reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter C. Contracts › Section 525.0102. Subrogation and Third-Party Reimbursement Contracts

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0102.  SUBROGATION AND THIRD-PARTY REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (d), the commission shall enter into a contract under which the contractor is authorized on behalf of the commission or a health and human services agency to recover money under a subrogation or third-party reimbursement right the commission or agency holds that arises from payment of medical expenses.  The contract must provide that:
(1)  the commission or agency, as appropriate, shall compensate the contractor based on a percentage of the amount of money the contractor recovers for the commission or agency; and
(2)  the contractor may represent the commission or agency in a court proceeding to recover money under a subrogation or third-party reimbursement right if:
(A)  the attorney required by other law to represent the commission or agency in court approves; and
(B)  the representation is cost-effective and specifically authorized by the commission.
(b)  The commission shall develop a process to:
(1)  identify claims for the recovery of money under a subrogation or third-party reimbursement right described by this section; and
(2)  refer the identified claims to a contractor authorized under this section.
(c)  A health and human services agency shall cooperate with a contractor authorized under this section on a claim the agency refers to the contractor for recovery.
(d)  If the commission cannot identify a contractor who is willing to contract with the commission under this section on reasonable terms, the commission:
(1)  is not required to enter into a contract under Subsection (a); and
(2)  shall develop and implement alternative policies to ensure the recovery of money under a subrogation or third-party reimbursement right.
(e)  The commission may allow a state agency other than a health and human services agency to be a party to the contract required by Subsection (a).  If the commission allows an additional state agency to be a party to the contract, the commission shall modify the contract as necessary to reflect the services the contractor is to provide to that agency.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0151. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services Generally

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0151.  PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERALLY.  The executive commissioner shall:
(1)  facilitate and enforce coordinated planning and delivery of health and human services, including:
(A)  compliance with the coordinated strategic plan;
(B)  colocation of services;
(C)  integrated intake; and
(D)  coordinated referral and case management;
(2)  establish and enforce uniform regional boundaries for all health and human services agencies;
(3)  carry out statewide health and human services needs surveys and forecasting;
(4)  perform independent special-outcome evaluations of health and human services programs and activities; and
(5)  on request of a governmental entity the executive commissioner identifies under Section 525.0155, assist the entity in implementing a coordinated plan that:
(A)  may include colocation of services, integrated intake, and coordinated referral and case management; and
(B)  is tailored to the entity's needs and priorities.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0152. Planning and Policy Direction of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0152.  PLANNING AND POLICY DIRECTION OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM.  (a)  In this section, "financial assistance program" means the financial assistance program operated under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code.
(b)  The commission shall:
(1)  plan and direct the financial assistance program, including the procurement, management, and monitoring of contracts necessary to implement the program; and
(2)  establish requirements for and define the scope of the ongoing evaluation of the financial assistance program.
(c)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules and standards governing the financial assistance program.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0153. Annual Business Services Plans

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0153.  ANNUAL BUSINESS SERVICES PLANS.  The commission shall develop and implement an annual business services plan for each health and human services region that:
(1)  establishes performance objectives for all health and human services agencies providing services in the region; and
(2)  measures agency effectiveness and efficiency in achieving those objectives.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0154. Coordinated Strategic Plan and Biennial Plan Updates for Health and Human Services

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0154.  COORDINATED STRATEGIC PLAN AND BIENNIAL PLAN UPDATES FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.  (a)  The executive commissioner shall:
(1)  develop a coordinated, six-year strategic plan for health and human services in this state; and
(2)  submit a biennial update of the plan to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives not later than October 1 of each even-numbered year.
(b)  The coordinated strategic plan must include the following goals:
(1)  developing a comprehensive, statewide approach to the planning of health and human services;
(2)  creating a continuum of care for families and individuals in need of health and human services;
(3)  integrating health and human services to provide for the efficient and timely delivery of those services;
(4)  maximizing existing resources through effective funds management and the sharing of administrative functions;
(5)  effectively using management information systems to continually improve service delivery;
(6)  providing systemwide accountability through effective monitoring mechanisms;
(7)  promoting teamwork among the health and human services agencies and providing incentives for creativity;
(8)  fostering innovation at the local level; and
(9)  encouraging full participation of fathers in programs and services relating to children.
(c)  In developing the coordinated strategic plan and plan updates under this section, the executive commissioner shall consider:
(1)  existing strategic plans of health and human services agencies;
(2)  health and human services priorities and plans governmental entities submit under Section 525.0155;
(3)  facilitation of pending reorganizations or consolidations of health and human services agencies and programs;
(4)  public comment, including comment documented through public hearings conducted under Section 523.0252; and
(5)  budgetary issues, including projected agency needs and projected availability of funds.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0155. Coordination With Local Governmental Entities

