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41 Document(s) [ Subject: Child Protective Services ]

Committee: Senate Child Protective Services, Special
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 C536
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [65 pages  File size: 4,990 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Examine issues at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services related to past legislative reforms, including SB 1896, 87th 87th R.S. and SB 11, 85th R.S.; implementation of reforms; and all ongoing work at the agency. *
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Border issues | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Coronavirus | Data management | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Family preservation | Federal funds | Healthy Texas Women | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicare | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | Unaccompanied minors | Undocumented immigrants |
Library Call Number: L1836.87 H88
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [39 pages  File size: 2,582 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the impact of children, including unaccompanied minors, crossing the Texas-Mexico border on the Department of Family and Protective Services child protective services programs. Consider ways to encourage consistent, transparent, and timely review of abuse and neglect of these children. Consider strategies to ensure better coordination and collaboration among local agencies, faith-based organizations, the private sector, non-profits, and law enforcement to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities and human trafficking of migrating children. Identify any particularized services that these children will need and assess the costs of providing these services.
2. Review the ongoing development of federal laws, rules, and regulations associated with the distribution of the federal pandemic recovery funds, including reporting requirements, and make recommendations to the House Committee on Appropriations for use of the funds to respond to the Texas-Mexico border crisis.
3. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:
  • Legislation implementing the Healthy Families, Healthy Texas initiative, including:
    • HB133, 87th R.S. relating to the provision of benefits under Medicaid and the Healthy Texas Women program; and
    • Relevant provisions of HB 2658, 87th R.S. relating to the administration and operation of the Medicaid managed care program, especially those provisions that relate to continuous eligibility for a child for Medicaid; and
  • HB 3041, 87th R.S. related to the implementation of the Family Preservation Services Pilot Program.
4. Complete study of assigned charges related to the Texas-Mexico border issued in June 2021.
5. Evaluate current prevention and early intervention programs and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of these programs in reducing child abuse and neglect.
6. Monitor implementation of SB 1, 87th R.S., Rider 30 (Health and Human Services Commission) and make recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and reducing associated staffing shortages.
7. Evaluate further action needed to improve the safety and quality of the foster care system, including preventing children in foster care from being without a placement and increasing recruitment of foster families. Identify methods to strengthen Child Protective Services processes and services, focusing on efforts for family preservation and eliminating fatalities within the foster care system. This evaluation should:
  • Study the causes for children without placement;
  • Assess the safety concerns for children without placement, including the use of out-of- state and temporary emergency placement for children without placement; injuries while in the care of Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) employees; and exposure to child sex trafficking; and
  • Study how and why children without placement frequently enter the juvenile justice and adult criminal justice systems and the steps DFPS is taking to identify and prevent these instances.
8. Assess the quality and effectiveness of the DFPS IMPACT system for security, transparency, and accuracy. Review DFPS processes relating to the integrity of digital case management. Evaluate whether DFPS data collection adequately responds to child wellbeing indicators.
9. Examine the long-term services and support system of care in Texas. Study workforce challenges for both institutional and community services. Assess opportunities to improve patient safety at senior living facilities. Consider mechanisms to promote a stable, sustainable, and quality-based long-term care system to address current and future needs of the state.
10. Monitor federal decisions that may impact the delivery and financial stability of the state's health programs, including: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ rescission of its prior approval of the State’s 1115 Waiver, the state and federal negotiations of the Medicaid directed payment programs (including hospital finance methods), federal changes to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital Program and the exclusion of certain costs from the uncompensated care program authorized through the 1115 Waiver.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Committee meeting testimony, June 28, 2022
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View document [150 pages  File size: 611 kb]
Committee: House Youth Health and Safety, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child Protective Services | Children's health care | Children's mental health | Coronavirus | Emergency communications | Emergency management | Gun safety | Inmate rehabilitation | Juvenile justice system | Mental health services | School discipline | School safety | Shootings | Youthful offenders |
Library Call Number:
Session: 87th R.S. (2021)
Online version: View report [56 pages  File size: 2,708 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Provide a cross-jurisdictional forum for the examination and consideration of issues that broadly affect the health, safety, and rights of Texas youth.
2. Improve the ability of federal, state, and local governmental entities to address the needs of Texas youth through, among other things, expanded coordination between all programs and systems that serve youth and their families, including child protective services, mental health services, educational institutions, and the juvenile justice system.
3. Study the allocation and use of state resources to preventative and rehabilitative services that address the primary challenges facing Texas youth placed in the juvenile justice system, including the redirection of those resources as necessary to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
4. Study the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health needs of Texas youth and identification of effective treatment strategies.
5. Study the expansion of prevention efforts and the strengthening of service systems to permit the behavioral health challenges faced by Texas youth to be addressed closer to their homes, including efforts and systems that permit youth to remain in their classrooms and stay out of institutionalized healthcare and juvenile justice systems.
6. Study programs, services, and governmental action focused on the rehabilitation of youthful offenders, including considerations related to developmental factors that impact a youth's entry into the justice system.
7. Study the implementation and impact of SB 11, 86th R.S. and any other pertinent laws. Identify additional policies, protocols and strategies that will help create a safer environment in schools and local communities.
8. Examine strategies to prevent acts of mass violence, including measures to enhance firearm safety in Texas.
9. Evaluate the preparedness of and coordination between state and local agencies, nongovernmental entities, and law enforcement for the prevention of and response to mass violence, including the content and efficacy of active shooter response training.
10. Examine the role of online communications in mass violence scenarios and identify technological resources and solutions for detecting, mitigating, and reporting threats.
11. Study the needs of the state related to mental health professionals, educators, school administrators, and related professionals overseeing youth mental health programs and the delivery of those mental health services.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Emergency management | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Health care costs | Healthy Texas Women | Hurricane Harvey | Insurance, Texas Department of | Juvenile justice system | Managed care | Medicaid | Natural disasters | Opioids | Prescription drugs | Public health | State Health Services, Texas Department of | Substance abuse | Teacher Retirement System of Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H349
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [98 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the state's response to Hurricane Harvey with a focus on public health efforts at the local and state level. The review should include an analysis of the state and local response related to vector control, immunization needs, utilization of health-related volunteers, adequacy of an emergency medical network, evacuation of vulnerable populations from state operated or regulated facilities, and coordination between all levels of government. Recommend any legislative changes necessary to improve public health response and coordination during and after a disaster.
2. Evaluate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the capacity of out-of-home placements and care for youth involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Determine how the state can ensure support is available to provide appropriate care as close to home as possible as facilities and offices are rebuilt.
3. Child Welfare: Review the efficacy and quality of services offered to ensure family preservation while in the Family Based Social Services (FESS) stage of service at the Department of Family and Protective Services. Make recommendations to better track quality of services and link payments to providers of these services to outcomes for families and children. Analyze the Department of Family and Protective Services' progress in meeting statutory requirements related to timely visits to children involved in a reported case of abuse or neglect. Make recommendations to further improve the timeliness of these visits. Review services and supports provided to children in Permanent Managing Conservatorship of the state, and the level of preparedness given to youth aging out of state care. Examine the impact of recent legislation related to these populations, and make recommendations to ensure youth in care are ready for adulthood and to reduce the likelihood of intergenerational perpetuation of child maltreatment. Assess the effectiveness of public and private agency efforts to recruit and retain foster parents. Identify barriers to entry and obstacles that prevent interested families from continuing to provide foster care. Recommend solutions to increase foster recruitment and address non-renewals, especially in first-time foster parents.
4. Substance Abuse/Opioids: Review substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery programs operated or funded by the state and make recommendations to enhance services, outreach, and agency coordination. Examine the adequacy of substance use, services for pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid or the Healthy Texas Women Program and recommend ways to improve substance use related health outcomes for these women and their newborns. Examine the impact of recent legislative efforts to curb overprescribing and doctor shopping via the prescription monitoring program and recommend ways to expand on current efforts.
