The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts the repeal of §351.829, concerning the Promoting Independence Advisory Committee. The Executive Commissioner also adopts amendments to §351.801, concerning Authority and General Provisions; §351.815, concerning the Policy Council for Children and Families; §351.817, concerning the Texas Council on Consumer Direction; §351.827, concerning the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council; and §351.833, concerning STAR Kids Managed Care Advisory Committee.

The amendments and repeal are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 18, 2020, issue of the Texas Register (45 TexReg 6421). The rules will not be republished.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The amendments and repeal are necessary to comply with Texas Government Code §531.012, which requires the Executive Commissioner of HHSC to adopt rules governing the purpose, tasks, reporting requirements, and date of abolition, among other things, of advisory committees the Executive Commissioner established under §531.012. Amendments to §351.827, concerning the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, are necessary to align the rule with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 118, which establishes the Council.

These amendments extend certain advisory committees that were set to be abolished; revise certain committees' membership and tasks to incorporate duties related to persons on the autism spectrum; align the rules with statute and statutory interpretation; clarify terms; and repeal a rule for an advisory committee that no longer functions.

COMMENTS

The 14-day comment period ended October 2, 2020.

During this period, HHSC did not receive any comments regarding the proposed rules.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the Executive Commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, and Texas Government Code §531.012, which requires the Executive Commissioner of HHSC to adopt rules governing an advisory committee's purpose, tasks, reporting requirements, date of abolition, and other matters.