The following legislative and state agency health care hearings have been scheduled between September 6 and September 26.
 
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
 
Health Professions Council
September 8, 2014 – 10:00 AM
333 Guadalupe, Ste 2-225, Austin
 
The following items many not necessarily be considered in the order they appear and HPC may act on any agenda item. i Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions, Review Agenda ii Announcements A. Consideration of Minutes from June 9, 2014 Action B. Technology Report – – ITSS Update – – Website Administrator Report Briefing C. Budget and Planning Report – 4th Quarter Review – Legislative Appropriations Request – o LBB/GOVOBP Report Briefing D. Training Committee – Business Continuity Planning and Training Upcoming Deadlines Briefing F. Public Comment – – Next Meeting Monday, December 1, 2014 G. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: John Monk, 512/305-8551
 
9/9/2014
 
Texas Board of Nursing

September 9, 2014 – 08:30 AM

333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin

 

Texas Board of Nursing Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee Meeting Agenda September 9, 2014 I. Call to order-8:30 a.m. II. Review of the agenda III. Review of the minutes: August 19, 2014 Committee Meeting; August 12, 2014, Emergency Meeting; August 18, 2014, Emergency Meeting; August 25, 2014, Emergency Meeting; IV. Staff recommendations V. The Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee of the Board will meet to consider and take action on petitioners. Additional Information Contact: Andrea Gonzalez, 512/305-6869

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
 
House Select Committee on Child Protection
September 10, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Reagan Building, Hearing Room 140, Austin
 
The Committee will meet to hear invited testimony from agencies that are participating in Border Support Operations. The Committee will meet to hear invited testimony from Sunset staff on recommendations related to child protection. The Committee will meet to hear invited and public testimony on the following issues related to child protection: Ongoing efforts to stabilize the Child Protective Services workforce, placing specific emphasis on improving work environment, enhancing the quality of supervision, and addressing the unique challenges facing different regions of the state. Contact: Pamela McPeters: 512-463-0506
 
Department of Aging and Disability Services
September 10, 2014 – 02:00 PM
701 West 51st St, John H. Winters Bldg., Public Hearing Rm, Austin
 
Aging and Disability Services Council – Work Session 1. Welcome and Call To Order 2. Commissioner Report on Sunset 3. Community Services Report 4. State Supported Living Centers (SSLC) Report 5. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: 512/438-4157
 
9/11/2014
 
Department of Aging and Disability Services
September 11, 2014 – 08:30 AM
701 W 51st St, John H. Winters Bldg., Public Hearing Room, Austin
 
Aging and Disability Services Council 1. Welcome and Call To Order 2. Approval of the Minutes of the June 12, 2014 Council Meeting 3. Commissioner's Quarterly Update – Activities – Special Recognition(s)/Announcement(s) – Staffing and Personnel 4. Public Comment 5. Recommendation to Propose: a. Recommendation to propose the repeal of Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 100, Miscellaneous b. Recommendation to propose an amendment to s3.101, Definitions; new Subchapter H, Consent for Treatment with Psychotropic Medication, consisting of 3.801 – 3.805, in 40 TAC Chapter 3, Responsibilities of State Facilities; and the repeal of subchapter I, Consent to Treatment with Psychotropic Medication – State Facilities, consisting of 8.201 – 8.209, in 40 TAC Chapter 8, Client Care – Intellectual Disability Services c. Recommendation to propose an amendment to 40 TAC s30.14, Certification of Terminal Illness and Record Maintenance, in Chapter 30, Medicaid Hospice Program 6. Adjourn. Additional Information Contact: 512/438-4157
 
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 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
 
Panel Meeting 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

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 15, 2014 – 02:00 PM
Winters Building , Public Hearing Room , 701 West 51st St., Austin
 
