TITLE social-services-and-assistance

Part I. Texas Department of Human Services

Chapter 1. Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility for Pregnant Women

Subchapter A. Eligibility Requirements

40 TAC §1.1

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes an amendment to §1.1, concerning client eligibility requirements, in its Presumptive Medicaid Eligibility for Pregnant Women chapter. The purpose of the amendment is to comply with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, under which Medicaid Type Program 32 coverage expired in January 1999.

Eric M. Bost, commissioner, has determined that for the first five- year period the proposed section will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Bost also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be that the reference to a discontinued program is deleted from the rule. There will be no effect on small businesses because the program was discontinued January 1, 1997. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

Questions about the content of the proposal may be directed to Mary Haifley at (512) 438-2599 in DHS's Texas Works Department. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-208, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which provides the department with the authority to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendment implements §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§1.1. Client Eligibility Requirements.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Requirements for Application. To be eligible for presumptive Medicaid eligibility, pregnant women must meet the following requirements.

(1)

Citizenship. Citizenship requirements are the same as those requirements specified for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ AFDC ] applicants in 45 Code of Federal Regulations §233.50. [ Citizenship requirements for aliens applying for Medicaid are as specified in §5.1002 of this title (relating to Legal Basis). ]

(2)-(3)

(No change.)

(d)-(e)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903440

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call:


Chapter 5. Medicaid Programs for Aliens

Subchapter A. Medicaid Benefits for Temporarily Legalized Aliens

40 TAC §5.1002, §5.1004

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department of Human Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes the repeal of §§5.1002 and §5.1004, concerning Legal Basis and Eligibility Requirements, in its Medicaid Programs for Aliens chapter. The purpose of the repeals is to comply with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, under which Medicaid Type Program 32 coverage expired in January 1999.

Eric M. Bost, commissioner, has determined that for the first five- year period the proposed sections will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Bost also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that rules for a discontinued program are deleted from the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses because the program was discontinued January 1, 1997. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

Questions about the content of the proposal may be directed to Mary Haifley at (512) 438-2599 in DHS's Texas Works Department. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-208, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules.

The repeals are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which provides the department with the authority to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The repeals implement §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§5.1002. Legal Basis.

§5.1004. Eligibility Requirements.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903441

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call:


Chapter 15. Medicaid Eligibility

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes to amend §§15.100, concerning definitions; 15.105, concerning description of eligible clients; 15.210, concerning time frames for buy-in enrollment; 15.305, concerning eligibility requirements for the aged, blind, or disabled; 15.410, concerning deeming of resources; 15.455, concerning unearned income; 15.460, concerning income exemptions; and 15.475, concerning deeming of income; in its Medicaid Eligibility chapter. The purpose of the amendments is to update references to the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program to the current program name, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). There are no policy changes.

Eric M. Bost, commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments.

Mr. Bost also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendments will be that DHS's rules will not contain references to an obsolete program. The rules will reflect the correct program name. The amendments will not have an adverse economic effect on small or large businesses because they contain no policy changes. They only update references from AFDC to TANF.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Judy Coker at (512) 438-3227 in DHS's Long-Term Care section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-191, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Subchapter A. General Information

40 TAC §15.100, §15.105

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not affect any private real property interests. Accordingly, no takings impact assessment regarding this rule is required under §2007.043 of the Texas Government Code and §2.19 of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines adopted by the Attorney General and published on January 12, 1996, in the Texas Register (21 TexReg 387).

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendments implement §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§15.100.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

[ (3)

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) - Financial assistance to low income families under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. AFDC clients are also eligible for Medicaid. ]

(3)

[ (4) ] Alimony - Allowance made by a court to one spouse from funds of the other spouse, either pending decision on a suit for separation or divorce or after a decision in the suit.

(4)

[ (5) ] Alternate care - A service provided in a client's home or community as an alternative to institutional care.

(5)

[ (6) ] Annuity - An amount payable yearly or at other regular intervals.

(6)

[ (7) ] Appeal - A client's request for a fair hearing concerning a department action.

(7)

[ (8) ] Applicant - An individual with a pending application for medical assistance.

(8)

[ (9) ] Application - A completed, signed, and dated application for assistance (aged and disabled).

(9)

[ (10) ] Applied income - The amount of personal income a client in a long-term care facility must pay, to the facility, toward his cost of care.

(10)

[ (11) ] Assets - All items that have monetary value and are owned by an individual.

(11)

[ (12) ] Audit reconciliation - The process by which a facility with audit exceptions takes corrective action to clear the exceptions.

(12)

[ (13) ] Award - Something of value conferred or bestowed on an individual as a result of merit or need.

(13)

[ (14) ] BENDEX (Beneficiary Data Exchange) - Computer tape from the Social Security Administration (SSA) giving Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Medicare information about the department's clients.

(14)

[ (15) ] Blind - An individual is considered blind under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requirements if the visual acuity in his better eye is 20/200 or less with corrective lenses, or if he has tunnel vision that limits his field of vision to 20 degrees or less.

(15)

[ (16) ] Bond - A written obligation to pay a sum of money at a future date.

(16)

[ (17) ] Budgeting - The process of determining a client's eligibility and applied income.

(17)

[ (18) ] Burial space - A burial plot, grave site, crypt, mausoleum, urn, casket, niche, or other repository customarily and traditionally used for the deceased's bodily remains. The term also includes necessary and reasonable improvements or additions to these spaces, including, but not limited to, vaults, headstones, markers, or plaques; burial containers; arrangements for opening and closing of grave site; and contracts for care and maintenance of the grave site. Contracts for care and maintenance are sometimes referred to as endowment or perpetual care.

(18)

[ (19) ] Buy-in - The payment of Medicare Part B premiums by the department and for eligible Medicaid clients.

(19)

[ (20) ] Client - Either an applicant for or a recipient of medical assistance.

(20)

[ (21) ] Common law marriage - A relationship in which the parties live together and represent themselves to the public as husband and wife.

(21)

[ (22) ] Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD) - A group of alternate care services, either home-based or community based, for eligible aged and disabled Texans.

(22)

[ (23) ] Community care service - A service provided in a client's home or community, as opposed to services provided in an institution. The terms community care and alternate care are synonymous.

(23)

[ (24) ] Compensation - Any money, real or personal property, food, shelter, or services received by a client that are not usually provided by a family member.

(24)

[ (25) ] Countable income - The amount of a client's income after all exemptions and exclusions.

(25)

[ (26) ] Countable resource - Any resource that the department would have counted, in whole or in part, toward the re- source limitation.

(26)

[ (27) ] Current market value - Current value of a re- source at the time of sale or transfer. See the definition of fair market value in this section.

(27)

[ (28) ] Deeming - Counting all or part of the income or resources of another person (parent or spouse) as income or resources available to the client.

(28)

[ (29) ] Deemor - A person (spouse or parent of a client) whose income or resources are available to the client.

(29)

[ (30) ] Disabled - An individual who is unable to engage in any substantial, gainful activity because of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

(30)

[ (31) ] Discounting - The advancement of money on a negotiable note or agreement and the deduction of interest or a premium in advance.

(31)

[ (32) ] Early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) - Services offered under Medicaid for eligible children.

(32)

[ (33) ] Earned income - Income a client receives for services performed as an employee or as a result of self-employment.

(33)

[ (34) ] Earned income credits (EIC) - Payments from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to persons who have tax dependents and gross monthly earnings at or below levels established by IRS.

(34)

[ (35) ] Earned income tax credit (EITC) - A special tax credit that reduces the federal tax liability of certain low-income working taxpayers.

(35)

[ (36) ] Equity - The fair market value of a resource minus all money owed on it.

(36)

[ (37) ] Excluded income - Income that is not counted when determining eligibility but that is counted to determine applied income.

(37)

[ (38) ] Excluded resource - Any resource that the department does not count toward the resource limitation.

(38)

[ (39) ] Exempt income - Income that is not counted in eligibility nor applied income determination.

(39)

[ (40) ] Extended care facility (ECF) - A nursing home that is participating in Medicare as a skilled nursing facility.

(40)

[ (41) ] Fair hearing - A meeting conducted by a regional hearing officer with a client or his representative who disagrees with and wishes to appeal some action taken on the client's case.

(41)

[ (42) ] Fair market value - Amount of money an item would bring if sold in the current local market.

(42)

[ (43) ] Federal benefit rate (FBR) - Standard payment amount in the SSI program.

(43)

[ (44) ] Fiduciary agent - An individual who has authority to manage another person's funds.

(44)

[ (45) ] Financial duress - Having insufficient funds to meet living expenses because of debts incurred for medical expenses for the institutionalized spouse, community-based spouse, or dependent, or because of replacement of a resource lost through theft or acts of God.

(45)

[ (46) ] Financial management - The way a client manages his income, pays expenses, and maintains any remaining funds.

(46)

[ (47) ] Fraud - Deliberate misrepresentation or willful withholding of information for the purpose of obtaining public assistance; either for self or another individual.