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0155.  COORDINATION WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES.  The executive commissioner shall:
(1)  identify the governmental entities that coordinate the delivery of health and human services in regions, counties, and municipalities; and
(2)  request that each identified governmental entity:
(A)  identify the health and human services priorities in the entity's jurisdiction and the most effective ways to deliver and coordinate services in that jurisdiction;
(B)  develop a coordinated plan for delivering health and human services in the jurisdiction, including transition services that prepare special education students for adulthood; and
(C)  make available to the commission the information requested under Paragraphs (A) and (B).
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0156. Submission and Review of Agency Strategic Plans and Biennial Plan Updates

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0156.  SUBMISSION AND REVIEW OF AGENCY STRATEGIC PLANS AND BIENNIAL PLAN UPDATES.  (a)  Each health and human services agency shall submit to the commission a strategic plan and biennial updates of the plan on a date determined by commission rule.
(b)  The commission shall:
(1)  review and comment on each strategic plan and biennial update a health and human services agency submits to the commission under this section; and
(2)  not later than January 1 of each even-numbered year, begin formal discussions with each health and human services agency regarding that agency's strategic plan or biennial update, as appropriate.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0157. Statewide Needs Appraisal Project

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0157.  STATEWIDE NEEDS APPRAISAL PROJECT.  (a)  The commission may implement the Statewide Needs Appraisal Project to obtain county-specific demographic data concerning health and human services needs in this state.
(b)  Any collected data must be made available for use in planning and budgeting for health and human services programs by state agencies.
(c)  The commission shall coordinate the commission's activities with the appropriate health and human services agencies.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0158. Streamlining Service Delivery

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0158.  STREAMLINING SERVICE DELIVERY.  To integrate and streamline service delivery and facilitate access to services, the executive commissioner may:
(1)  request a health and human services agency to take a specific action; and
(2)  recommend the manner for accomplishing the streamlining, including requesting each agency to:
(A)  simplify or automate agency procedures;
(B)  coordinate service planning and management tasks between and among health and human services agencies;
(C)  reallocate staff resources;
(D)  waive existing rules; or
(E)  take other necessary actions.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0159. Hotline and Call Center Coordination

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0159.  HOTLINE AND CALL CENTER COORDINATION.  (a)  The commission shall establish a process to ensure all health and human services system hotlines and call centers are necessary and appropriate.  Under the process, the commission shall:
(1)  develop criteria for use in assessing whether a hotline or call center serves an ongoing purpose;
(2)  develop and maintain an inventory of all system hotlines and call centers;
(3)  use the inventory and assessment criteria the commission develops under this subsection to periodically consolidate hotlines and call centers along appropriate functional lines;
(4)  develop an approval process designed to ensure that a newly established hotline or call center, including the telephone system and contract terms for the hotline or call center, meets policies and standards the commission establishes; and
(5)  develop policies and standards for hotlines and call centers that:
(A)  include quality and quantity performance measures and benchmarks; and
(B)  may include policies and standards for:
(i)  client satisfaction with call resolution;
(ii)  accuracy of information provided;
(iii)  the percentage of received calls that are answered;
(iv)  the amount of time a caller spends on hold; and
(v)  call abandonment rates.
(b)  In consolidating hotlines and call centers under Subsection (a)(3), the commission shall seek to maximize the use and effectiveness of the commission's 2-1-1 telephone number.
(c)  In developing policies and standards under Subsection (a)(5), the commission may allow varied performance measures and benchmarks for a hotline or call center based on factors affecting the capacity of the hotline or call center, including factors such as staffing levels and funding.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter D. Planning and Delivery of Health and Human Services › Section 525.0160. Community-Based Support Systems