5. Medicaid Managed Care Quality and Compliance: Review the Health and Human Services Commission's efforts to improve quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program, including pay-for-quality initiatives in Medicaid managed care. Compare alternative payment models and value-based payment arrangements with providers in Medicaid managed care, the Employees Retirement System, and the Teachers Retirement System, and identify areas for cross-collaboration and coordination among these entities. Evaluate the commission's efforts to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations' compliance with contractual obligations and the use of incentives and sanctions to enforce compliance. Assess the commission's progress in implementing competitive bidding practices for Medicaid managed care contracts and other initiatives to ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars used in Medicaid managed care contracts.
6. Health Care Cost Transparency: Study efforts by the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Department of Insurance to increase health care cost transparency, including a review of the Texas Health Care Information Collection (THCIC) system, and the Consumer Guide to Healthcare. Recommend ways to make provider and facility fees more accessible to consumers to improve health care cost transparency, increase quality of care, and create a more informed health care consumer base.
7. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 85th Legislature and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
• Initiatives to increase capacity and reduce waitlists in the mental health system, including the construction of state hospitals and new community grant programs;
• Initiatives to better understand the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, including the impact of legislation passed during the first special session of the 85th Legislature. Recommend ways to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and methods to better collect data related to maternal mortality and morbidity;
• Initiatives intended to improve child safety, Child Protective Services workforce retention, and development of additional capacity in the foster care system. Make additional recommendations to ensure children with high levels of medical or mental health needs receive timely access to services in the least restrictive setting;
• Efforts to transfer case management of foster children and families to Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs). Monitor the progress of this transition and make recommendations to ensure the process provides continuity of services for children and families and ongoing community engagement;
• Initiatives to strengthen oversight of long-term care facilities to ensure safety and improve quality for residents and clients of these entities; and
• Abortion complications and other reporting legislation that was passed by the 85th Legislature.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Adoption | Assisted living facilities | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Early childhood intervention | Emergency management | Family preservation | Foster care | Hurricane Harvey | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicaid program management | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Nursing homes | Pharmaceutical industry | Prescription drugs | State supported living centers | Substance abuse | Tropical storms |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H88
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [50 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the response to the storm on individuals living in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, state supported living centers, licensed community group homes, and children in the foster care system. Identify and recommend necessary solutions to ensure appropriate disaster-related protocols are in place to keep vulnerable Texans protected. Also, identify any challenges state agencies experienced in responding to the storm or during recovery efforts.
2. Review the history and any future roll-out of Medicaid Managed Care in Texas. Determine the impact managed care has had on the quality and cost of care. In the review, determine: initiatives that managed care organizations (MCOs) have implemented to improve quality of care; whether access to care and network adequacy contractual requirements are sufficient; and whether MCOs have improved the coordination of care. Also determine provider and Medicaid participants’ satisfaction within STAR, STAR Health, Star Kids, and STAR+Plus managed care programs. In addition, review the Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) oversight of managed care organizations, and make recommendations for any needed improvement.
3. Examine the survey process for nursing facilities to determine any duplication of government regulations. Consider recommendations to reduce duplication while ensuring patient safety is preserved.
4. Review the availability of prevention and early intervention programs and determine their effectiveness in reducing maltreatment of children. In addition, review services available to children emancipating out of foster care, as well as services available to families post-adoption. Determine if current services are adequately providing for children's needs and meeting the objectives of the programs. While reviewing possible system improvements for children, follow the work of the Supreme Court of Texas Children's Commissions' Statewide Collaborative of Trauma-Informed Care to determine how trauma-informed care impacts outcomes for children.
5. Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Public Health)
6. Monitor the HHSC's implementation of Rider 219 in Article II of the General Appropriations Act related to prescription drug benefit administration in Medicaid. Analyze the role of pharmacy benefit managers in Texas Medicaid.
7. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee will also closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 4 (85R), H.B. 5 (85R), H.B. 7 (85R), and S.B. 11 (85R).
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child Protective Services | Criminal justice | Drug courts | Drug rehabilitation programs | Emergency medical services | Homelessness | Juvenile justice system | Law enforcement | Mentally ill persons | Opioids | Penalties and sentences (Criminal justice) | Pregnancy | Prescription drugs | Specialty courts | State agencies | Substance abuse | Synthetic drugs | Veterans |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 Op3
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [117 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the prevalence and impact of substance use and substance use disorders in Texas, including co-occurring mental illness. Study the prevalence and impact of opioids and synthetic drugs in Texas. Review the history of overdoses and deaths due to overdoses. Also review other health-related impacts due to substance abuse. Identify substances that are contributing to overdoses, related deaths and health impacts, and compare the data to other states. During the review, identify effective and efficient prevention and treatment responses by health care systems, including hospital districts and coordination across state and local governments. Recommend solutions to prevent overdoses and related health impacts and deaths in Texas.
2. Review the prevalence of substance abuse and substance use disorders in pregnant women, veterans, homeless individuals, and people with co-occurring mental illness. In the review, study the impact of opioids and identify available programs specifically targeted to these populations and the number of people served. Consider whether the programs have the capacity to meet the needs of Texans. In addition, research innovative programs from other states that have reduced substance abuse and substance use disorders, and determine if these programs would meet the needs of Texans. Recommend strategies to increase the capacity to provide effective services.
3. Review policies and guidelines used by state agencies to monitor for and prevent abuse of prescription drugs in state-funded or state-administered programs. Include in this review policies implemented by the Texas Medicaid Program, the Division of Workers’ Compensation of the Texas Department of Insurance, the Teacher Retirement System, and the Employee Retirement System. Make recommendations regarding best practices.
4. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of legislation passed by the 85th Legislature regarding the Prescription Monitoring Program. In addition, review the prescribing of addictive drugs by physicians and other health care providers within various geographic regions of this state. Determine the role of health care professionals in preventing overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions. Provide recommendations that will improve efforts to prevent overutilization and diversion of addictive prescriptions.
5. Identify how opioids have impacted the normal scope of work for law enforcement, first responders, and hospital emergency department personnel.
6. Examine the impact of substance abuse and substance use disorders on Texans who are involved in the adult or juvenile criminal justice system and/or the Child Protective Services system. Identify barriers to treatment and the availability of treatment in various areas of the state. Recommend solutions to improve state and local policy, including alternatives to justice system involvement, and ways to increase access to effective treatment and recovery options.
7. Examine the impact of overdose reporting defense laws known as "Good Samaritan" laws.
8. Identify the specialty courts in Texas that specialize in substance use disorders. Determine the effectiveness of these courts and consider solutions to increase the number of courts in Texas.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Opioids and Substance Abuse, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, April 17, 2018 (Overview of opioids and substance abuse, prevalence of substance use disorders in special populations, review of policies and guidelines of state agencies, opioids and substance abuse impact on children and foster care).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [140 pages  File size: 7,655 kb]
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Affordable housing | Alzheimer's disease | Child Protective Services | Children's mental health | Dementia | Family preservation | Homelessness | Housing | Maternal mortality | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Organ and tissue donations | Rural areas | Rural health care | Substance abuse | Telemedicine | Transitional housing | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 H349h
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [125 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review state programs that provide women’s health services and recommend solutions to increase access to effective and timely care. During the review, identify services provided in each program, the number of providers and clients participating in the programs, and the enrollment and transition process between programs. Monitor the work of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force and recommend solutions to reduce maternal deaths and morbidity. In addition, review the correlation between pre-term and low birth weight births and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Consider options to increase treatment options and deter usage of these substances.
2. Study treatment of traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's, and dementia, and recommend opportunities for advancing treatment and cures.
3. Study and make recommendations to improve services available for identifying and treating children with mental illness, including the application of trauma- and grief-informed practices. Identify strategies to assist in understanding the impact and recognizing the signs of trauma in children and providing school-based or community-based mental health services to children who need them. Analyze the role of the Texas Education Agency and of the regional Education Service Centers regarding mental health. In addition, review programs that treat early psychosis among youth and young adults.