(47)

[ (48) ] Health insurance claim (HIC) - Medicare claim number, which is the same as Social Security claim number or Railroad Retirement claim number (number with an alpha suffix.)

(48)

[ (49) ] Home - A structure in which a client lives (including mobile homes, houseboats, and motor homes), other buildings, and all adjacent land.

(49)

[ (50) ] Housebound Veterans Administration benefits (HB) - Veteran's Administration benefits for persons living in the community who need regular aid-and-attendance from another person.

(50)

[ (51) ] Hospital insurance benefits (HIB) - Part A of Medicare.

(51)

[ (52) ] Income - Receipt of any property or service a client can apply, either directly or by sale or conversion, to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Countable income is the amount of a client's income after all exemptions and exclusions.

(52)

[ (53) ] Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS) - Computer tape matches required by federal law.

(53)

[ (54) ] Ineligible child - for deeming purposes, the natural or adopted child of the client, of the client's spouse, or of the parent or parent's spouse, who lives with the client, is not eligible for SSI or Medical Assistance Only, and who is under age 18, or under age 21 and a student regularly attending a school, college, university, or course of vocational training in preparation for gainful employment.

(54)

[ (55) ] Infrequent payment - A payment that is received no more than once per calendar quarter.

(55)

[ (56) ] Inheritance - Cash, other liquid resources, noncash items, or any right in real or personal property received at the death of another. An individual may not have access to his inheritance pending legal action. An inheritance is income in the month of receipt unless the inherited item would be an excluded resource. Effective August 11, 1993, waiving an inheritance may result in a transfer of assets penalty.

(56)

[ (57) ] In-kind support and maintenance - Food, clothing, or shelter that is provided to the client or that is purchased by someone else. Any cash payments given directly to the client for food, clothing, or shelter are cash income and not in-kind support and maintenance.

(57)

[ (58) ] Institution - An establishment that makes avail- able some treatment or services, besides food and shelter, to four or more persons who are not related to the proprietor. Also see definition of public institution in this section.

(58)

[ (59) ] Institutional care - Long-term nursing care in a nursing home, ICF-MR facility, or state institution.

(59)

[ (60) ] Institutional cases - Medical assistance only cases in state institutions.

(60)

[ (61) ] Insurance - The following terms apply to the definition of insurance:

(A)

The insured is the individual upon whose life a whole life or straight life policy is effected.

(B)

The beneficiary is the individual (or entity) named in the con- tract to receive the proceeds of the policy upon the death of the insured.

(C)

The owner is the individual paying the premiums on the policy, with the right to change it as he may see fit. The owner is the only individual who can receive the cash surrender amount of the policy.

(D)

The insurer-assurer is the company that contracts with the owner.

(E)

The face value amount is the basic death benefit or maturity amount, which is specified on the policy's face. The face value does not include dividends, additional amounts payable because of accidental death, or other special provisions.

(F)

The cash surrender value is the amount that the insurer pays if the policy is cancelled before death or before it has matured. The cash surrender value usually increases with the age of the policy.

(G)

A participating life insurance policy is one in which dividends are distributed to the policy holder.

(H)

A nonparticipating life insurance policy means that dividends are not distributed to the policy holders.

(I)

Default is the failure to pay the insurance premiums. There may be conditions in the policy relating to default.

(J)

Ordinary life insurance (also known as whole life or straight life) is a contract for which the owner pays premiums and the insurer pays the face amount of the policy to the beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

(K)

An individual policy is a policy that is paid for entirely by the owner.

(L)

A group policy is usually issued through an employer or organization. The premiums may include some contribution from the employer.

(M)

Dividends are shares of surplus funds allocated to the policy holders of participating insurance policies. They generally represent a previous overpayment of premiums. Dividends may be received as cash payments; used to reduce future premium payments; applied to the existing insurance to increase coverage; or left as a separate accumulation of funds that draw interest.

(61)

[ (62) ] Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) - Medium level of nursing home care. Formerly ICF III. Effective October 1, 1990, an ICF is officially designated as nursing facility (NF).

(62)

[ (63) ] Intermediate Care Facility for Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) - Public or private facilities that provide client care in 24-hour specialized residential settings for the mentally retarded.

(63)

[ (64) ] Intermediate Care II (ICF II) - Level of care in a nursing home for persons who need minimal nursing care. Effective October 1, 1990, an ICF is officially designated as nursing facility (NF).

(64)

[ (65) ] Irregular payment - A payment made without an agreement or understanding and without any reasonable expectation that payment will occur again.

(65)

[ (66) ] Level of care (LOC) - Type of care a client is eligible to receive in an ICF/MR facility.

(66)

[ (67) ] Level of care determination (LCD) - Determination made by a Texas Department of Health MR program regarding the type of care a client requires.

(67)

[ (68) ] Life estate - A contract transferring certain rights in property to a person for his life time. The person usually has the right to possess, use, receive profits, and sell his estate interest.

(68)

[ (69) ] Liquid resources - Cash or financial instrument that can be converted to cash within 20 workdays. Liquid resources include cash, savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks, bonds, and time deposits. Liquid resources may also include promissory notes, loans, and mortgages.

(69)

[ (70) ] Loan - A transaction whereby one party advances money to another party who promises to repay the debt in full, with or without interest.

(70)

[ (71) ] Long Term Care Unit (LTCU) of Texas Department of Health (TDH) - A team of TDH health-care professionals responsible for quality assurance, licensure, and certification functions in the Title XIX facilities.

(71)

[ (72) ] Materially Participating - A business owner is determined to be materially participating if he meets any one of the following criteria:

(A)

The owner engages in periodic advice and consultation with the tenant, inspection of the production activities, and furnishing of machinery, equipment, livestock, and production expenses.

(B)

The owner makes management decisions that affect the success of the enterprise.

(C)

The owner performs a specified amount of physical labor to produce the commodities raised.

(D)

The owner does not meet the full requirements above but his involvement in crop production is nevertheless significant.

(72)

[ (73) ] Medicaid - A program of medical care authorized by Title XIX of the Social Security Act and the Human Resources Code. It is a federal/state program that is state administered, utilizing a combination of state and federal dollars to purchase medical care for categorically needy and medically indigent people.

(73)

[ (74) ] Medicaid-qualifying trusts (MQT) - A Medicaid- qualifying trust is one that the client, his spouse, guardian, or anyone holding his power of attorney establishes using the client's money. The client is the beneficiary of a Medicaid-qualifying trust. A Medicaid-qualifying trust is one that was established between June 1, 1986, and August 10, 1993. Trusts which meet the MQT definition and were established prior to June 1, 1986, are treated as standard inter vivos trusts.

(74)

[ (75) ] Medical Assistance Only (MAO) - Programs providing Medicaid coverage only, with no cash assistance.

(75)

[ (76) ] Medical care facility - A nursing facility (Title XIX, Title XX, or private), hospital, ICF-MR, or an institution for mental diseases (IMD).

(76)

[ (77) ] Medical care identification card - A monthly computer-issued notice to Medicaid clients, verifying Medicaid cover- age. Also referred to as Medicaid card.

(77)

[ (78) ] Medical effective date (MED) - Date Medicaid coverage begins.

(78)

[ (79) ] Medical necessity (MN) - The determination that a client requires the services of registered nurses or licensed nurses in an institutional setting.

(79)

[ (80) ] Medical services - Those services which are directed toward diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, or palliative treatment of a medical condition and which are performed, directed, or supervised by a state-licensed health professional.

(80)

[ (81) ] Medically necessary - The need for medical services in an amount and frequency sufficient, according to accepted standards of medical practice, to preserve health and life and to prevent future impairment. For dental services, prosthetic devices, and walking aids/shoes, the client must provide a statement of medical necessity from his physician, or a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician's assistant who is working in collaboration with his physician.

(81)

[ (82) ] Medicare - Medical coverage available to persons 65 years old or older and to certain disabled persons under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

(82)

[ (83) ] Mineral rights - Ownership interests in the oil, gas, or minerals beneath the surface of a piece of property. Also see surface rights.

(83)

[ (84) ] National Heritage Insurance Company (NHIC) - Company contracted with the department to serve as the insuring agent in providing health benefits to Medicaid clients.

(84)

[ (85) ] Nursing facility (NF) - Formerly ICF or SNF.

(85)

[ (86) ] Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) - Title II of the Social Security Act. Also referred to as RSDI.

(86)

[ (87) ] Parent - A child's natural or adoptive parent or the spouse of the natural or adoptive parent.

(87)

[ (88) ] Pension funds - Monies held in a retirement fund under a plan administered by an employer or union, or an individual retirement account (IRA) or Keogh account as described in the Internal Revenue Code.

(88)

[ (89) ] Preadmission screening and annual resident review (PASARR) - Federally mandated screening for mental illnesses, mental retardation, and related conditions before admission to a nursing facility to determine if placement is appropriate.