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0160.  COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT SYSTEMS.  (a)  Subject to Sections 524.0001(c) and (d) and 524.0202(a)(1), the commission shall assist communities in this state in developing comprehensive, community-based support systems for health and human services.  At a community's request, the commission shall provide to the community resources and assistance to enable the community to:
(1)  identify and overcome institutional barriers to developing more comprehensive community support systems, including barriers resulting from the policies and procedures of state health and human services agencies; and
(2)  develop a system of blended funds to allow the community to customize services to fit individual community needs.
(b)  At the commission's request, a health and human services agency shall provide to a community resources and assistance as necessary to perform the commission's duties under Subsection (a).
(c)  A health and human services agency that receives or develops a proposal for a community initiative shall submit the proposal to the commission for review and approval.  The commission shall review the proposal to ensure that the proposed initiative:
(1)  is consistent with other similar programs offered in communities; and
(2)  does not duplicate other services provided in the community.
(d)  In implementing this section, the commission shall consider models used in other service delivery systems, including the mental health and intellectual disability service delivery systems.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0201. Definitions

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0201.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Electronic health record" means an electronic record of an individual's aggregated health-related information that conforms to nationally recognized interoperability standards and that can be created, managed, and consulted by authorized health care providers across two or more health care organizations.
(2)  "Electronic medical record" means an electronic record of an individual's health-related information that can be created, gathered, managed, and consulted by authorized clinicians and staff within a single health care organization.
(3)  "Health information exchange system" means an electronic health information exchange system created under this subchapter that moves health-related information among entities according to nationally recognized standards.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0203. Health Information Exchange System Implementation in Stages

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0203.  HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN STAGES.  The commission shall implement the health information exchange system in stages as described by this subchapter, except that the commission may deviate from those stages if technological advances make a deviation advisable or more efficient.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0204. Health Information Exchange System Stage One: Encounter Data

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0204.  HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM STAGE ONE: ENCOUNTER DATA.  In stage one of implementing the health information exchange system and for purposes of the implementation, the commission shall require each managed care organization with which the commission contracts under Chapter 540 or 540A for the provision of Medicaid managed care services or under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code, for the provision of child health plan program services to submit to the commission complete and accurate encounter data not later than the 30th day after the last day of the month in which the managed care organization adjudicated the claim.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0205. Health Information Exchange System Stage One: Electronic Prescribing

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0205.  HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM STAGE ONE: ELECTRONIC PRESCRIBING.  (a)  In stage one of implementing the health information exchange system, the commission shall support and coordinate electronic prescribing tools health care providers and health care facilities use under Medicaid and the child health plan program.
(b)  The commission shall collaborate with, and accept recommendations from, physicians and other stakeholders to ensure that the electronic prescribing tools described by Subsection (a):
(1)  are integrated with existing electronic prescribing systems otherwise in use in the public and private sectors; and
(2)  to the extent feasible:
(A)  provide current payer formulary information at the time a health care provider writes a prescription; and
(B)  support the electronic transmission of a prescription.
(c)  The commission may take any reasonable action to comply with this section, including establishing information exchanges with national electronic prescribing networks or providing health care providers with access to an Internet-based prescribing tool the commission develops.
(d)  The commission shall apply for and actively pursue any waiver to the state Medicaid plan or the child health plan program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or any other federal agency as necessary to remove an identified impediment to supporting and implementing electronic prescribing tools under this section, including the requirement for handwritten certification of certain drugs under 42 C.F.R. Section 447.512.  If the commission, with assistance from the Legislative Budget Board, determines that the implementation of an operational modification in accordance with a waiver the commission obtains as required by this subsection has resulted in a cost increase in Medicaid or the child health plan program, the commission shall take the necessary actions to reverse the operational modification.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0206. Health Information Exchange System Stage Two: Expansion

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0206.  HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM STAGE TWO: EXPANSION.  (a)  In stage two of implementing the health information exchange system and based on feedback provided by interested parties, the commission may expand the system by:
(1)  providing an electronic health record for each child health plan program enrollee;
(2)  including state laboratory results information in an electronic health record, including the results of newborn screenings and tests conducted under the Texas Health Steps program, based on the system developed for the health passport under Section 266.006, Family Code;
(3)  improving electronic health record data-gathering capabilities to allow the record to include basic health and clinical information as the executive commissioner determines in addition to available claims information;
(4)  using evidence-based technology tools to create a unique health profile to alert health care providers regarding the need for additional care, education, counseling, or health management activities for specific patients; and
(5)  continuing to enhance the electronic health record created for each Medicaid recipient as technology becomes available and interoperability capabilities improve.
(b)  In expanding the health information exchange system, the commission shall collaborate with, and accept recommendations from, physicians and other stakeholders to ensure that electronic health records provided under this section support health information exchange with electronic medical records systems physicians use in the public and private sectors.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0207. Health Information Exchange System Stage Three: Expansion

