The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), on behalf of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), adopts the repeal of §37.420, concerning the Sickle Cell Advisory Committee (SCAC) and adopts new §37.420, concerning the Sickle Cell Task Force (Task Force). The repeal and new rule for §37.420 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the June 24, 2022, issue of the Texas Register (47 TexReg 3653). The repeal and new rule will not be republished.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The repeal and new rule are necessary to comply with state legislation. Per Texas Government Code, §2110.008, Duration of Advisory Committees, the SCAC was abolished effective September 1, 2018.

The new rule for §37.420, Sickle Cell Task Force, replaces the repealed section for the SCAC. The Task Force was established in accordance with House Bill 3405, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, and promulgated under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 50 (redesignated as Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 52 per House Bill 3607, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021). The Task Force was created to continue the work of the SCAC. The new rule establishes the Task Force and describes Task Force composition, roles, responsibilities, and abolishment date.

COMMENTS

On July 25, 2022, the 31-day comment period ended.

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

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The repeal is authorized under Texas Health and Safety Code §52.0001, which authorizes the Executive Commissioner of HHSC to establish and maintain a Task Force to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait; Texas Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the Executive Commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules and policies necessary for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies; and Texas Health and Safety Code §1001.075, which provides that the Executive Commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of health and human services by DSHS and for the administration of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 1001.