4. Study the overlays among housing instability, homelessness, and mental illness. Review the availability of supportive housing opportunities for individuals with mental illness. Consider options to address housing stability and homelessness among people with mental illness. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
5. Review opportunities to improve population health and health care delivery in rural and urban medically underserved areas. Identify potential opportunities to improve access to care, including the role of telemedicine. In the review, identify the challenges facing rural hospitals and the impact of rural hospital closures.
6. Analyze the prevalence of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) who have a mental illness and/or a substance use disorder. In addition, analyze the prevalence of children involved with CPS due to their guardian's substance abuse or because of an untreated mental illness. Identify methods to strengthen CPS processes and services, including efforts for family preservation; increasing the number of appropriate placements designed for children with high needs; and ensuring Texas Medicaid is providing access to appropriate and effective behavioral health services. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Human Services)
7. Evaluate the process of organ and bone marrow donations. Consider opportunities to improve organ and bone marrow donation awareness in order to increase the number of willing donors.
8. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the Committee will also specifically closely monitor the implementation of H.B. 10 (85R), H.B. 13 (85R), and S.B. 292 (85R).
9. Consider testimony provided at the May 17 House Public Health Committee hearing regarding improving mental health services for children. Identify specific strategies that would enhance overall school safety. Study ways to help parents, youth and primary care providers support school personnel in their efforts to identify and intervene early when mental health problems arise. In addition to school-based trauma-informed programs and those that treat early psychosis, consider the benefits of universal screening tools and expanding the Child Psychiatry Access Program (CPAP). Make recommendations to enhance collaboration among the Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Education Agency, local mental health authorities, and education service centers.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Public Health
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 9, 2018 (joint hearing with House Committee on Public Health).
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [87 pages  File size: 3,035 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Bail | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | County jails | County roads | Court costs and fees | Criminal justice | Criminal records | Electronic security | Emergency management | Fees | Indigent health care | Jail Standards, Texas Commission on | Managed care | Medicaid | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Natural disasters | Police officers | Suicide |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 C832
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [112 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review jail standards and procedures with regards to potentially mentally ill persons in county jails, as well as issues stemming from interactions between the general public and peace officers. *
2. Study the effectiveness and efficiency of current programs in Texas as well as best practices to determine how to decrease the risk and mitigate the impact of wildfires, floods, and other natural hazards in the wildland-urban interface. Examine the duties, performance, and jurisdictions of water districts, municipalities, Emergency Services Districts, other similar districts, and state offices like the Fire Marshal and Extension Services. Evaluate current regulations and identify best practices. Recommend approaches for hazard mitigation and response to natural disasters. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Urban Affairs)
3. Identify and address potential gaps in counties’ cybersecurity policies and ensure that personal information held by counties and other local governmental entities is secure.
4. Evaluate the Texas Commission on Jail Standards to determine if the Commission has the resources and structure to provide sufficient oversight, regulation, and enforcement over Texas county jails.
5. Review pretrial service and bonding practices throughout the state. Examine factors considered in bail and pre-trial confinement decisions, including the use of risk assessments; assess the effectiveness and efficiency of different systems in terms of cost to local governments and taxpayers, community safety, pretrial absconding rates and rights of the accused. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence)
6. Study the implications and effects on law enforcement agencies and individuals that stem from the publication, republication, or other dissemination for public internet access of mug shots and other criminal history information regarding involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system.
7. Study statutorily mandated services provided by sheriffs and constables, and determine whether fee schedules allow cost recovery without placing undue burdens on recipients of those services.
8. Study the effect of Proposition 5 (SJR 17 (84R)) on the quality of private roadways in counties with a population of less than 7,500. Make recommendations to ensure the amendment does not result in undue competition between counties and private industry, and whether additional counties could benefit from a similar authorization.
9. Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th 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.
Supporting documents
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, May 16, 2016, 10:00 A.M. (1115 transformation waiver, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [60 pages  File size: 16,566 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, June 10, 2016 (County cybersecurity, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [22 pages  File size: 822 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 7, 2016 (Child Protective Services, 1115 transformation waiver, County cybersecurity)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [55 pages  File size: 3,050 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 4, 2016 (Child Protective Services, Debtors prisons, 1115 transformation waiver)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [72 pages  File size: 14,626 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, August 29, 2016 (1115 transformation waiver, Child Protective Services, County cybersecurity, Bexar County justice-involved veterans unit)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [88 pages  File size: 10,919 kb]
Committee: House County Affairs
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, November 16, 2016 (Department of Public Safety and criminal justice reform, Child Protective Services)
Library Call Number:
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View document [276 pages  File size: 31,098 kb]
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Abortion | Adoption | Adult day care | Assisted living facilities | Birth defects | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Liability | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Nursing homes | Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Organ and tissue donations | Planned Parenthood | Pregnancy | Refugees and asylees | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | State employee turnover | Sunset review process | Telemedicine | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.84 H349
Session: 84th R.S. (2015)
Online version: View report [152 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Examine the business practices and regulatory structure of Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas, and investigate whether state or federal laws are being broken by Planned Parenthood and/or its affiliates in Texas in regards to the donation and/or sale of fetal tissue. Consider recommendations to strengthen regulations on abortion providers, including further restrictions on the sale of fetal tissue by these entities. *
2. Protecting the Unborn: Part I: Examine and make recommendations on the use of fetal tissue provided for research purposes and how related laws governing abortion procedures are interpreted and enforced. Part II: Examine the cause of action known as “wrongful birth.” The study should examine (1) its history in Texas, (2) its effect on the practice of medicine, and (3) its effect on children with disabilities and their families. Examine related measures proposed or passed in other states.
3. Protection of Children Part I: Reducing Recurrence of Child Abuse and Neglect: Examine the current process that Child Protective Services uses to track recurrence of child abuse and neglect, and make recommendations to improve data tracking and the use of that data to assist in preventing recurrence. The study should examine the differences in recurrence among families who received services, families who received no services and had their cases closed, and families who had their children removed from the home. Part II: Addressing High-Acuity Needs of Foster Care Children: Study the increase in higher acuity children with trauma and mental illness in the state foster care system, and recommend ways to ensure children have timely access to appropriate treatment and placement options. Part III: Strengthening Adoptions: Examine the frequency, causes, and effects of disrupted foster care adoptions and make recommendations to improve the long-term success of adoptive placements. Study and make recommendations on ways to ensure a smooth transition for foster care children who are exiting the system.
4. Healthy Aging: Part I: Study and make recommendations on innovative methods and best practices to promote healthy aging for the state’s population and reduce chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Identify opportunities for improved collaboration to promote healthy aging in the health and human services system at the state, regional and local levels. Part II: Examine and recommend ways to improve quality and oversight in long-term care settings, including nursing homes and ICF/HCS programs. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services during the 84th Regular Session related to the revocation of nursing home licenses for repeated serious violations.
5. Medicaid Reform and State Innovation: Study the impact of the Section 1115 Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program Waiver on improving health outcomes, reducing costs, and providing access to health care for the uninsured, and monitor the renewal process of the waiver. Explore other mechanisms and make recommendations to control costs and increase quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program, including the pursuit of a block grant or a Section 1332 Medicaid State Innovation Waiver for the existing Medicaid program.
6. Inpatient Mental Health System Reform: Study and make recommendations on establishing collaborative partnerships between state-owned mental health hospitals and university health science centers to improve inpatient state mental health services, maximize the state mental health workforce, and reduce healthcare costs.
7. Mental Health Diversion and Forensic Capacity: Study the impact of recent efforts by the legislature to divert individuals with serious mental illness from criminal justice settings and prevent recidivism. Study and make recommendations to address the state's ongoing need for inpatient forensic capacity, including the impact of expanding community inpatient psychiatric beds.
8. Improving Access to Care through TeleHealth: Study and make recommendations on the appropriate use, scope and application of tele-monitoring and telemedicine services to improve management and outcomes for adults and children with complex medical needs and for persons confined in correctional facilities. Examine barriers to implementation of these services and any impact on access to health care services in rural areas of the state.
9. Review of Refugee Resettlement Program: Study the impact to the state of the increasing number of refugees relocating to Texas, including the range of health and human services provided. Examine the authority of the state to reduce its burden under the Refugee Resettlement Program, and any state-funded services.