(89)

[ (90) ] Prepaid burial contract - An agreement in which a client prepays his burial expenses and the seller agrees to furnish the burial.

(90)

[ (91) ] Prize - Something of value won in a contest, lottery, or game of chance.

(91)

[ (92) ] Promissory notes - A written or oral, unconditional agreement by the purchaser to pay the seller a specific sum of money at a specified time or on demand.

(92)

[ (93) ] Property agreement - A pledge or security of a particular property or properties for the payment of a debt or the performance of some other obligation within a specified time. Property agreements on real estate (land and buildings) are generally referred to as mortgages but may also be called land contracts, contracts for deed, or deeds of trust.

(93)

[ (94) ] Provider - A person, group, or agency providing a service to a client for a fee that is paid by the department. Providers are sometimes called vendors.

(94)

[ (95) ] Public institution - An establishment that is operated or controlled by a federal or state government unit, or a political subdivision, such as the city or county.

(95)

[ (96) ] Purchased health services - The department's state office division that monitors the NHIC contract.

(96)

[ (97) ] Quality control (QC) - Review of a random sample of cases to determine correctness of assistance provided.

(97)

[ (98) ] Railroad retirement benefits (RR) - Retirement, disability annuity, and survivorship benefits available to railroad employees and their families.

(98)

[ (99) ] Real property - Land and houses or immovable objects attached to the land.

(99)

[ (100) ] Redetermination - The decision concerning a client's continued eligibility for Medicaid benefits.

(100)

[ (101) ] Refund value - The amount that a client would receive upon revocation or liquidation of his burial contract. The refund value is considered an available resource.

(101)

[ (102) ] Relative - Son, daughter, grandson, grand- daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, half sister, half brother, grandmother, grandfather, in-laws, mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, stepsister, stepbrother, nephew, niece. A dependant relative is one who was living in the client's home before the client's absence and who is unable to support himself outside of the client's home due to medical, social, or other reasons.

(102)

[ (103) ] Rent - payment, either as cash or in-kind, which an individual receives for the use of real or personal property, such as land, housing, or machinery. Rental income is considered unearned income unless it is derived from self-employment, that is, someone is in the business of renting properties.

(103)

[ (104) ] Resources - Cash, other liquid assets, or any real or personal property or other nonliquid assets owned by a client, his spouse, or parent, that could be converted to cash.

(104)

[ (105) ] Restitution - Securing payment from a client when fraud is not indicated or pursued and when the client has been undercharged applied income because of previously unreported or under-reported monthly income or resources that do not involve income averaging.

(105)

[ (106) ] Retirement, survivors, and disability insurance benefits (RSDI) - Title II of the Social Security Act. Also referred to as OASDI.

(106)

[ (107) ] Review - The process of redetermining a client's continued eligibility for Medicaid.

(107)

[ (108) ] Rider 49 status - Medicaid clients in nursing facilities in March 1980, who qualify for ICF II levels of care. Entitled to continue ICF II and to retain Medicaid after leaving facility, if eligible.

(108)

[ (109) ] Royalty - A payment to an individual for permitting another to use or market his property (such as mineral rights, patents, or copyrights).

(109)

[ (110) ] Skilled nursing facility - A type of nursing home under Medicaid and Medicare. Also referred to as extended care facility, under Medicare. Effective October 1, 1990, refers only to Medicare facilities.

(110)

[ (111) ] Social Security (SS)- A federal system of old-age, unemployment, or disability insurance for various categories of employed and dependent persons, financed by a fund maintained jointly by employees, employers, and the government.

(111)

[ (112) ] Social Security Administration (SSA) - An organization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). SSA processes SSI/SDX transactions for the states and is involved extensively in the Medicare program.

(112)

[ (113) ] Social Security claim number (SSCN) - Usually same as Medicare claim number.

(113)

[ (114) ] Social Security number (SSN) - A reference number used by the SSA to identify individual contributors to the Social Security fund.

(114)

[ (115) ] Social service - Any service, other than medical, which is intended to assist a person with a physical disability or social disadvantage to function in society on a level comparable to that of a person who does not have such a disability or disadvantage. No in-kind items are expressly identified as social services.

(115)

[ (116) ] State data exchange (SDX) - Computer tape from the SSA giving SSI information about the department's clients. SDX information can be used as a source of verification and is available to workers through the department's computer terminals.

(116)

[ (117) ] Stocks - Shares of ownership in a corporation.

(117)

[ (118) ] Supplementary medical insurance benefits (SMIB) - Part B of Medicare.

(118)

[ (119) ] Supplemental security income (SSI) - A needs-tested program, administered by the SSA, that provides monthly income to aged, blind, and disabled individuals.

(119)

[ (120) ] Support - Contributions in cash or in kind that provide some or all of a client's usual needs.

(120)

[ (121) ] Support and maintenance - The value of both food and shelter that a client receives.

(121)

[ (122) ] Support or maintenance - The value of either food or shelter that a client receives, but not both.

(122)

[ (123) ] Surface rights - Ownership interests in the exterior or upper boundary of land.

(123)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Financial assistance to low-income families under Title IV of the Social Security Act. TANF clients are also eligible for Medicaid.

(124) - (138)

(No change.)

§15.105.Description of Eligible Clients.

The Texas Medical Assistance Program provides, under Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act, certain benefits to all individuals who meet the department's definition of eligible recipients. Eligible recipients are:

(1)

individuals who are : [ eligible for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) or who would be except for age and school-attendance requirements. Also covered are the caretaker, second parent, and certified children; except when there is an only child who is 18 through 20 years old and therefore eligible for medical assistance only. In these cases, caretakers and second parents are eligible. To be eligible for Medicaid benefits, a family must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 3, Income Assistance, of the department's rules. ]

(A)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients whose eligibility criteria are outlined in Chapter 3 of this title (relating to Income Assistance Services);

(B)

Pregnant women and children whose eligibility criteria are outlined in Chapter 4 of this title (relating to Medicaid Programs - Children and Pregnant Women); or

(C)

Medically needy recipients whose eligibility criteria are outlined in Chapter 2 of this title (relating to Medically Needy Program).

(2) - (17)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903442

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Subchapter B. Medicaid and Third-party Resources

40 TAC §15.210

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not affect any private real property interests. Accordingly, no takings impact assessment regarding this rule is required under §2007.043 of the Texas Government Code and §2.19 of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines adopted by the Attorney General and published on January 12, 1996, in the Texas Register (21 TexReg 387).

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendment implements §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§15.210.Time Frames for Buy-in Enrollment.

(a)

Clients who have Medicare Part B coverage at the time they are certified for Medicaid are enrolled as follows:

(1)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) [ SSI ] and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ AFDC ] clients are enrolled for buy-in effective the first month they receive a cash payment.

(2) - (5)

(No change.)

(b) - (c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903443

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Subchapter C. Basic Program Requirements

40 TAC §15.305

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not affect any private real property interests. Accordingly, no takings impact assessment regarding this rule is required under §2007.043 of the Texas Government Code and §2.19 of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines adopted by the Attorney General and published on January 12, 1996, in the Texas Register (21 TexReg 387).

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendment implements §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§15.305.Eligibility Requirements for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled.

(a) - (d)

(No change.)

(e)

To be eligible, a client must file:

(1)

for all other benefits to which he may be entitled.

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

These benefits do not include:

(i)

federal, state, local, or private programs based on need, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [ Aid to Families with Dependent Children ], or

(ii)

(No change.)

(2) - (3)

(No change.)

(f) - (k)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903444

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Subchapter D. Resources

40 TAC §15.410

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not affect any private real property interests. Accordingly, no takings impact assessment regarding this rule is required under §2007.043 of the Texas Government Code and §2.19 of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines adopted by the Attorney General and published on January 12, 1996, in the Texas Register (21 TexReg 387).

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendment implements §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§15.410.Deeming of Resources.

(a)

Deeming of spouse's resources. The department deems spouse's resources as follows:

(1)

spouses living together. If a married client lives in the same household with an ineligible spouse, the department counts both the ineligible spouse's and the client's resources and applies the couple resource limit to the combined countable resources. The spouse's resources are counted even if they are not available to the client. Pension funds owned by an ineligible spouse or parent are excluded from resources for deeming purposes. If the ineligible spouse is a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ an AFDC ] caretaker, his resources are not counted.

(2) - (3)

(No change.)

(b)

Deeming for children. The department's requirements regarding deeming for children are as follows:

(1)

If a disabled child under 18 lives with his parents in the same household, the department must deem to the child certain resources of the parents. If a parent is a TANF [ an AFDC ] caretaker or a client, his resources are not counted.

(2)- (3)

(No change.)

(c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903445

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Subchapter E. Income

40 TAC §§15.455, 15.460, 15.475

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not affect any private real property interests. Accordingly, no takings impact assessment regarding this rule is required under §2007.043 of the Texas Government Code and §2.19 of the Private Real Property Rights Preservation Act Guidelines adopted by the Attorney General and published on January 12, 1996, in the Texas Register (21 TexReg 387).