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0207.  HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM STAGE THREE: EXPANSION.  In stage three of implementing the health information exchange system, the commission may expand the system by:
(1)  developing evidence-based benchmarking tools for a health care provider to use in evaluating the provider's own performance on health care outcomes and overall quality of care as compared to aggregated peer performance data; and
(2)  expanding the system to include state agencies, additional health care providers, laboratories, diagnostic facilities, hospitals, and medical offices.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0208. Strategies to Encourage Health Information Exchange System Use

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0208.  STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM USE.  The commission shall develop strategies to encourage health care providers to use the health information exchange system, including incentives, education, and outreach tools to increase usage.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter E. Health Information Exchange System › Section 525.0209. Rules

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0209.  RULES.  The executive commissioner may adopt rules to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0251. Information Resources Strategic Planning and Management

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0251.  INFORMATION RESOURCES STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT.  (a)  The commission is responsible for strategic planning for information resources at each health and human services agency and shall direct the management of information resources at each health and human services agency.
(b)  The commission shall:
(1)  develop a coordinated strategic plan for information resources management that:
(A)  covers a five-year period;
(B)  defines objectives for information resources management at each health and human services agency;
(C)  prioritizes information resources projects and implementation of new technology for all health and human services agencies;
(D)  integrates planning and development of each information resources system a health and human services agency uses into a coordinated information resources management planning and development system the commission establishes;
(E)  establishes standards for information resources system security and that promotes the capability of information resources systems operating with each other;
(F)  achieves economies of scale and related benefits in purchasing for health and human services information resources systems; and
(G)  is consistent with the state strategic plan for information resources developed under Chapter 2054;
(2)  establish and ensure compliance with information resources management policies, procedures, and technical standards; and
(3)  review and approve the information resources deployment review and biennial operating plan of each health and human services agency.
(c)  A health and human services agency may not submit the agency's plans to the Department of Information Resources or the Legislative Budget Board under Subchapter E, Chapter 2054, until the commission approves the plans.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0252. Technological Solutions Policies

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0252.  TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS POLICIES.  (a)  The commission shall develop and implement a policy requiring the agency commissioner and employees of each health and human services agency to research and propose appropriate technological solutions to improve the agency's ability to perform the agency's functions.  The technological solutions must:
(1)  ensure that the public is able to easily find information about a health and human services agency on the Internet;
(2)  ensure that an individual who wants to use a health and human services agency's services is able to:
(A)  interact with the agency through the Internet; and
(B)  access any service that can be effectively provided through the Internet;
(3)  be cost-effective and developed through the commission's planning process; and
(4)  meet federal accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities.
(b)  The commission shall develop and implement the policy described by Subsection (a) in relation to the commission's functions.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0253. Technology Use for Adult Protective Services Program

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0253.  TECHNOLOGY USE FOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM.  (a)  Subject to available appropriations, the commission shall use technology whenever possible in connection with the Department of Family and Protective Services' adult protective services program to:
(1)  provide for automated collection of information necessary to evaluate program effectiveness using systems that integrate collection of necessary information with other routine duties of caseworkers and other service providers; and
(2)  consequently reduce the time required for caseworkers and other service providers to gather and report information necessary for program evaluation.
(b)  The commission shall include private sector representatives in the technology planning process used to determine appropriate technology for the Department of Family and Protective Services' adult protective services program.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0254. Electronic Signatures

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0254.  ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.  (a)  In this section, "transaction" has the meaning assigned by Section 322.002, Business & Commerce Code.
(b)  The executive commissioner shall establish standards for the use of electronic signatures in accordance with Chapter 322, Business & Commerce Code, with respect to any transaction in connection with the administration of health and human services programs.
(c)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the executive commissioner's authority under this section.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0255. Health and Human Services System Internet Websites