10. Monitoring Charge: Monitor the implementation of legislation and riders related to health and human services that were considered by the 84th R.S. and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to: ? The impact of changes made by the Department of Family and Protective Services, Child Protective Services on child safety, workforce retention, prevention, and permanency; ? Initiatives to reduce Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, and other cost containment strategies, including examining the processes and procedures used by managed care organizations to address Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse; and The consolidation and expansion of women's health programs at the Health and Human Services Commission.
Committee: House Child Protection, Select
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Child welfare | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 C436
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [54 pages]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. This committee shall study the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities in Texas and make recommendations to protect children. In developing its recommendations, the committee shall:
  • Monitor the ongoing efforts of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the work of the Protect Our Kids Commission and the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, and any relevant Sunset Commission recommendations;
  • Assess the efficacy of ongoing prevention efforts that target resources to families at risk;
  • Examine regulatory policy and contract oversight within the child welfare system;
  • Consider ways to encourage consistent, transparent, and timely review of abuse and neglect fatalities;
  • Monitor ongoing efforts to stabilize the CPS workforce, placing specific emphasis on improving work environment, enhancing the quality of supervision, and addressing the unique challenges facing different regions of the state;
  • Suggest improvements to the screening, assessment, training, and support of potential foster and kinship families;
  • Evaluate the ability of children and youth within the system to report maltreatment;
  • Monitor ongoing efforts to enhance the use of data to improve outcomes; and
  • Consider strategies to ensure better coordination and collaboration among local agencies, faith-based organizations, the private sector, non-profits, and law enforcement to reduce the incidence of abuse and neglect fatalities.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Child Protection, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 1, 2014 (Overview from the agencies, Stakeholder panels 1-2)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [173 pages  File size: 9,125 kb]
Committee: House Child Protection, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 24, 2014 (Contract oversight and regulatory oversight within the child welfare system; Screening, assessment, training and support of foster and kinship families; Ability of children and youth within the system to report maltreatment)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [173 pages  File size: 2,736 kb]
Committee: House Child Protection, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 10, 2014 (Border support operations and unaccompanied alien children, Sunset recommendation, Audit reports, Child Protective Services workforce and data to improve outcomes)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [300 pages  File size: 8,131 kb]
Committee: House Child Protection, Select
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, September 30, 2014 (Overview from the National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, State agency panel)
Library Call Number:
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View document [89 pages  File size: 2,122 kb]
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Computers and government | Contraceptives | Dental Examiners, Texas State Board of | Family planning | Foster care | Healthy Texas Women | Homelessness | Medicaid | Medicaid fraud | Medically uninsured | Mental health services | Mentally ill persons | Office of Inspector General, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Substance abuse | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | Welfare eligibility | Welfare reform | Welfare-to-work | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.83 H349
Session: 83rd R.S. (2013)
Online version: View report [58 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the Department of Family and Protective Services’ efforts to reduce child fatalities. Review the process by which the Department of Family and Protective Services collects and uses data to evaluate agency performance and improve outcomes for children in the Child Protective Services system. Make recommendations to ensure the process effectively uses data to strategically improve caseworker performance, and identify and improve upon deficiencies within the system and improve overall outcomes for children and reduce child fatalities.
2. Monitor the implementation of programs that were created or expanded by the 83rd Legislature to improve mental health and substance abuse services and assess these efforts' contribution to improved outcomes such as reduced recidivism in state hospitals, diversion from emergency rooms and county jails, and access to permanent supportive housing. Identify and address gaps in the current mental health and substance abuse system and make recommendations to better coordinate services across agencies and programs.
3. Build on previous legislative achievements in women's healthcare by examining women’s access to preventative health care, pregnancy services, and post-partum care, and exploring ways to expand access and improve quality, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. Monitor the implementation of women's health programs in Texas. Assess these programs' impact on outcomes such as improving access to preventative services, reducing unplanned pregnancies, and achieving cost savings. Recommend ways to better coordinate the various programs in a manner that increases the number of women served, ensures adequate provider capacity statewide, and maximizes efficiencies to the state.
4. Identify cost-effective alternatives to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to better connect low income individuals to health care services through private market-based solutions, including Medicaid block grants and waivers. Recommendations should strive to encourage cost sharing, promote personal responsibility, reduce uncompensated care costs, contain increasing health care costs, improve access to care, address access to emergency department care issues in rural areas, promote the use of existing private coverage or employee sponsored coverage, reduce non-­?emergency use of emergency departments, and reduce the need for federal approval to the state Medicaid plan.
5. Evaluate the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program structure. Make recommendations to improve the program's operations and ensure the program achieves outcomes that allow TANF recipients to find employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Recommendations should seek to ensure Texas is using the most effective work-related requirements and drug testing protocols.
6. Evaluate the current state of prescription drug abuse and strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse in Texas. Make recommendations on how these policies can be improved or modified to enhance the State of Texas’ handling of services, treatments and education related to prescription drug abuse and to reduce the overall prevalence of prescription drug abuse.
7. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
  • Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of Medicaid long-term care services and supports, including the redesign of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas Medicaid and other health and human services programs.
  • Dental Board Reforms: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the State Board of Dental Examiners' ability to protect public safety, including strengthening the Board's authority and enforcement powers, improving the complaint review and resolution processes, and increasing staffing to improve the Board's ability to respond to complaints and potential fraudulent activity. Determine whether there are additional changes necessary to ensure that the Board is able to regulate the practice of dentistry and ensure public safety.
  • Cancer Prevention and Research Institute: Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at restructuring the governance structure, eliminating conflicts of interest, and increasing transparency at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas | Caseworkers | Child Protective Services | Children's Health Insurance Program | Dental care | Foster care | Health care | Health care costs | Health insurance | Immunizations | Long-term care | Managed care | Medicaid | Medicaid eligibility | Medical research | Mental health services | Nursing homes | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act | Public health | State Health Services, Texas Department of | State supported living centers |
Library Call Number: L1836.82 H349
Session: 82nd R.S. (2011)
Online version: View report [186 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the potential impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on insurance regulations, Medicaid and CHIP, health care outcomes and overall health of all Texans, and the state budget in Texas. Additionally, monitor the current constitutional challenges to PPACA and other court cases associated with PPACA, and ensure that the state does not expend any resources until judicial direction is clear. (Joint charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
2. Monitor the potential impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on insurance regulations, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), health care outcomes, health care workforce, overall health of all Texans, and the state budget in Texas. Additionally, monitor the current constitutional challenges to PPACA, and other court cases associated with PPACA, and ensure that the state does not expend any resources until judicial direction is clear. (Joint charge with Senate State Affairs Committee)
3. Evaluate the implementation of cost-containment strategies across the Health and Human Services Enterprise to determine if and how each strategy can be expanded upon to achieve additional savings next biennium. The evaluation should include but is not limited to: the expansion of managed care, co-­pays in Medicaid, electronic visit verification, and independent assessments for long-­? term care services. The evaluation should also consider new cost-containment strategies that will increase efficiencies and reduce costs. This evaluation should include but not be limited to: Medicaid, Early Childhood Intervention Services, and immunizations.
4. Review the state's current investment in health care innovation, including translational research and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute, which focuses on rapid transfer of new technology experimentation directly into the clinical environment. Make recommendations to improve the health of Texans and encourage continued medical research in the most cost-effective manner possible.
5. Review existing policies for prior authorization and medical necessity review across the Medicaid Program, including nursing homes and orthodontic services. Make recommendations on how these policies could be improved to save money by reducing unnecessary utilization and fraud.
6. Review the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waivers to identify strategies to lower costs, improve quality, and increase access to services. Areas of the review should include, but are not limited to:
  • Functional eligibility determinations to ensure services are only being delivered to individuals that qualify;
  • Financial eligibility determinations to ensure parental income and resources are considered when the client is a minor;
  • Coordination of acute and long-term care services;
  • Development and use of lower-cost community care waiver options;
  • Coordination with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) for waiver services for children in conservatorships;
  • Reinvesting savings into accessibility of community care for individuals waiting for services.