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendments implement §§22.001-22.030 and 32.001-32.042 of the Human Resources Code.

§15.455.Unearned Income.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Support and maintenance (S/M). The following requirements apply to support and maintenance.

(1)

Support and maintenance not counted as income. Support and maintenance are not counted as income if:

(A) - (G)

(No change.)

(H)

the client lives in a public assistance household, defined as one in which each member receives cash or vendor payments from one of the following: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) ], Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Refugee Assistance Act of 1980, a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) general assistance program, payments based on need provided by a state/local government income maintenance program, Veterans Administration (VA) pension for veterans or widows, VA dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for parents, or payments under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974;

(I)

(No change.)

(2) - (9)

(No change.)

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

(e)

Other unearned income. Other sources of unearned income include:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

interest payments on joint bank accounts. In this context, the term "spouse" includes a spouse whose income is considered in the applied income determination process. Interest payments on joint bank accounts are considered as follows:

(A)

if the coholders of the account are not eligible for SSI, TANF [ AFDC ], nor MAO, nor do they have spouses or parents whose incomes are deemed to the client, all interest payments and deposits made by the ineligible coholders are considered as income of the client;

(B)

if one or more coholders are eligible for TANF [ AFDC ], SSI, or MAO; or are spouses or parents whose incomes are deemed to the client, a deposit by the coholder, spouse, or parent is not considered to be income to the client;

(C)

(No change.)

(3) - (11)

(No change.)

§15.460.Income Exemptions.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The Texas Department of Human Services exempts income that a client receives from any of the following sources:

(1) - (5)

(No change.)

(6)

the amount of income of a dependent who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) ]. This income has already been considered in determining the dependent's need for SSI or TANF [ AFDC ].

(7) - (38)

(No change.)

§15.475.Deeming of Income.

(a)

The following requirements apply:

(1) - (3)

(No change.)

(4)

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) exempts certain types of income that may be received by a client's ineligible spouse, ineligible parent, a parent's ineligible spouse, or any ineligible children living in the household. The following types of income are not deemed to the client:

(A) - (E)

(No change.)

(F)

amount of income of a dependent who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) [ SSI ] or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) [ AFDC ]. This income has already been considered in determining the dependent's need for SSI or TANF [ AFDC ];

(G) - (II)

(No change.)

(b)

The following exceptions apply to deeming of income:

(1)

If the client's spouse, parent, or parent's spouse is a member of a TANF [ an AFDC ] group, that person's income is not deemed to the client.

(2) - (10)

(No change.)

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 10, 1999.

TRD-9903446

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Chapter 20. Cost Determination Process

40 TAC §20.101, §20.105

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes amendments to §20.101, concerning Introduction, and §20.105, concerning General Reporting and Documentation Requirements, Methods, and Procedures, in its Cost Determination Process chapter. This proposal is submitted simultaneously with a proposal by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to amend corresponding provisions of Title 1, Chapter 355, TAC.

The purpose of the amendments is to comply with changes in state and federal laws. One proposed amendment reflects a change in the Medicaid program rate approval process. The proposed amendment reflects the current process in which the Texas Board of Human Services no longer recommends rates to HHSC, because HHSC was assigned responsibility for Medicaid rate determination by a change in state law in House Bill 2913, 75th Legislature (1997). Since rates for most non-Medicaid payment rates have a Medicaid counterpart, approval of the Medicaid rates by HHSC effectively determines the non-Medicaid counterpart rates. Thus, a proposed amendment provides that non- Medicaid payment rates will be set to coincide with the counterpart Medicaid rates. A proposed amendment also removes references to the federal Boren Amendment, which formerly applied to the nursing facility program, because it is no longer in effect as a result of a change in federal law.

Eric M. Bost, commissioner, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Bost also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the rules will reflect the changes in federal and state law and that providers will have defined for them the payment rate approval process. There will be no effect on small businesses, because the amendments reflect HHSC and DHS current Medicaid rate approval processes, based on changes in state law; and establish consistency in non-medicaid rate approval processes. The amendments also delete references to the federal Boren Amendment, which is no longer in effect as a result of a change in federal law. No changes in practice are required of any businesses, large or small. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

Under §2007.003(b) of the Texas Government Code, the department has determined that chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to these rules. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding these rules.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Kathy Hall at (512) 438-3702 in DHS's Rate Analysis Department. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-200, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 2, Chapters 22 and 32, which authorizes the department to administer public and medical assistance programs; and under Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides the Health and Human Services Commission with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds.

The amendments implement the Human Resources Code, §§22.001- 22.030 and §§32.001-32.042.

§20.101. Introduction.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) reimburses providers for contracted client services through reimbursement amounts determined as described in this chapter and in reimbursement methodologies for each program. Non-Medicaid, statewide, uniform reimbursements and reimbursement ceilings are approved by the Texas Department [Board ] of Human Services [ (board) ]. Medicaid, statewide, uniform reimbursements, and reimbursement ceilings are approved by [ The board recommends for approval to ] the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) [ medical assistance or Medicaid reimbursements that are uniform by class ]. In Medicaid programs where reimbursements are contractor-specific, [ the board recommends for approval to ] the HHSC approves the reimbursement parameter dollar amounts, e.g., ceilings, floors, or program reimbursement formula limits. In approving reimbursement amounts DHS or the HHSC [ the board ] takes into consideration staff recommendations based on the application of formulas and procedures described in this chapter and in reimbursement methodologies for each program. However, DHS or the HHSC [ the board ] may adjust staff recommendations when DHS or the HHSC [ the board ] deems such adjustments are warranted by particular circumstances likely to affect achievement of program objectives, including economic conditions and budgetary considerations. [ For the nursing facility program subject to the federal Boren Amendment, any downward reimbursement adjustments may not exceed the amount of any mark-up or margin over projected costs. For the nursing facility program, this limitation ensures that downward reimbursement adjustments do not reduce reimbursement below the costs which must be incurred by efficient and economic providers meeting federal and state standards. ] Medicaid reimbursement methodology rules are developed and recommended for approval [ by the board ] to the HHSC. The HHSC has oversight authority with respect to the state's Medicaid rules.

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

§20.105. General Reporting and Documentation Requirements, Methods, and Procedures.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Amended cost report due dates. DHS accepts submittal of provider- initiated or DHS-requested amended cost reports as follows.

(1)

Provider-initiated amended cost reports must be received no later than the date in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph, whichever occurs first. Amended cost reports received after the required date have no effect on the reimbursement determination. Amended cost report information that cannot be verified will not be used in reimbursement determinations. Provider-initiated amended cost reports must be received no later than the earlier of:

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

for Medicaid programs, 30 days prior to the public hearing on proposed reimbursement or reimbursement parameter amounts; and for non-Medicaid programs 30 days prior to the administrative closing of the cost report database for reimbursement determination [ 45 days, prior to the DHS board meeting to approve reimbursement or reimbursement parameter amounts ].

(2)

(No change.)

(e)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

Public hearings.

(1)

Uniform reimbursements. For Medicaid programs where reimbursements are uniform by class of service and/or provider type, DHS and the HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed reimbursements before the HHSC [ Texas Board of Human Services (board) ] approves reimbursements. The purpose of the hearing is to give interested parties an opportunity to comment on the [ DHS's ] proposed reimbursements. Notice of the hearing will be provided to the public. The notice of the public hearing will identify the name, address, and telephone number to contact for the materials pertinent to the proposed reimbursements. At least ten working days before the public hearing takes place, material pertinent to the proposed statewide uniform Medicaid reimbursements will be made available to the public. This material will include the proposed reimbursements, the inflation adjustments used to determine them, and the impact on reimbursements of the major cost limits. This material will be furnished to anyone who requests it. After the public hearing, if negative comments are received, a [ written ] summary of the comments made during the public hearing will be presented to the HHSC [ board ].

(2)

Contractor-specific reimbursements. For Medicaid programs in which [ In programs where ] reimbursements are contractor-specific, DHS and the HHSC will hold a public hearing on the reimbursement determination parameter dollar amounts (e.g., ceilings, floors, or program reimbursement formula limits) before the HHSC [ board ] approves parameter dollar amounts. The purpose of the hearing is to give interested parties an opportunity to comment on the [ DHS's ] proposed reimbursement parameter dollar amounts. Notice of the hearing will be provided to the public. The notice of the public hearing will identify the name, address, and telephone number to contact for the materials pertinent to the proposed reimbursement parameter dollar amounts. At least ten working days before the public hearing takes place, material pertinent to the proposed reimbursement parameter dollar amounts will be made available to the public. This material will include the proposed reimbursement parameter dollar amounts, the inflation adjustments used to determine them, and the impact on the reimbursement parameter dollar amounts of the major cost limits. This material will be furnished to anyone who requests it. After the public hearing, if negative comments are received, a [ written ] summary of the comments made during the public hearing will be presented to HHSC [ the board ].

