in Mesquite, Texas Date and Time: April 16, 2015 at 2 PM Place: Hobby Building 333 Guadalupe Street Tower 2, Room 225 Austin, Texas The Board will hear testimony from individuals who wish to present information concerning the proposal. Written testimony will also be considered and should be received in the Board's office by April 1, 2015. Address written testimony to: Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN, Executive Director Texas Board of Nursing 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 3-460 Austin, Texas 78701-3942. Additional Information Contact: Virginia Ayars, 512/305-7660
 
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