7. Evaluate the management structure and supervision of CPS caseworkers with an emphasis on rural areas. Identify any legislative changes that could assist DFPS in maximizing efficiency, improving quality casework and supervision, and increasing caseworker retention. Identify any legislative changes that could improve the quality of care children receive while in Child Protective Services custody, including improving permanency outcomes.
8. Examine the delivery and financing of public health services in our state, including how federal funds are distributed by the state to local health departments and whether the work done by Regional Health Departments operated by the Department of State Health Services overlap unnecessarily with local health departments.
9. Review the state's public mental health system and make recommendations to improve access, service utilization, patient outcomes and system efficiencies. Study current service delivery models for outpatient and inpatient care, funding levels, financing methodologies, services provided, and available community-based alternatives to hospitalization. The review should look to other states for best practices or models that may be successful in Texas. The study shall also review and recommend "best value" practices that the state's public mental health system may implement to maximize the use of federal, state, and local funds.
10. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation, including but not limited to:
  • Health Care Quality and Efficiency - Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving health care quality and efficiency in Texas, including: the transition of Medicaid and the CHIP to quality-based payments, establishment of the Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency, implementation of the Health Care Collaborative certificate, patient-centered medical home for high-cost populations, development and use of potentially preventable event outcome measures, and reduction of health care-associated infections. Include recommendations on how to improve and build upon these initiatives, including improving birth outcomes and reducing infant and maternal mortality;
  • Federal Flexibility - Monitor implementation of initiatives to increase state flexibility, including the Health Care Compact and the Medicaid Demonstration Waiver;
  • Foster Care Redesign - Monitor implementation of the initiative to redesign the foster care system;
  • Implementation of DOJ Settlement agreement to address State Supported Living Center concerns.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2010 : a report to the House of Representatives, 82nd Texas Legislature
Subjects: Child custody | Child Protective Services | Food stamps | Foster care | Long-term care | Mentally disabled persons | Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System |
Library Call Number: L1836.81 H88
Session: 81st R.S. (2009)
Online version: View report [173 pages  File size: 3,666 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the implementation of the Department of Justice settlement agreement, SB 643, 81st R.S., and other reforms to services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. Monitor the implementation of provisions in SB 2080, 81st R.S., relating to the creation of a permanency assistance program. Evaluate and make recommendations about the foster care licensing process for relatives, the payment structure for a relative who becomes a child's permanent managing conservator, and any factors that should be considered in evaluating program performance and sustainability in the future.
3. Determine the feasibility of instituting a comprehensive, single point of entry system to simplify and expedite the process of accessing long-term care services for the elderly and individuals with physical disabilities.
4. Monitor the Health and Human Services Commission's progress toward improving the timeliness of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility determinations. Evaluate the impact of corrective measures already taken by the commission.
5. Analyze the practice of using informal or voluntary caregivers ("parental child safety placements") during a Child Protective Services investigation. Study and make recommendations regarding: a) efforts to track data related to parental child safety placements; b) incorporation of the power of attorney process authorized by SB 1598, 81st R.S.; c) appropriateness of voluntary placement; d) review of caregiver qualifications; and e) potential improvements to the voluntary placement process.
6. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 81st Legislature
Subjects: Adoption | Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Asthma | Caseworkers | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Disease management | Disease preparedness | Disease prevention | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Family Based Safety Services | Family preservation | Foster care | Health care providers | Health Enterprise Zones | Health insurance premium subsidies | Home health care services | Immunizations | Influenza | Medicaid | Medical errors | Medical reimbursements | Medically uninsured | Mental health services | Mentally disabled persons | Nursing homes | Obesity | Persons with disabilities | Preparation for Adult Living | Rural health care | Services for persons with disabilities | Smoking bans | State supported living centers | Stem cell research | Umbilical cord blood |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 H349
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [379 pages  File size: 16,580 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Monitor the Department of Aging and Disability Services' improvement plan for the system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on efforts to improve state schools and provide more community care options. Evaluate the process for preventing, reporting, and investigating abuse and neglect in state schools, ICF/MRs and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) program. Determine the short-term and long-term financial impact of increasing the number of individuals served in home or community locations and the financial impact this shift has on state schools. Monitor the department's efforts to convert institutions to community care providers through the money-follows-the-person program designed to improve access to community care services. Specifically make recommendations on:
  • how to further improve the system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities;
  • preventing, reporting, and investigating abuse and neglect;
  • developing a transition plan for reducing waiting list for community care service;
  • incentives for converting institutions into community care providers; and
  • a long term plan to address issues that result from the current federal Department of Justice investigation.
2. Study and make recommendations related to creating an outcome-based reimbursement model in Texas' Medicaid program as a way to improve quality of care, reduce medical errors, and create cost savings. Develop a pilot health care program that pays for best practices, rather than only paying for actual procedures performed. Examine the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid's (CMS) efforts to create an outcome-based system in the Medicare payment system that sanctions serious, preventable medical errors. Examine Pennsylvania's efforts to implement a similar outcome-based reimbursement model to make providers more vigilant about patient care, encourage best practices, and reduce costs in their Medicaid program. If necessary, examine other health care coverage models that have successfully incorporated an outcome-based reimbursement system. Consider pay-for-performance, options that reward good outcomes and the use of best practices, and changes to the reimbursement system that will reduce serious preventable medical errors and hospital acquired infections.
3. Study the effectiveness of the Resiliency and Disease Management (RDM) program in the mental health service delivery system, implementation of changes to the crisis care program, and recommendations for appropriate use of the mental health transformation grant. Identify strategies to increase access to services and meet future demand for services. Examine resource allocation and opportunities to maximize funding. Policy recommendations should maximize the number of inpatient psychiatric acute care beds, enhance access to outpatient services, promote the use of recovery-based services, and enhance access to community-based services.
4. Monitor the implementation of the Department of Family and Protective Services’ improvement plan to reduce caseloads for Child Protective Service caseworkers, and to provide family-based safety services and ongoing substitute care services. Evaluate the efficiency of Child Protective Services "functional units," and determine if other organizational models would allow for a reduction in caseworkers' caseloads, without increasing other administrative costs. Develop recommendations aimed at lowering individual caseloads, making casework more efficient, and improving the retention of caseworkers. Assess the viability of caseworker reimbursement as a manner to lower caseworker turnover.
5. Monitor the implementation of the Department of Family and Protective Services' plan to stabilize the foster care system and increase permanency options for children. Study placement capacity to determine how Child Protective Services can better develop the necessary adoptions or foster homes to meet the needs of children and families by increasing foster care capacity, recruiting and retaining more foster and adoptive parents, increasing the use of relative care, and developing best practices for reducing foster care placement breakdowns. This includes studying innovative ways to promote adoption and kinship care in Texas and best practices for foster/adoptive parents to improve their ability to care for abused and neglected children. Explore potential improvements and enhancements in the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program to increase successful transitioning from foster care to adult living. Study current death review processes for children who die while in state care.
6. Examine Texas' current strategies for preventing child abuse. Specifically study the effectiveness of current programs and how these programs compare to other state efforts. Identify national research-based solutions, including best practices and programs addressing sexual abuse. Explore promising existing and emerging approaches to child abuse and neglect prevention, especially those with a strong evidence base. Identify additional funding sources for increased child abuse prevention activities by the state.
7. Study the changes in statute contained in SB 10, 80th R.S., as well as the state's current prevention and wellness efforts and chronic care management efforts, and identify opportunities for improvement in state policies and programs. Examine options for expanding and optimizing the state's current investment in wellness programs and management tools for individuals with chronic care conditions, including options that address childhood asthma. Review partnerships with the private sector that specifically address the following:
  • tobacco cessation, including the evaluation of a statewide smoking ban in public places;
  • reducing obesity;
  • availability and effectiveness of childhood and adult vaccines, including public education programs to promote the use of vaccines; and
  • more effective management of chronic care conditions.