(h)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 9, 1999.

TRD-9903398

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Proposed date of adoption: September 1, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3765


Part III. Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Chapter 142. Investigations and Hearings

40 TAC §142.22, §142.31

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §142.22 and §142.31 concerning Investigations and Hearings. These sections contain the procedures concerning investigations of abuse or neglect of children, the elderly, or the disabled by chemical dependency counselors or facilities funded or licensed by the commission and describe the procedures for facility and chemical dependency counselor disciplinary hearings.

These amendments are proposed to update organizational references and provide consistency with the Government Code regarding minimum amount of notice that must be given regarding the date, time and place of administrative hearings.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be clarity about the procedures concerning investigations of abuse or neglect of children, the elderly, or the disabled by chemical dependency counselors or facilities funded or licensed by the commission and consistency regarding the minimum notice given to respondents in administrative hearings. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules and standards for the licensure of chemical dependency treatment facilities and under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512o, which provides the commission with the authority to establish procedures for the licensure of chemical dependency counselors.

The codes affected by the proposed amendments are the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464 and Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512o.

§142.22. Investigations of Abuse or Neglect of Children, the Elderly, or the Disabled.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Reports. In abuse or neglect cases, the investigator submits a written report to the [ assistant ] deputy for quality assurance [ program compliance ] within five days of initiating the investigation. The commission notifies all relevant parties of the investigative findings in writing.

(f)-(g)

(No change.)

§142.31. Procedure for Facility and Chemical Dependency Counselor Disciplinary Hearings.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The respondent is entitled to at least ten [ 15 ] days notice of the date, time, and place of the administrative hearing. The administrative hearing shall be conducted by an administrative law judge employed by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Administrative hearings shall comply with the requirements of Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001, Subchapter C and the State Office of Administrative Hearings' Rules of Procedure, 1 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 155.

(f)-(l)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903487

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §142.32

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes an amendment to §142.32 concerning Investigations and Hearings. This section describes the procedures regarding administrative penalties for facilities and chemical dependency counselors.

The amendment is proposed to: clarify commission's authority to classify offenses not already included in the guidelines; complete the list of disciplinary actions available to the commission; establish commission's role in judging compliance; allow the commission to choose an administrative penalty or an alternate action when the total dollar value of a facility's assessed penalty is over $5,000; limit the number of facility waivers and require compliance as a precondition when appropriate; eliminate waiver of administrative penalties for counselors; clarify board and executive director responsibilities in approving administrative penalties; provide licensees an option to surrender the license in lieu of paying administrative penalties; and eliminate an outdated transition clause. In addition, amendments to the graphics that are included in this section are made to revise the method of assigning points for history of disciplinary action and to clarify that only full compliance is sufficient to receive credit for efforts to correct violations when assigning points.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be minimal fiscal implications for the commission as facilities and counselors are assessed fees and pay those fees to the commission. There will be no fiscal impact for other state agencies or local government as a result of the proposed amendment.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated will be consistent, orderly and fair sanctions for persons and entities regulated by the commission. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no additional anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule as proposed; however, specific persons and entities will pay penalties to the commission.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules and standards for the licensure of chemical dependency treatment facilities and under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512o, which provides the commission with the authority to establish procedures for the licensure of chemical dependency counselors.

The codes affected by the proposed amendment is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464 and Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512o.

§142.32. Administrative Penalties.

(a)

Violations are categorized according to the seriousness of the violation and the actual or potential harm to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The commission has established specific guidelines for assigning categories. These guidelines show how various offenses are categorized, but do not limit the commission's authority to categorize any particular offense that is not already included in the guidelines or to modify those offenses already categorized. These guidelines are available for review at the commission's administrative offices at 9001 North IH 35, Suite 105, Austin, Texas, 78753.

(b)

Administrative penalties are not assessed for the most serious violations, which are assigned to Category A. Instead, the commission will seek to deny, refuse to renew, revoke or suspend the license.

(c)

Administrative penalties are not an option if the licensee has failed to pay administrative penalties assessed in the past.

(d)

Self-reported facility violations are not subject to administrative penalties provided:

(1)

the facility is required to report the violation;

(2)

the facility achieves full compliance (as determined by the commission) by the established deadline; and

(3)

the commission does not initiate a field investigation.

(e)

Administrative penalties for facilities are assessed using the following point system.

(1)

Points are assigned to each violation using the matrix shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: 40 TAC §142.32(e)

(2)

The point value of all violations is added and the total is multiplied by $10 per point.

(3)

If the total dollar value is over $5,000, the commission may [ will ] seek to revoke or suspend the facility's license instead of imposing an administrative penalty.

(4)

The commission will waive collection of the administrative penalties if:

(A)

all violations fall into Category C or Category D; [ and ]

(B)

the total assessed dollar value is less than $1,000;

(C)

administrative penalties have not been waived two times in the past; and

(D)

compliance, where appropriate, has been achieved or the facility has entered into an agreement with the commission which ensures future compliance.

(f)

Administrative penalties for counselors are assessed using the following point system.

(1)

Points are assigned to each violation using the matrix shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: 40 TAC §142.32(f)

(2)

The point value of all violations is added and the total is multiplied by $12 per point.

(3)

If the total dollar value is over $2,000, the commission may [ will ] seek to revoke or suspend the counselor's license instead of imposing an administrative penalty.

[ (4)

The commission will waive collection of the administrative penalties if:]

[ (A)

all violations fall into Category C or Category D; and]

[ (B)

the total assessed dollar value is less than $500.]

(g)-(h)

(No change.)

(i)

The licensee shall accept the determination and recommended penalty or request an administrative hearing in writing within 20 days of the mailing of the notice. If the licensee accepts the determination and recommended penalty, the board (in cases involving facilities) or the executive director (in cases involving counselors) shall issue an order approving both.

(j)-(l)

(No change.)

(m)

A licensee may surrender the license in lieu of paying administrative penalties. The licensee may reapply for licensure if administrative penalties are paid within one year from the date of license surrender. [ Facilities shall not be required to pay administrative penalties under these rules until January 1, 1999. ]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903488

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Chapter 143. Funding

40 TAC §§143.3, 143.17, 143.21, 143.25

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §143.17 and §143.21 and proposes new §143.3 and §143.25 concerning Funding. These sections describe the service procurement plan, the process for funding decisions, the quarterly funding process and the developmental funding process.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to establish a service procurement plan, state that the commission may choose an alternative funding process when no fundable application is received, rename the developmental funding process to quarterly funding process to more accurately name this process, refine the quarterly funding process, and establish a new developmental funding process.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a more fully developed funding process, which will provide better options for ensuring service needs are met. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new rules.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

These amendments and new rules are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.012(15), which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new rules is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§143.3. Service Procurement Plan.

(a)

The commission develops an annual service procurement plan to implement the Statewide Service Delivery Plan. The plan includes funding goals for the state overall and for each region.

(b)

The service procurement plan identifies what services are needed, where the services are needed, and the priority order of the services to be purchased. It may also specify the desired level of funding for each service.

§143.17. Funding Decisions.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The panel's recommendations are reviewed [ and approved ] by the commission's executive management team and approved by the executive director .

(c)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

If the commission does not receive a fundable application for a desired service, it may choose an alternative process to procure the service, including:

(1)

the quarterly funding process described in §143.21 of this title (relating to Quarterly Funding);

(2)

the developmental funding process described in §143.25 of this title (relating to Developmental Funding); or

(3)

noncompetitive renewal described in §143.24 of this title (relating to Noncompetitive Renewal).

§143.21. Quarterly [ Developmental ] Funding.

(a)

The commission may use [ uses ] the quarterly [ developmental ] funding process to:

(1)

purchase additional services if service needs and funds remain after a competitive request for proposals;

(2)

distribute funds that become available and must be awarded during a contract period; and

(3)

consider funding for unsolicited applications.

(b)

Funds available for one-time procurements and funds available for recurring services are competed [ handled ] separately under the quarterly funding process .

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The commission identifies the goals and services/products to be purchased based on its service procurement plan [ statewide service delivery plan, RAC recommendations, ] and results of the previous Request for Proposals (RFP), as applicable.

(e)

Selection criteria are designed to select applications that provide the best overall value to the state.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

A minimum score is established for quarterly [ developmental ] funding. The minimum score may be less than the score established for a competitive RFP if the commission has the resources necessary to provide appropriate technical assistance.

(3)

Selection criteria for quarterly [ developmental ] funds are approved by the commission's executive director.

(f)

Once per quarter, if funds are available, notice [ Notice ] of available funds is published [ quarterly ] in the Texas Register and [ monthly ] on the commission's website and the state's electronic business daily. The notice includes:

(1)

the services to be purchased;

(2)

the geographic area to be served;

(3)

funding limitations;

(4)

method of payment;

(5)

contract period;

(6)

requirements for submitting an application; and

(7)

the procedure the commission will use to award the contract.