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0255.  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM INTERNET WEBSITES.  The commission shall establish a process to ensure that Internet websites across the health and human services system are developed and maintained according to standard criteria for uniformity, efficiency, and technical capabilities.  Under the process, the commission shall:
(1)  develop and maintain an inventory of all health and human services system Internet websites; and
(2)  on an ongoing basis, evaluate the inventory the commission maintains under Subdivision (1) to:
(A)  determine whether any Internet websites should be consolidated to improve public access to those websites' content and, if appropriate, consolidate those websites; and
(B)  ensure that the Internet websites comply with the standard criteria.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0256. Automation Standards for Data Sharing

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0256.  AUTOMATION STANDARDS FOR DATA SHARING.  The executive commissioner, with the Department of Information Resources, shall develop automation standards for computer systems to enable health and human services agencies, including agencies operating at a local level, to share pertinent data.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter F. Information Resources and Technology › Section 525.0257. Electronic Exchange of Health Information; Biennial Report

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0257.  ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE OF HEALTH INFORMATION; BIENNIAL REPORT.  (a)  In this section, "health care provider" includes a physician.
(b)  The executive commissioner shall ensure that:
(1)  all information systems available for the commission or a health and human services agency to use in sending protected health information to a health care provider or receiving protected health information from a health care provider, and for which planning or procurement begins on or after September 1, 2015, are capable of sending or receiving the information in accordance with the applicable data exchange standards developed by the appropriate standards development organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute;
(2)  if national data exchange standards do not exist for a system described by Subdivision (1), the commission makes every effort to ensure that the system is interoperable with the national standards for electronic health record systems; and
(3)  the commission and each health and human services agency establish an interoperability standards plan for all information systems that exchange protected health information with health care providers.
(c)  Not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the executive commissioner shall report to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board on the commission's and the health and human services agencies' measurable progress in ensuring that the information systems described by Subsection (b) are interoperable with one another and meet the appropriate standards specified by that subsection.  The report must include an assessment of the progress made in achieving commission goals related to the exchange of health information, including facilitating care coordination among the agencies, ensuring quality improvement, and realizing cost savings.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter G. Studies, Reports, and Publications › Section 525.0301. Biennial Reference Guide

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0301.  BIENNIAL REFERENCE GUIDE.  (a)  The commission shall:
(1)  publish a biennial reference guide describing available public health and human services in this state; and
(2)  make the guide available to all interested parties and agencies.
(b)  The reference guide must include a dictionary of uniform terms and services.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter G. Studies, Reports, and Publications › Section 525.0302. Consolidation of Reports

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0302.  CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS.  The commission may consolidate any annual or biennial reports required to be made under this chapter or another law if:
(1)  the consolidated report is submitted not later than the earliest deadline for the submission of any component of the report; and
(2)  each person required to receive a component of the consolidated report receives the report, and the report identifies the component the person was required to receive.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 525 - General Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter G. Studies, Reports, and Publications › Section 525.0303. Annual Report on Safeguarding Protected Health Information

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 525.0303.  ANNUAL REPORT ON SAFEGUARDING PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.  (a)  The commission, in consultation with the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Medical Board, and the Texas Department of Insurance, shall explore and evaluate new developments in safeguarding protected health information.
(b)  Not later than December 1 of each year, the commission shall report to the legislature on:
(1)  new developments in safeguarding protected health information; and
(2)  recommendations for implementing safeguards within the commission.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 526 - Additional Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter A. Internet Websites, Electronic Resources, and Other Technology › Section 526.0001. Definitions

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Council" means the Records Management Interagency Coordinating Council.
(2)  "Network" means the Texas Information and Referral Network.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 526 - Additional Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter A. Internet Websites, Electronic Resources, and Other Technology › Section 526.0002. Internet Website for Health and Human Services Information