8. Study the effectiveness and efficiency of nursing homes and home-based solutions/home care in Texas, and make recommendations to improve nursing homes and their funding. Identify and study successful nursing home funding models established by other states. Consider ways to fund infrastructure for nursing and therapists and home care. Examine the possibility of an incentive-based “pay for performance” rate plan for nursing facilities and consider factors that it could be based on, taking into account similar plans implemented in other states. Make recommendations on how best to use Medicaid to fund skilled nursing and home health care in Texas. Explore options for improving graduation rates for nurses in Texas.
9. Study and address ethical issues surrounding the impact of a pandemic influenza in this state, particularly focusing on the following:
  • the availability of human and material resources;
  • the benefits and burdens of mass vaccination plans;
  • the involvement of private sector professional organizations and businesses in the state's pandemic influenza preparedness and response plans; and
  • development and implementation of communication plans that will inform and prepare the public on risk reduction behaviors and local/state preparedness and response.
10. Study the potential for development of Health Enterprise Zones, which could offer tax incentives to medical providers who locate within the boundaries of designated medically underserved areas. Analyze similar legislation enacted in other states, specifically New Jersey, and estimate costs and benefits. Consider expanding incentives to medically related industries such as medical research facilities, laboratories and equipment manufacturers in order to spur economic development.
11. Monitor the collection and availability of cord blood stem cells for treatments and research in Texas. Review the current state of basic and clinical research using these and other types of adult stem cells. Assess the potential for clinical and economic benefits from current and increased adult stem cell research.
12. Review Medicaid provider reimbursement rate methodologies, including the impact of factors such as infrastructure concerns, federal minimum wage changes, and cost reports. Study the impact on access to care, quality of care, and value, and make recommendations for legislative changes, taking into account rate increases contained in the current budget. (Joint charge with Senate Finance Committee)
13. Study the state's current and long-range need for physicians, dentists, nurses, and other allied health and long-term care professionals. Make recommendations on how the state can help recruit high-need professions, especially for primary care providers and long-term care professionals in the underserved regions of Texas. (Joint charge with the Senate Committee on International Relations and Trade)
14. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Health and Human Services Committee, 80th R.S., and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, report on the implementation of SB 10, 80th R.S., to ensure meaningful improvement in access to quality care in the Texas Medicaid program, focusing on how to cover more uninsured in Texas with market-based plans or premium assistance for employer health plans, and monitor the creation of the Texas Cancer Research and Prevention Institute.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2008 : a report to the House of Representatives, 81st Texas Legislat
Subjects: Adoption | Child abuse | Child abuse prevention | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Long-term care | Nursing homes | Senior citizens | Services for persons with disabilities | Terminal care |
Library Call Number: L1836.80 H88
Session: 80th R.S. (2007)
Online version: View report [186 pages  File size: 21,784 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Research strategies to promote permanency and stability for children and families involved with Child Protective Services. Identify any priorities that would approve the adoption process.
2. Explore strategies to support the needs of aging Texans effectively and efficiently. This investigation should include best practices in delaying or avoiding the need for institutionalized care as well as promoting high-quality services for those who are best served in nursing homes.
3. Evaluate Prevention and Early Intervention programs at the Department of Family and Protective Services that have been funded by the Texas Legislature for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Consider if higher priority for selection should be given to child or family mentoring or other support services, such as foster grandparents and efforts to assist mothers.
4. Evaluate existing and part efforts by the state for Youth Transitions in Independent Living. Recommend improvements to educational, occupational, health, and life skills components of preparation of foster children for adult living.
5. Investigate the need and potential of respite care programs to delay or avoit institutional placements, thereby resulting in cost savings for the state.
6. Examine compliance issues and concerns of hospices with certification surveys and ability to meet federal standards.
7. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects: 211 telephone system | Adult Protective Services | Caseworkers | Child nutrition programs | Child Protective Services | Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment and eligibility | Children's mental health | Diet and nutrition | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Federally qualified health centers | Guardianship | Health care | Immunizations | Influenza | Medicaid | Medical assistants | Mental health services | Mentally ill inmates | Mentally ill persons | Nurses | Nursing shortages | Obesity | Pharmacists | Physical fitness | Physicians | Services for persons with disabilities | Social service agencies | Stem cell research | Telemedicine | Texas Emerging Technology Fund |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 H349
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [201 pages  File size: 3,167 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations for improving delivery of Texas' mental health services; consider local and regional delivery systems including access to care, cost effectiveness, choice and competition, and quality of care.
2. Monitor state and federal Medicaid reform proposals, including their impact on the Medicaid program in Texas, as well as cost-containment measures in other states, and make recommendations for legislative action, as appropriate.
3. Study and make recommendations relating to filling shortages in the health care workforce and improving medical educational services. Evaluate the state's use of the National Health Service Corps and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to address the needs of the Medicaid/Medicare and underinsured populations
4. Examine the strategies used by other states that have had success with FQHCs and make recommendations for increasing the number of FQHCs in Texas.
5. Study and make recommendations relating to policy issues surrounding the use of emerging skin cell research, and other technologies.
6. Study and make recommendations for improving vaccination rates and ensuring an adequate vaccination supply in the state. Include an analysis of vaccine manufacturing and purchasing policies.
7. Evaluate and make recommendations relating to the creation of a comprehensive and statewide nutrition and physical activity plan to address obesity and chronic diseases. Examine options for funding components of such a plan.
8. Monitor the implementation of SB 6, 79th R.S., relating to Child and Adult Protective Services. Study and make recommendations for development and enhancements to protocols for joint investigations by child protective service workers and law enforcement and for interviews with children for disclosure of abuse.
9. Study the current use of the 2-1-1 network to provide access to information on federal, state, and local resources. Examine and make recommendations on strategies that improve the coordination of service information and expand the availability of information on services currently provided by community and faith-based organizations.
10. Monitor the implementation of HB 2292, 78th R.S., relating to health and human services. Focus on implementation of service coordination and consolidation efforts to assess the impact on service quality, while reducing costs.
Committee: Senate State Affairs
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 80th Legislature
Subjects: Child Protective Services | Election fraud | Emergency medical services | Eminent domain | Employees | Employees Retirement System of Texas | Employers | Employment | Health care costs | Health maintenance organizations | Liability | Lobbyists | Medical bill balance billing | Privatization | Public retirement systems | State mandated health insurance | Teacher Retirement System of Texas | Voter identification | Voting by mail | Workers' compensation |
Library Call Number: L1836.79 St29a
Session: 79th R.S. (2005)
Online version: View report [211 pages  File size: 6,521 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the Employees Retirement System of Texas ("ERS") including the actuarial soundness of the ERS pension fund; the implementation of cost-saving measures in the ERS group health insurance plan; the suggestion of further cost-saving measures such as the implementation of a 3-tiered provider network; the effectiveness of the third party administrator of the ERS group health insurance plan in managing inflation; and the feasibility of consolidating the administration of all state group health plans under a single state agency.
2. Study the Teachers Retirement System of Texas ("TRS") including the actuarial soundness of the TRS pension fund; the implementation of cost-saving measures in the TRS group health insurance plan; the suggestion of further cost-saving measures such as the implementation of a 3-tiered provider network; the implementation of SB 1370, 79th R.S.; the effectiveness of the third party administrator of the TRS group health insurance plan in managing inflation; and the feasibility of consolidating the administration of all state group health plans under a single state agency
3. Study and make recommendations on how election officials could verify the identity of a voter without hindering a person's right to vote. Include an analysis of the extent to which individuals are casting multiple votes because of any lack of voter identification verification. Make recommendations on how the state could improve its vote-by-mail system to ensure the authenticity of those ballots.
4. Monitor the implementation of HB 7, 79th R.S., relating to the workers compensation system of this state.
5. Study the regulation and management of health care plans, including the following:
  • Study the reimbursement methodology of health care plans for out-of-network claims, the adequacy of health plan networks to provide appropriate coverage, the impact of out-of-network balance billing by physicians and health care providers and the accurate disclosure of patients' out-of-pocket costs.
