The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (Institute) adopts amendments to §§703.3, 703.6, 703.8, 703.11, 703.13, 703.14, 703.20, and 703.21, concerning grants for cancer prevention and research, without changes to the proposed text as published in the June 13, 2014, issue of the Texas Register (39 TexReg 4616). The sections will not be republished.

Reasoned Justification

These amendments allow for the designation of co-chairpersons by either a Peer Review Panel chairperson or Review Council chairperson and specify that it is the chief executive officer, rather than the chief compliance officer, who is responsible for recommending corrective actions for variances in the grant review process. The amendments clarify document submission requirements for grant recipients. Specifically, the amendments provide more explanation regarding requirements, deadlines, and consequences for late submission of required documents including audits, close out documents, financial status reports, grant progress reports, and tranche progress reports. Amended language also clarifies when reimbursement costs may be waived for grant recipients who have received advance payment of funds. The amendments are adopted pursuant to and in satisfaction of the provisions Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 102, and other relevant statutes.

The Oversight Committee approved the final order adopting the amendments to Chapter 703 rules on August 20, 2014. The Institute accepted public comments in writing and by fax through July 14, 2014. No comments were received concerning the proposed amendments for Chapter 703.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of the Texas Health and Safety Code Annotated §§102.8, 102.251, 102.255, and 102.260, which provide the Institute with the authority to adopt rules and the Oversight Committee to establish procedures for the grant award process.