Proposed Rules for the Presumptive Medicaid Program. Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on proposed new rules and amendments to existing rules under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 366, concerning the implementation of changes for the Presumptive Medicaid Program. The proposed rules implement federal requirements for presumptive eligibility for Medicaid at 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §§435.1102, 435.1103, and 435.1110. Under amendments to the federal rules, hospitals now have the option to make presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women, children, parents and caretaker relatives, and former foster care children, regardless of whether the state chooses to provide presumptive eligibility for these groups. Currently, HHSC allows a qualified entity to make presumptive eligibility determinations for Medicaid for pregnant women only and, in accordance with Title 1, section 366.409, Medicaid for Breast an Cervical Cancer. The proposed rules allow a hospital that chooses to be a "qualified hospital" to determine eligibility for children, parents and caretaker relatives, and former foster care children (in addition to determining presumptive eligibility for pregnant women). The proposed rules also provide for full Medicaid coverage, on a presumptive eligibility basis, for children, parents and caretaker relatives, and former foster care children, and limited Medicaid coverage for pregnant women, in accordance with federal regulation. Presumptive eligibility for Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer is not affected by the proposed rules. Presumptive eligibility for Medicaid is short-term.  It begins the date the qualified hospital or entity determines the individual's eligibility  and ends on the date HHSC makes the determination for ongoing Medicaid, see 42 CFR §435.1102(b)(2)(iv), or, if the presumptively eligible individual does not submit an application for ongoing Medicaid, on the last day of the month following the presumptive eligibility determination. The proposed rules set out the eligibility requirements for individuals to qualify for presumptive eligibility; the requirements for providers making presumptive eligibility determinations; and HHSC responsibilities for oversight of providers making presumptive eligibility determinations.  In addition, to align policies and procedures, HHSC proposes amendments to existing rules for qualified entities making presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women The proposed amendments and new rules will be published in the September 5, 2014, issue of the Texas Register. At the time of posting this notice, the Texas Register pagination was not available. Written Comments.  Written comments on the proposed amendments to the rule may be submitted to Claire Middleton, Program Specialist, Office of Social Services, HHSC, at mail code 2115, 909 West 45th St., Austin, TX 78751; by fax to 512-206-5141; or by email to Claire.Middleton@hhsc.state.tx.us within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.
 
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

 
House Select Committee on Health Care Education & Training
September 16, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Texas Medical Center, Coleman College for Health Sciences Auditorium, 1900 Pressler Street, Houston
 
The committee will meet to hear invited and public testimony on the mental health care workforce in Texas. Contact: Bryan W. Law  512-463-0718
 
9/19/2014
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 19, 2014 – 10:00 AM
4900 N. Lamar Blvd., HHSC, Brown-Heatley, Room 4501, Austin
 
Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters 1. Call to order. 2. Approval of minutes for July 18, 2014 meeting. (vote required*) 3. Report on Administrative Action items from last meeting. 4. Discussion and decision on amending committee Operational Procedures to allow members to serve a third term (vote required*). 5. Discussion on developing a registry for health care interpreters. 6. Discussion on disseminating information on the committee recommendations. 7. Public comment.* 8. Discuss goals and work plan of the committee for 2014 9. Discuss and plan the meeting schedule for 2015. 10. Adjourn. *Public comment will be taken following each item, after a staff presentation, and/or before a vote on an action item. Additional Information Contact: Paula Traffas, 512/438-8209
 
9/24/2014
 
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
September 24, 2014 – 10:00 AM
Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room, 4900 North Lamar Blvd., Austin
 
Telemedicine and Telehealth Advisory Committee. 1. Call to Order: Sam Tessen, Chair. 2. Review and Approval of the meeting minutes from March 26, 2014: Sam Tessen. 3. Reminder of Goal and Purpose of the committee: Sam Tessen. 4. Presentation and Discussion about the utilization of telemedicine, telehealth and telemonitoring in Medicaid: Sarah Mills, Senior Policy Analyst. 5. Update regarding Federal Legislation (House Resolution 3077 TELEMED Act of 2013 and Senate 2662 Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2014) for telemedicine: Sam Tessen 6. Current Status of telemedicine efforts as it relates to medical services: Debbie Voyles and Alex Vo, Ph.D. 7. Sub-committee report from the Status of Telemedicine, Telehealth and Telemonitoring Sub-committee to include: discussion around developing a computer based training module, adding presenter fees for the Telemedicine and Telehealth benefits, and removing the requirement for a face to face meeting prior to a telehealth service: Rachel Hammon. 8. Legislative issues for consideration for the 84th Texas Legislative Session. 9. Additional Items: Sam Tessen. 10. Discussion on Next Meeting and Agenda items. 11. Public Comment. 12. Adjourn. Contact:  Sarah Mills, Senior Policy Analyst, Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program Division Office of Policy Development, 512‑462-6271, sarah.mills@hhsc.state.tx.us.
 
-End of Report-