  • Study the discounting and/or waiving of co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance by physicians and health care providers. Specifically, how this practice can impact the cost to private and public health plans and the impact to acute, multi-service hospitals, including safety net hospitals.
  • Evaluate health care cost transparency by health care providers and access to that information by patients.
  • Review data reported to the Texas Department of Insurance by health care plans, investigate possible expansion of health plans' reportable data, including, but not limited to, administrative costs, and what, if any, is the appropriate release and publication of that information.
6. Study and review current law on the doctrine of eminent domain, including the U.S. Supreme Court case in Kelo v. City of New London. Monitor the implementation of SB 7, 79th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, and make any necessary recommendations as to the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes and the issue of what constitutes adequate compensation for property taken through the use of eminent domain.
  • Determine whether a constitutional amendment is prudent and/or necessary to protect private property owners from condemnations for economic development purposes.
  • Determine which state, regional, and local governmental entities have eminent domain powers and how those powers may be used. Make recommendations regarding their necessity, fairness, and effectiveness.
  • Study the public policy implications relating to Chapter 2007, Government Code, Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act, its effectiveness in protecting private property rights, and the current impact of regulatory takings on private property owners.
7. Study the costs associated with mandates to insurance companies for increased coverage for specific illnesses, medical conditions, or diseases, including obesity. Provide a cost assessment of the impact of such mandates to the state and local units of government. Include data and analysis of the costs and medical impact associated with insurance mandates which have been enacted in other states, as well as any short- and long-term cost-savings. Develop recommendations on how to provide increased cost-effective coverage, especially to populations with impairments and diseases, as well as the underinsured/uninsured.
8. Study the prevalence, legality and ethics of entities that actively lobby the Legislature to impact the lawmaking process while that entity is in any way a recipient of state funds.
9. Study and make recommendations regarding the cost drivers of emergency medical services. Make recommendations on how to improve and sustain EMS services for Texas, as well as reduce costs to health care plans, businesses, and individuals.
10. Study and review current Texas law on the doctrine of statutory employer, including the 2004 First District Court of Appeals' decision in Etie v. Walsh & Albert Co. and make recommendations of changes in state laws, if necessary, regarding the doctrine of statutory employer and indemnification in construction contracts. Study the current use of Consolidated Insurance Programs and make legislative recommendations, if appropriate.
11. Assess the benefit of limiting the civil liability for noneconomic damages against non-profit organizations involved in the privatization of child welfare services.
Committee: House Child Welfare and Foster Care, Select, Interim
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care, Select, Texas House of Representatives interim report, 2004 : a report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislatu
Subjects: Adoption | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Foster care | Residential treatment centers | Therapeutic wilderness programs |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 C437
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [256 pages  File size: 3,474 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Examine the current child welfare and foster care system in Texas, with an emphasis on the following: (1) Determine barriers to adoption, specific to minority children, in foster care. Determine activities that will increase the recruitment and retention of racial and ethnic minority families as foster care providers. (2) Evaluate means by which the state may promote substitute care with relatives of a child who is removed from the home by Child Protective Services. (3) Review the licensure requirements for and the performance of all types of foster care facilities, including residential treatment facilities, wilderness camps and emergency treatment centers. Assess the adequacy of communication and interaction between the licensing agency and other state agencies that place children within the foster care and Child Protective Care system. Explore other state's efforts that will promote "best practices" and identify program efficiencies with Texas child welfare system.
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 79th Legislature
Subjects: Adult Protective Services | Call centers | Child Protective Services | Children's Health Insurance Program | Databases | Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of | Health care | Hospitals | Immunizations | Indigent health care | Long-term care | Medicaid | Medicaid fraud | Medical Board, Texas | Medicare | Prompt payment of insurance claims | Social service agencies | State government reorganization | Welfare |
Library Call Number: L1936.78 H349
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [247 pages  File size: 1,485 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations on structural reform, efficiency improvements, and cost savings in the state Medicaid and CHIP programs, with a goal of changing the method and delivery of service to reduce costs while providing the intended services. The Committee should examine and make recommendations to: lower institutional costs; subsidize private insurance in lieu of Medicaid and CHIP where possible; use consumer-directed care models; reimburse health care providers based upon outcomes where feasible; match currently unmatched local funds with federal funds; alter Texas' current method of finance and distribution of DSH; develop possible HIFA waiver options that incorporate premium subsidization; develop accountability and incentive measures for outcomes within Medicaid managed care and CHIP; seek flexibility from federal government to allow options and waivers and enhance federal funds; examine local models for delivery of Medicaid while maintaining best practices; and expand access to mental health services through expansion of behavioral health organization model. The Committee will coordinate these studies with the Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee review of mental health and mental retardation services.
2. Monitor implementation and make recommendations to improve HB 2292, 78th R.S.. Include reviews of implementation of the preferred drug list and prior authorization and the new call center for determination of program and service eligibility. The Committee will coordinate activities with the Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee.
3. Study and make recommendations on improving Texas's county and local indigent health care system. Consider whether the system should be regionalized to reflect usage and gain efficiencies, so that one or more counties are not paying for regional health care.
4. Monitor the implementation and make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of legislation relating to the Board of Medical Examiners, legislation relating to childhood immunizations, legislation relating to the pilot front end Medicaid fraud reduction systems, federal developments related to TANF reauthorization and related programs, expansion and new construction of Federally Qualified Health Centers, federal developments related to prescription drugs in Medicare and the effect on Medicaid. Also, monitor and report on the use of new federal Medicare funds allocated for Texas
5. Study and make recommendations on increasing electronic transactions in health care. Review the use and make recommendations on improving technology in health care administration, including expediting pre-authorizations and increasing the efficiency of claims processing so that medical providers are paid once procedures are pre-authorized and performed, and administrative costs lowered, benefitting both the consumer and the managed health care organizations.
6. Study health facility regulation in Texas and make recommendations that facilitate innovation and patient safety. Concentrate studies on hospitals, including niche hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers and long term care facilities, and make recommendations for improving patient choice, facility competition, indigent health care, and for maintaining a competitive, patient-oriented health care industry.
7. Study and make recommendations on improving the Protective and Regulatory Services service levels payment system and tiered adoption subsidy program. Study and make recommendations on improving the recruitment and retention of foster care families.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: House Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives report, 2004 : interim report to the House of Representatives, 79th Texas Legislature
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Elder abuse | Marriage | Services for persons with disabilities | Welfare | Welfare reform |
Library Call Number: L1836.78 H88
Session: 78th R.S. (2003)
Online version: View report [195 pages  File size: 2,572 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the incident of abuse and neglect of individuals receiving services in community care settings. The committee will evaluate the effectiveness of procedures to prevent abuse and neglect, methods to streamline reporting and investigations and the adequacy of available enforcement mechanisms.
2. Assess the effectiveness of new marriage promotion initiatives in the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) program.
3. Monitor congressional re-authorization of TANF and child care programs and the impact of federal policy changes on Texas' welfare reform efforts. Report any needed policy changes to accommodate new federal policy for the 79th Legislature.
4. Monitor the implementation of SB 669, 78th R.S., which mandates police presence with Child Protective Services workers during priority calls. The study should include, at minimum, the impact on victims, parent cooperation and local law enforcement availability.
5. Monitor agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdictions.
Committee: Senate Gangs and Juvenile Justice, Interim
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Thinking outside the box.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Child Protective Services | Crime prevention | Gangs | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile justice system | Progressive sanctions (Criminal justice) | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of | Runaway children | School safety | Services to Runaways and At-Risk Youth Program | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 g154
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [215 pages  File size: 11,733 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations to address the increasing gang problem in Texas, including consideration of: collaboration between law enforcement, education officials, and state and local juvenile justice agencies; prevention and intervention efforts; needs of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies; and criminal information systems.
2. Study the need, if any, for additional juvenile court masters to assist courts with juvenile jurisdiction in providing speedy and effective justice for juvenile offenders and their victims. Identify jurisdictions most significantly impacted by juvenile justice caseloads. If necessary, make recommendations for the number of any such masters and the fiscal implications with potential funding sources.