(g)

The commission accepts applications on an ongoing basis, and may also consider previously submitted proposals. Applications eliminated during prior competition may be revised and resubmitted for quarterly [ developmental ] funding.

(h)

During the quarterly process, the commission will not consider applications received more than six months before the quarterly application due date unless the applicant has submitted a letter requesting consideration of a prior application during that six-month period. [ Unsolicited applications are considered in the same way as other applications during this process. Each application is evaluated in relation to the services to be purchased and the selection criteria. ]

(i)

All applications are subject to the same requirements and deadlines. [ Once per quarter, if funds are available for development, the commission reviews the applications. ]

(1)

To be considered for funding, an applicant must meet the application criteria listed in §143.15 of this title (relating to Application Criteria).

(2)

Applicants who are not already funded by the commission must submit additional documentation regarding the organization's legal and financial status.

(3)

If required, applicants shall comply with the Texas Review and Comment System (TRACS).

(j)

Each application is evaluated in relation to the services to be purchased and the selection criteria. Commission staff evaluate and score proposals that were not scored during the competitive RFP. RAC members may also serve as reviewers outside their own regions.

(k)

(No change.)

(l)

The panel's recommendations are reviewed [ and approved ] by the commission's executive management team and approved by the executive director .

(m)

Quarterly [ Developmental ] funding will not be available for services that will be included in a competitive RFP beginning six months prior to the scheduled RFP. Under extenuating circumstances, however, the commission's executive director may waive this provision.

§143.25. Developmental Funding.

(a)

The commission may initiate the developmental funding process when a competitive process has failed to elicit an acceptable offer for a service identified in the annual services procurement plan.

(b)

The commission will establish funding criteria for each developmental project to identify the minimum standards that must be met by an applicant in order to receive funds. The funding criteria will be approved by the commission's executive director.

(c)

A notice that funds are available for the service will be published on the commission's website, on the state's electronic business daily, and in the Texas Register for at least 21 days.

(d)

Commission staff will meet with the Regional Advisory Consortium, local providers, and other community groups and stakeholders to provide information about the identified need and identify potential providers. Staff will facilitate development of consensus on an organization or coalition to apply for the developmental funding.

(e)

If more than one provider is interested in the project, the commission will terminate the developmental process and initiate a competitive process.

(f)

When only one prospective applicant is identified, commission staff may provide consultation and technical assistance during the development of an application for developmental funding.

(g)

After the application is submitted, an internal selection panel will review the proposal to determine whether it meets the minimum criteria established for the project and conduct a cost analysis or budget review.

(h)

If the internal selection panel determines that the application meets the minimum criteria, it will recommend a level of funding and an implementation plan that includes:

(1)

roles and responsibilities of the provider and commission staff;

(2)

completion dates for key milestones; and

(3)

conditions for payments related to achievement of key milestones.

(i)

The panel's recommendations will be reviewed by the commission's executive management team and approved by the executive director.

(j)

An organization funded through the developmental process must meet the application criteria stated in §143.15 of this title (relating to Application Criteria) when the contract is signed, except that a treatment applicant does not need to be licensed to provide the requested services to the proposed population until service delivery begins.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903489

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Chapter 144. Contract Requirements.

Subchapter A. General Provisions

40 TAC §144.1, §144.21

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §144.1 and §144.21 concerning General Provisions. These sections describe the applicability of this chapter and the definitions of terms used in this chapter.

These amendments are proposed to clarify that this chapter applies to intervention programs as well as prevention and treatment programs funded by the commission and to add and/or clarify the definitions of terms used in this chapter.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a better understanding of the rules contained in this chapter and the programs to which these rules pertain. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.1. Applicability.

(a)

This chapter applies to all prevention , intervention, and treatment programs funded by the commission.

(b)

(No change.)

§144.21. Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Abuse - Any act or failure to act which is done knowingly, recklessly or intentionally, including incitement to act, which caused or may have caused injury to a client or participant . Injury may include, but is not limited to: physical injury, mental disorientation, or emotional harm, whether it is caused by physical action or verbal statement. Client /participant abuse may be perpetrated by staff or other clients/particpants and includes: [ any sexual activity between facility personnel and a client; corporal punishment; nutritional or sleep deprivation; efforts to cause fear; the use of any form of communication to threaten, curse, shame, or degrade a client; restraint that does not conform with these standards; coercive or restrictive actions taken in response to the client's request for discharge or refusal of medication or treatment that are illegal or not justified by the client's condition; and any other act or omission classified as abuse by the Texas Family Code, §261.001. ]

(A)

any sexual activity between facility personnel and a client/participant;

(B)

corporal punishment;

(C)

nutritional or sleep deprivation,

(D)

efforts to cause fear;

(E)

the use of any form of communication to threaten, curse, shame, or degrade a client/participant;

(F)

restraint that does not conform with chapter 148 of this title (relating to Facility Licensure);

(G)

coercive or restrictive actions taken in response to the client's/participant's request for discharge or refusal of medication or treatment that are illegal or not justified by the client's/participant's condition; and

(H)

any other act or omission classified as abuse by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(2)

Admission - Formal documented acceptance of a prospective client to a treatment facility, based on specifically defined criteria.

(3)

Access - Ability to obtain or make use of.

(4)

[ (2) ] Adolescent - An individual 13 through 17 years of age whose disabilities of minority have not been removed by marriage or judicial decree.

(5)

[ (3) ] Adult - An individual 18 years of age or older, or an individual under the age of 18 whose disabilities of minority have been removed by marriage or judicial decree.

(6)

Aftercare - Structured services provided after discharge from a treatment facility which are designed to strengthen and support the client's recovery and prevent relapse.

(7)

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the end stage of HIV infection. AIDS can only be diagnosed by a physician using criteria established by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(8)

Alternatives- A strategy that gives participants and their families the opportunity to take part in educational, cultural, recreational, and work-oriented substance-free activities. Activities under this strategy are designed to encourage and foster bonding with peers, family and community.

(9)

[ (4) ] Approve - Authorize in writing.

(10)

[ (5) ] Assessment - A process which identifies problems, needs, strengths, and resources as they pertain to ATOD use or abuse and related behaviors or activities. Assessments are used to initiate, maintain, or update individualized plans to address the identified needs and problems. See also Treatment Assessment.

(11)

Assets (individual) - A set of essential building blocks that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. External assets include support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time. Internal assets include commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.

(12)

ATOD - Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

(13)

Care coordination - Processes used to ensure an individual receives all needed substance abuse services through a seamless, organized delivery system.

(14)

[ (6) ] Case management - A systematic process to ensure clients receive all substance abuse, physical health, mental health, social, and other services needed to resolve identified problems and needs. Case management activities are [ Services ] provided by an accountable staff person and [ which ] include:

(A)

linking a client with needed services;

(B)

helping a client develop skills to use basic community resources and services; and

(C)

monitoring and coordinating the services received by a client.

(15)

[ (7) ] Chemical dependency - Substance dependence or substance abuse as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. [ The abuse of, psychological or physical dependence on, or addiction to alcohol, a toxic inhalant, or any substance designated as a controlled substance in the Texas Controlled Substances Act. ]

(16)

Chemical dependency screening - A brief interview conducted in person or by phone determine if there is a potential substance abuse problem. Screening may be performed by a non-QCC. If a potential problem is identified, the individual should be referred for a treatment assessment.

(17)

[ (8) ] Child - An individual under the age of 13.

(18)

[ (9) ] Client - An individual who has been admitted to a chemical dependency [ substance abuse ] treatment facility licensed or funded by the commission and is currently receiving services. [ A licensed chemical dependency counselor providing chemical dependency services at a facility shall not have a non-professional relationship with any client receiving chemical dependency or related services from the facility for two years after the client is discharged. ]

(19)

Client Data Systems (CDS) Forms - CDS forms include the Admission Report, Discharge Report, Follow-up Report, and CDS Facility Summary.

[ (10)

CODAP - Client-Oriented Data Acquisition Process.] (20) Cognizant agency - The federal or state agency responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving an organization's cost allocation plans or indirect cost proposals.

(21)

Combination program - A comprehensive prevention and/or intervention program which serves a combination of target populations (universal, selective, or indicated) by providing a range of prevention and/or intervention services to meet different levels of need for a particular setting.

(22)

[ (11) ] Commission - The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

(23)

Community-based process - A strategy designed to enhance the ability of the community to provide effective prevention, intervention, and treatment services for ATOD problems and HIV infection through community mobilization and empowerment. Activities include multi-agency coordination and collaboration, networking, and development of written agreements among community organizations.

(24)

Community coalition - A diverse group of community organizations and individuals organized to reduce ATOD problems in the community.

(25)

[ (12) ] Consenter - The individual legally responsible for giving informed consent for a client. This may be the client, parent, guardian, or conservator. Unless otherwise provided by law, a legally competent adult is his or her own consenter. Consenters include adult clients, clients 16 or 17 years of age, and clients under 16 years of age admitting themselves for chemical dependency [ substance abuse ] counseling under the provisions of the Texas Family Code, §32.004.

