(a) Purpose. This rule is intended to optimize the
operations of the regional poison control centers (RPCCs) comprising
the Texas Poison Control Network (TPCN). This rule authorizes RPCCs
to provide services for regions served by other RPCCs in the state
in order to maximize efficient use of resources and provide appropriate
services in each region.
(b) TPCN Scheduling. To improve the efficiency of the
TPCN, network-wide scheduling shall be implemented by the Commission.
To establish network-wide scheduling, the Commission in collaboration
with the TPCN will:
(1) analyze telecommunications data to identify call
volume trends to determine the necessary call-taking capacity for
the TPCN during specific times of any 24-hour period;
(2) determine appropriate staffing levels of Specialists
in Poison Information (SPI) for the TPCN, and ensure that SPI staffing
levels are aligned with demand for the TPCN during any 24-hour period;
and
(3) adopt a Commission Program Policy Statement to:
(A) establish and coordinate SPI staffing schedules
for the TPCN; and
(B) establish standard operating procedures for RPCCs
related to network-wide scheduling and handling of calls for poison
control service.
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