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0002.  INTERNET WEBSITE FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INFORMATION.  (a)  The commission, in cooperation with the Department of Information Resources, shall maintain through the state electronic Internet portal project established by the department a generally accessible and interactive Internet website that contains information for the public regarding the services and programs each health and human services agency provides or administers in this state.  The commission shall establish the website in such a manner that allows it to be located easily through electronic means.
(b)  The Internet website must:
(1)  include information that is:
(A)  presented in a concise and easily understandable and accessible format; and
(B)  organized by the type of service provided rather than by the agency or provider delivering the service;
(2)  provide eligibility criteria for each health and human services agency program;
(3)  provide application forms for each of the public assistance programs administered by a health and human services agency, including forms for:
(A)  the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;
(B)  Medicaid; and
(C)  the nutritional assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code;
(4)  to avoid duplication of functions and efforts, provide a link to an Internet website maintained by the network under Section 526.0005;
(5)  provide the telephone number and, to the extent available, the e-mail address for each health and human services agency and local health and human services provider;
(6)  be designed in a manner that allows a member of the public to electronically:
(A)  send questions about each agency's programs or services; and
(B)  receive the agency's responses to those questions; and
(7)  be updated at least quarterly.
(c)  In designing the Internet website, the commission shall comply with any state standards for Internet websites that are prescribed by the Department of Information Resources or any other state agency.
(d)  The commission shall ensure that:
(1)  the Internet website's design and applications:
(A)  comply with generally acceptable standards for Internet accessibility for individuals with disabilities; and
(B)  contain appropriate controls for information security; and
(2)  the Internet website does not contain any confidential information, including any confidential information regarding a client of a human services provider.
(e)  A health and human services agency, the network, and the Department of Information Resources shall cooperate with the commission to the extent necessary to enable the commission to perform its duties under this section.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 526 - Additional Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter A. Internet Websites, Electronic Resources, and Other Technology › Section 526.0003. Information on Long-Term Care Services

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0003.  INFORMATION ON LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES.  (a)  The Internet website maintained under Section 526.0002 must include information for consumers concerning long-term care services.  The information must:
(1)  be presented in a manner that is easily accessible to and understandable by a consumer; and
(2)  allow a consumer to make informed choices concerning long-term care services and include:
(A)  an explanation of the manner in which long-term care service delivery is administered in different counties through different programs the commission operates so that an individual can easily understand the service options available in the area in which that individual lives; and
(B)  for the STAR+PLUS Medicaid managed care program, information in an accessible format, such as a table, that allows a consumer to evaluate the performance of each participating plan issuer, including for each issuer:
(i)  the enrollment in each county;
(ii)  additional "value-added" services provided;
(iii)  a summary of the financial statistical report required under Section 540.0211;
(iv)  complaint information;
(v)  any sanction or penalty imposed by any state agency, including a sanction or penalty imposed by the commission or the Texas Department of Insurance;
(vi)  consumer satisfaction information; and
(vii)  other data, including relevant data from reports of external quality review organizations, that may be used by the consumer to evaluate the quality of the services provided.
(b)  In addition to providing the information required by this section through the Internet website, the commission shall, on request by a consumer without Internet access, provide the consumer with a printed copy of the information from the Internet website.  The commission may charge a reasonable fee for printing the information. The executive commissioner by rule shall establish the fee amount.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 526 - Additional Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter A. Internet Websites, Electronic Resources, and Other Technology › Section 526.0005. Internet Website for Health and Human Services Referral Information

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0005.  INTERNET WEBSITE FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REFERRAL INFORMATION.  (a)  The network may develop an Internet website to provide information to the public regarding the health and human services provided by public or private entities throughout this state.
(b)  The material on the network Internet website must be:
(1)  geographically indexed, including by type of service provided within each geographic area; and
(2)  designed to inform an individual about the health and human services provided in the area in which the individual lives.
(c)  The Internet website may contain:
(1)  links to the Internet websites of any local health and human services provider;
(2)  the name, address, and telephone number of organizations providing health and human services in a county and a description of the type of services those organizations provide; and
(3)  any other information that educates the public about the health and human services provided in a county.
(d)  The network shall coordinate with the Department of Information Resources to maintain the Internet website through the state electronic Internet portal project established by the department.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 4 - Executive Branch › Subtitle I - Health and Human Services › Chapter 526 - Additional Powers and Duties of Commission and Executive Commissioner › Subchapter A. Internet Websites, Electronic Resources, and Other Technology › Section 526.0008. Compliance With National Electronic Data Interchange Standards for Health Care Information

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0008.  COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE STANDARDS FOR HEALTH CARE INFORMATION.  Each health and human services agency and other state agency that acts as a health care provider or a claims payer for the provision of health care shall:
(1)  process information related to health care in compliance with national data interchange standards adopted under Subtitle F, Title II, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), within the applicable deadline established under federal law or federal regulations; or
(2)  demonstrate to the commission the reasons the agency should not be required to comply with Subdivision (1), and to the extent allowed under federal law, obtain the commission's approval to:
(A)  comply with the standards at a later date; or
(B)  not comply with one or more of the standards.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.