(26)

Continuum of services - A planned, coordinated service system which includes prevention, intervention, outreach, screening, referral, treatment and aftercare. Continuity of care has two dimensions and goals: (1) cross-sectional, so that the services provided to an individual at any given time are comprehensive and coordinated; and (2) longitudinal, so that the system provides comprehensive, integrated services over time and is responsive to changes in the person's needs.

(27)

[ (13) ] Counseling - Face-to-face interactions in which a counselor helps an individual, family or group identify, understand, and resolve issues and problems. [ Assisting an individual or group to develop an understanding of problems, define goals, and plan action reflecting the individual's or group's interest, abilities, and needs as affected by chemical dependency problems. ]

[ (14)

Counseling session - A scheduled meeting of 30 minutes or longer duration where group, individual, or family counseling is provided.]

(28)

[ (15) ] Counselor - A qualified credentialed counselor or a counselor intern [ working under direct supervision ].

(29)

[ (16) ] Counselor intern (CI) - A person pursuing a course of training in chemical dependency counseling at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an approved clinical training institution who has been designated as a counselor intern by the institution. The activities of a counselor intern shall be performed under the direct supervision of a qualified credentialed counselor (QCC).

(30)

[ (17) ] Crisis intervention - Services designed to intervene in situations which may or may not involve alcohol and drug abuse, and which may escalate and result in a crisis if immediate attention is not provided. Services include face-to-face individual, family, or group interviews /interactions and/or telephone contacts to identify [ the participant's family's ] needs.

(31)

CSAP's six prevention strategies - The six strategies identified by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention that are delivered in prevention and intervention programs. The six strategies are: prevention education and skills training, alternatives, problem identification and referral, information dissemination, community-based process, and environmental and social policy.

(32)

[ (18) ] Cultural competency [ awareness and sensitivity ] training - Training to improve an individual's ability to understand and interact with persons of a different culture. Culture defines the lifestyle of a distinct population and includes values, behavioral norms, and patterns of interpersonal relationships. It may be based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

(33)

Discharge - Formal, documented termination from a treatment facility. Discharge occurs when a client successfully completes treatment goals, leaves against professional advice, or is terminated for other reasons.

(34)

[ (19) ] Documentation - A written and/or electronic record that includes a date and signature and provides authenticated evidence to substantiate compliance with standards, such as minutes of meetings, memoranda, schedules, notices, logs, records, policies, procedures, and announcements.

(35)

[ (20) ] DSM-IV - The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Revised, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Any reference to DSM-IV is understood to mean the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

(36)

[ (21) ] Ensure - To take all reasonable and necessary steps to achieve results.

(37)

Environmental and social policy - A strategy designed to establish or change written and unwritten community standards, codes, and attitudes, thereby influencing incidence and prevalence of substance abuse in the general population. It includes activities that center on legal and regulatory initiatives and those that relate to the service and action-oriented initiatives.

(38)

Evaluation (program) - A formal process for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information about a program's implementation and effectiveness.

[ (22)

Evaluation program - Written assessment activities, performed internally or externally, of a program or a service and its staff, activities, and planning process to determine whether program or service goals are met, staff and activities are efficient and effective, and whether or not a program or service has any effect on the problem which it was created to address and/or on the population which it was created to serve.]

(39)

Exit summary - Documentation of all referral and follow-up activities provided to individuals or family members receiving intervention counseling services.

(40)

[ (23) ] Exploitation - An act or process to use, either directly or indirectly, the labor or resources of a client /participant for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain of another individual or organization.

(41)

Facility - A legal entity that provides one or more chemical dependency treatment programs.

(42)

[ (24) ] Family - The children, parents, brothers, sisters, other relatives, foster parents, guardians, or significant others who perform the roles and functions of family members in the lives of clients/participants.

(43)

[ (25) ] Financial assistance - A payment mechanism where payment is based on an approved line item budget.

(44)

[ (26) ] HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus , the virus that causes AIDS. Infection is determined through a testing and counseling process overseen by the Texas Department of Health. Being infected with HIV is not necessarily equated with having a diagnosis of AIDS .

(45)

HIV Antibody Counseling and Testing - A structured counseling session performed by Prevention Counseling and Partner Elicitation (PCPE) counselors registered with the Texas Department of Health (TDH). It promotes risk reduction behavior for those at risk of infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and offers testing for HIV infection.

(46)

Indicated program - An intervention program designed to prevent the onset of substance abuse in individuals who do not meet DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependence, but are showing early warning signs such as failing grades, dropping out of school, and use of alcohol and other gateway drugs.

(47)

Information dissemination - A strategy that provides awareness and knowledge of ATOD problems and/or HIV infection and their harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. It also gives the general population information about available programs and services. Information dissemination is characterized by one-way communication from the source to the audience, with limited contact between the two. Information is disseminated through written communications and/or in-person community presentations.

(48)

[ (27) ] Intervention - A process that utilizes multiple strategies designed interrupt the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth and to break the cycle of harmful use of legal substances and all use of illegal substances by adults in order to halt the progression and escalation of use, abuse, and related problems. Intervention strategies target indicated populations.

(49)

[ (28) ] Intervention counseling - Face-to-face interactions to assist [ The process of assisting ] individuals, families, and groups to identify, understand, and resolve issues and problems related to ATOD use [ substance abuse ] within a specific number of sessions or within a certain time frame. It is intended [ in order ] to intervene in problem situations and high risk behaviors [ associated with substance abuse ] which, if not addressed, may escalate to substance abuse or cause communicable disease [ severe impairment ].

(50)

Key performance measures - Measures that reflect the services that are critical to the program design and intended outcomes of the program. Key performance measures are specified for all commission funded programs.

(51)

[ (29) ] Life skills training (treatment) - A structured [ formalized ] program of training, based upon a written curriculum [ program description ], to help clients [ assist the client in acquiring personal habits, attitudes, values, and social interaction skills that will enable the client to ] manage daily responsibilities [ function ] effectively and [ /or ] become gainfully employed. It may include [ includes ] instruction in communication and social interaction , stress management, problem solving, daily living, and decision making.

(52)

Minor Remodeling - Work required to change the interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility, or to install equipment in order to meet program requirements and needs. It does not include relocation of exterior walls, roof, and floors in order to increase the amount of space to be used, development or repair of parking lots, and completion of unfinished shall space to make it suitable for occupancy.

(53)

[ (30) ] Neglect - Actions resulting from inattention, disregard, carelessness, ignoring, or omission of reasonable consideration that caused, or might have caused, physical or emotional injury to a client /participant . Examples of neglect include, but are not limited to, failure to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, or health care; failure to provide a safe environment free from abuse; failure to maintain adequate numbers of appropriately trained staff; failure to establish or carry out an appropriate individualized treatment plan; and any other act or omission classified as neglect by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(54)

[ (31) ] Offer - To make available.

(55)

Older adult - A person aged 55 or older.

(56)

[ (32) ] OMB - Office of Management and Budget.

(57)

[ (33) ] Outcome - The impact on the system or client/participant served.

(58)

Outreach - Activities directed toward finding individuals who might not use services due to lack of awareness or active avoidance, and who would otherwise be ignored or underserved.

(59)

Participant - An individual who is receiving prevention or intervention services.

(60)

Policy - A statement of direction or guiding principle issued by the governing body.

(61)

[ (34) ] Prevention - A process that utilizes multiple strategies designed to preclude the onset of the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth. Prevention principles and strategies foster the development of social and physical environments that facilitate healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Prevention strategies target universal and selected populations.

(62)

Prevention education and skills training - A curriculum-based strategy designed to develop decision-making, problem solving, and other life skills. It also provides accurate information about the harmful effects of ATOD use, abuse and addiction pertinent to the needs of the target population. The basis of activities under this strategy is interaction between the educator/facilitator and the participants. These activities are aimed to increase protective factors, foster resiliency, decrease risk factors and affect critical life and social skills relative to substance abuse and/or HIV risk of the participant and/or family members.

(63)

Primary population - The individuals directly targeted to participate in and benefit from the program.

(64)

Problem identification and referral - A strategy that provides services designed to ensure access to appropriate levels and types of services needed by youth or adult participants. It includes identification of those individuals who have used or are at risk of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This strategy does not include any activity designed to determine if a person is in need of treatment.

(65)

Procedure - A step-by-step set of instructions.

(66)

[ (35) ] Program - A [ system of service delivery consisting of a ] specific type of service delivered to a specific population as identified in the proposal.

(67)

[ (36) ] Protective factors - Characteristics within individuals and social systems which may inoculate or protect persons against risk factors and strengthen their determination to reject or avoid substance abuse. [ Those characteristics within social systems, such as family, schools, peer groups, that foster resiliency and include high expectations, caring and support, and the opportunity to be involved. ]

(68)

[ (37) ] Provide - To perform or deliver.

