| (a) The Lifespan Respite Care Act (United States Code,
Title 42, §300ii) authorizes a state agency to collaborate with
a public or private statewide coalition to address the respite needs
of family caregivers of adults or children with special needs. Texas
Human Resources Code §161.079 directs DADS to coordinate public
awareness outreach efforts regarding the role of informal long-term
care caregivers. Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter
F, creates the Lifespan Respite Services Program operated by DADS.
The Texas Respite Advisory Committee (TRAC) assists DADS to develop
strategies to reduce barriers to accessing respite services; improve
the quality of respite services; and provide training, education,
and support to family caregivers.
(b) The tasks of the TRAC include:
(1) assisting DADS to identify barriers and best practices
for providing and coordinating respite services in Texas;
(2) responding to requests from DADS for information
about the respite needs of caregivers;
(3) advising DADS about effective methods for expanding
the availability of affordable respite services in Texas through the
use of funds available from respite care programs;
(4) cooperating and sharing resources and knowledge
among community stakeholders to facilitate barrier free access for
primary caregivers; and
(5) educating the public on the need for community-based
options for primary caregivers.
(c) The TRAC is composed of no more than 24 members.
A quorum of 5 members is required to convene and transact committee
business. Members must represent family caregivers, primary caregivers,
respite care advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, and
members of public interested in the issue of respite care.
(d) The TRAC meets quarterly and submits quarterly
reports of committee meetings to the commissioner or designee.
(e) The TRAC is abolished on March 1, 2026.
|