3. Monitor the implementation of HB 1550, 75th R.S., passed by the Legislature during the 1997 regular session, regarding progressive sanctions. Study the impact of progressive sanctions on juvenile facilities and upon program needs to make recommendations, if any, for statutory or funding changes.
4. Monitor the STARS (Services to Runaways and At-Risk Youth) program and community youth development grants to evaluate their effectiveness and continued implementation.
Committee: Senate Gangs and Juvenile Justice, Interim
Title: Interim report - Summary
Library Catalog Title: Thinking outside the box: summary of report.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Child Protective Services | Crime prevention | Gangs | Juvenile crime | Juvenile justice alternative education programs | Juvenile justice system | Progressive sanctions (Criminal justice) | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of | Runaway children | School safety | Services to Runaways and At-Risk Youth Program | Youth Commission, Texas |
Library Call Number: L1836.75 g154s
Session: 75th R.S. (1997)
Online version: View report [32 pages  File size: 1,425 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study and make recommendations to address the increasing gang problem in Texas, including consideration of: collaboration between law enforcement, education officials, and state and local juvenile justice agencies; prevention and intervention efforts; needs of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies; and criminal information systems.
2. Study the need, if any, for additional juvenile court masters to assist courts with juvenile jurisdiction in providing speedy and effective justice for juvenile offenders and their victims. Identify jurisdictions most significantly impacted by juvenile justice caseloads. If necessary, make recommendations for the number of any such masters and the fiscal implications with potential funding sources.
3. Monitor the implementation of HB 1550, 75th R.S., passed by the Legislature during the 1997 regular session, regarding progressive sanctions. Study the impact of progressive sanctions on juvenile facilities and upon program needs to make recommendations, if any, for statutory or funding changes.
4. Monitor the STARS (Services to Runaways and At-Risk Youth) program and community youth development grants to evaluate their effectiveness and continued implementation.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim report - Vol 1
Library Catalog Title: Interim report, 1992 : a report to the House of Representatives, 73rd Legislature / Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Children with disabilities | Emergency medical services | Foster care | Hospital emergency rooms | Inmate health | Medicaid | Mental health services | Mentally disabled persons | Mentally ill persons | Nursing homes | Persons with disabilities | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of | Quality of care | Services for persons with disabilities | Trauma centers | Women's health |
Library Call Number: L1836.72 h88 1
Session: 72nd R.S. (1991)
Online version: View report [370 pages  File size: 18,729 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Study the implementation of the Pre-admissions Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASAAR) (OBRA '87 mandate) including the areas of program design, Alternate Disposition Plan (ADP), accountability, and residents' rights and training.
2. Monitor child protective services in the proposed structure of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services including criteria used in "priority" classifications and intervention methods and response time per classification; services provided to children over the age of 10 and to special needs children; value of family preservation services; and problems associated with abuse or neglected children in one-parent homes.
3. Study health care in women's correctional facilities.
4. Monitor and Coordinate with the Texas Health Policy Task Force as it relates to trauma care in Texas.
Committee: House Child Abuse and Pornography, Select
Title: Interim report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report to the 71st Legislature, Texas House of Representatives.
Subjects: At-risk youth | Child Protective Services | Child sexual abuse | Pornography | Runaway children |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 c437
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [64 pages  File size: 2,811 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Continue the examination of issues relating to the prevention, detection, investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse and pornography, and the prevention and management of the runaway problem among Texas youth. *
Supporting documents
Committee: House Child Abuse and Pornography, Select
Title: Interim report - Analysis of magazines
Library Catalog Title: Content analysis of five leading pornographic magazines.
Library Call Number: L1836.70 c437a
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Committee: Senate Health and Human Services
Title: Interim report - Child protective services
Library Catalog Title: Child protective services in Texas
Subjects: Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Department of |
Library Call Number: L1836.70 c435
Session: 70th R.S. (1987)
Online version: View report [121 pages  File size: 4,642 kb]
Charge: This report should address the charge below.
1. Study the Child Protective Services (CPS) program administered by the Texas Department of Human Services. Review agency procedures, the qualifications and training of employees, and the handling of incoming reports of child abuse and child neglect. *
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: Interim report of the Committee on Human Services, Texas House of Representatives to the Seventieth Legislative Session, 1986.
Subjects: Assisted living facilities | Child care | Child Protective Services | Criminal records | Long-term care | Medicaid | Medical reimbursements | Medicare | Mental health services | Nursing homes | Poverty | Preferred provider organizations | Privatization | Senior citizens | State employee turnover | Teenage pregnancy | Welfare | Welfare-to-work |
Library Call Number: L1836.69 h88
Session: 69th R.S. (1985)
Online version: View report [178 pages  File size: 9,803 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. To study the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program (AFDC), including the problems of needy children and their families, the various employment, training and education programs, and other options designed to help Texas families become self-supporting.
2. To study the problems encountered by the elderly in gaining access to appropriate post-hospital health care services, including skilled nursing and custodial services.
3. To study the Child Protective Services Program of the Department of Human Services regarding case workloads and staffing requirements.
4. To study the implementation of criminal background check legislation for child-care workers including the use of federal funds for caregiver training.
5. To study continuing care communities and other options for the well-elderly.
6. To study the problems of preventing unwanted teenage pregnancy, preventing poor parenting by teenagers, and preventing unemployment and poverty in teen-headed families.
7. To study the advantages and disadvantages of the preferred provider insurance plan, with particular emphasis on consideration of quality of services, access to services, cost of care rendered, the effect on existing physician-patient relationships, and a proposed legislative/regulatory structure for such medical care delivery and financing arrangements; in conjunction with Insurance and Public Health Committees.
8. To study the utilization of and potential for further development of privatization of care for the mentally ill and mentally retarded in the State, in conjunction with Appropriations and Law Enforcement committees.
9. To study the impact on Medicare-Medicaid and associated state health and welfare costs of the elimination of the certificate of need process in Texas.
Committee: House Human Services
Title: Interim Report
Library Catalog Title: To the speaker and members of the Texas House of Representatives, 68th Legislature : report of the / Human Services Committee, Texas House of Representatives, 67th Legislature.
Subjects: Aging and Disability Services, Texas Department of | Air quality | Blind, Texas Commission for the | Child abuse | Child Protective Services | Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Texas Commission for the | Elder abuse | Hazardous substances | Manufactured housing | Medicaid | Outdoor recreation | Senior citizens | State agency budgets | Welfare |
Library Call Number: L1836.67 h89
Session: 67th R.S. (1981)
Online version: View report [309 pages  File size: 11,172 kb]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Oversight functions shall be conducted for all appropriations-related actions of those agencies assigned to this committee for appropriative purposes during the 67th Regular Session of the Legislature. In addition, a study should be made of the impact of any federal cuts, and the differences in the operation aspect of the agencies under block vs. categorical grants. These agencies include: Department of Human Resources Texas Commission for the Blind Texas Commission for the Deaf Texas Department of Community Affairs Texas Rehabilitation Commission Board of Licensure of Nursing Home Administrators Department of Aging The Veterans Affairs Commission
2. Track the development of the newly created Department of Aging. Investigate protective services for the elderly, currently provided by Department of Human Resources, and determine whether the Department of Aging could effectively take over those duties.
3. Develop background information on the general subject area of battered children and conduct and investigation into protective services for children provided by state agencies. (Do agencies overlap in authority, number of calls answered per month, effective results, justification or program, etc.)
4. Conduct and in-depth study of the AFDC program. Look at descriptive data such as turnover rate, ethnic breakdown, percentage of fraud. Consider the effect of abolishment of ceiling on payments if amendment passes in November of 1982.
5. Monitor the development of outdoor training programs under the Commission for the Deaf.
6. Study the detrimental effects of formaldehyde use to determine what actions need to be taken to protect the health of the general public.
7. Monitor state procurement and program changes of Medicaid Services in Texas.
8. Study activities and programs of the Texas Commission for the Blind including the Commission's efficiency in relation to its contracted services.

* This represents an abstract of the report contents. Charge text is incomplete or unavailable.

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