(69)

[ (38) ] Provider - A distinct legal entity with an administrative and functional structure organized to deliver substance abuse services.

(70)

[ (39) ] Qualified credentialed counselor (QCC) - A licensed chemical dependency counselor or one of the professionals listed below:

(A)

licensed professional counselor (LPC);

(B)

licensed master social worker (LMSW);

(C)

licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT);

(D)

licensed psychologist;

(E)

licensed physician;

(F)

certified addictions registered nurse (CARN);

(G)

licensed psychological associate; and

(H)

advance practice nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psyche-mental health (APN-P/MH).

(71)

Referral - The process of identifying appropriate services and providing the information and assistance needed to access them. (72) Retaliate - Take adverse action to punish or discourage a person who reports a violation or cooperates with an investigation, inspection, or proceeding. Such actions include but are not limited to suspension or termination of employment, demotion, discharge, transfer, discipline, restriction of privileges, harassment, and discrimination.

(73)

Risk factor - A characteristic or attribute of an individual, group, or environment associated with an increased probability of certain disorders, addictive diseases, or behaviors.

(74)

Screening - See chemical dependency screening.

(75)

Secondary population - Family members and other individuals targeted to receive ancillary services because of their relationship to the participant/client.

(76)

Selective program - A prevention program designed to target subsets of the total population that are deemed to be at higher risk for substance abuse by virtue of membership in a particular population segment. Risk groups may be identified on the basis of biological, psychological, social or environmental risk factors, and targeted groups may be defined by age, gender, family history, place of residence, or victimization by physical and/or sexual abuse. Selective prevention programs target the entire subgroup regardless of the degree of individual risk.

(77)

Service record - The required documentation for all participants receiving intervention counseling services.

(78)

[ (40) ] Staff - Individuals employed [ hired directly ] by a provider to provide services [ for the provider ] in exchange for money or other compensation.

(79)

Standard Precautions--Infection control guidelines written by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which are designed to prevent transmission of communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and TB within the healthcare setting. The commission's interpretation of those guidelines are found in TCADA Workplace and Education Guidelines for HIV and Other Communicable Diseases.

(80)

[ (41) ] STDs - Sexually transmitted diseases.

(81)

Strategy - A prevention approach implemented to support the overall design and goals of a program.

(82)

[ (42) ] Substance abuse - The use of one or more drugs, including alcohol, which significantly and negatively impacts one or more major areas of life functioning.

[ (43)

TAC - Texas Administrative Code.]

(83)

TCADA - Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

(84)

[ (44) ] Treatment (chemical dependency) - A planned, structured, and organized program designed to initiate and promote a person's chemical-free status or to maintain the person free of illegal drugs. It includes, but is not limited to, the application of planned procedures to identify and change patterns of behavior related to or resulting from chemical dependency that are maladaptive, destructive, or injurious to health, or to restore appropriate levels of physical, psychological, or social functioning lost due to chemical dependency.

(85)

Treatment assessment - An assessment to determine if an individual meets the DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence and is need of treatment. The assessment also determines the level of treatment most appropriate for the individual.

(86)

[ (45) ] Unit cost - A payment mechanism in which a specified rate of payment is made in exchange for a specified unit of services.

(87)

Universal program - A prevention program designed to address an entire population with messages and programs aimed at preventing or delaying the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Universal prevention programs are delivered to large groups without any prior screening for substance abuse risk.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903490

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter B. Contract Administration

40 TAC §144.101

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes an amendment to §144.101 concerning Contract Administration. This section contains information regarding contract acceptance and legal precedence.

These amendment is proposed to require that providers carry a fidelity bond or insurance coverage equal to the amount of funding provided under the commission contract or $100,000, whichever is less; to mandate that this fidelity bond or insurance must provide for indemnification of losses due to fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by any of the provider's employees or volunteers; and to state the required order of legal precedence that must be followed by providers.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rule.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better protection of public funds and more clarity about which rules and regulations govern commission funded programs. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendment will vary depending upon the provider's current insurance plan. It is estimated that the cost could be approximately $200 per year.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendment is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.101. Contract Acceptance and Legal Precedence .

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The provider shall carry a fidelity bond or insurance coverage equal to the amount of funding provided under the commission contract or $100,000, whichever is less. The fidelity bond or insurance must provide for indemnification of losses due to fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by any of the provider's employees or volunteers either individually or in concert with others. [ The provider shall maintain employee bonding for the executive director and the chief financial officer. ]

(e)

Providers shall follow this order of legal precedence:

(1)

federal and state laws (including, but not limited to the federal block grant found at United States Code, Title 42, §300x);

(2)

rules adopted by the commission and applicable federal regulations;

(3)

terms and conditions of the contract;

(4)

requirements stated in the request for proposals; and

(5)

the application as amended or adjusted by the commission.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903491

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §§144.102-144.108, 144.123, 144.131, 144.133, 144.141, 144.142

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§144.102-144.104, 144.106, 144.107, 144.123, 144.131, 144.133, 144.141, 144.142 and proposes new §144.105 and §144.108. concerning Contract Administration. These sections contain information regarding amendments, organizational and personnel changes, matching prevention awards, billing, payment, reporting, financial assistance for treatment services, program income, expenditures requiring prior approval, travel, procurement, and subcontracting.

These amendments are proposed to require that all requests for contract amendments must be received at least 60 days before the end of the contract period unless the commission's executive director grants a waiver; to replace the term executive director with chief executive officer; to clarify that required matching funds are calculated based on the total program expenditures; to consolidate all provisions related to billing into a single section; to state that the commission is the payor of last resort; to expand the requirement for eligible providers to bill Medicaid for covered services to include the Children's Health Insurance Program and other public reimbursement; to describe the payment process; to establish that reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period; to replace the term electronic interface system with the web-based computer system; to describe the financial assistance payment mechanism for new treatment service providers, including limiting the amount of time a treatment provider can remain on financial assistance and setting criteria that must be met before the transfer is made to unit cost reimbursement; to clarify that commission funded providers must not use inability to pay as a reason to refuse any commission funded service, not just treatment, to an otherwise eligible applicant; to set a maximum of $10,000 for work considered to be minor remodeling; to specify that tobacco products are not allowable travel costs; to increase the monetary maximums that determine what type of price or rate quotation is required for small purchases; and to add language which will allow providers to subcontract with individuals.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a more effective contract administration process for commission funded providers. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.102. Amendments.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

All requests for contract amendments must be received at the commission at least 60 days before the end of the contract period. Under extenuating circumstances, however, the commission's executive director may waive this requirement.

§144.103. Organizational and Personnel Changes.

The provider shall notify the commission in writing within ten business days of:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

changes in the following personnel:

(A)-(B)

(No change.)

(C)

chief executive officer [ director ];

(D)-(G)

(no change.)

§144.104. Matching Prevention Awards.

(a)

Unless waived in writing by the commission, all providers funded to provide prevention or intervention services shall contribute 5.0% of the total program expenditures [ award amount expended ] in matching funds.

(b)

(No change.)

§144.105. Billing.

(a)

The Commission is the payor of last resort for chemical dependency treatment. A provider shall not bill the commission for services provided to a client if:

(1)

the client is not financially eligible as described in §144.521 of this title (relating to Client Eligibility); or

(2)

the client has access to another public or private source of payment for appropriate treatment.

(b)

Any provider offering services which are eligible for Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or other public reimbursement shall become an approved provider.

(1)

The provider must screen all clients for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility. If a client is eligible but has not yet enrolled, the provider shall direct the client to apply for Medicaid or CHIP benefits and provide assistance as needed to facilitate the enrollment process.

(2)

The provider must bill Medicaid and CHIP for all covered services delivered to eligible clients.

(c)

The provider shall not bill the commission for a unit of service that has been billed to Medicaid or another third party payor who requires the provider to accept reimbursement as payment in full. If the third party payor denies payment or fails to respond or reimburse the provider for more than 60 days after the date the claim was billed, the provider may bill the commission for that unit of service. During the last month of the contract period, the provider may bill the commission for all outstanding third party reimbursement if the provider has reason to believe the payment request will be denied. If the provider charges the commission for a unit of service and then receives payment from another entity for the same unit of service, the revenue shall be treated as program income in accordance with §144.123 of this title (relating to Program Income).

(d)

A provider shall not bill and receive payment in excess of actual costs from more than one entity for the same service at the same time for the same client. The total amount paid to a provider shall not exceed the actual costs of providing the services, either by client or in the aggregate. If double billing generates revenue that exceeds actual costs, the revenue shall be treated as program income in accordance with §144.123 of this title (relating to Program Income).

(e)

The provider may accept funds from other funding sources that provide general support for the program.

(f)

All requests for payment must be submitted no more than 30 days after the end of the contract period. The commission will not reimburse requests received after the 30-day period.

(g)

Payment requests shall be accurate and submitted in the format required by the commission, and certified by the provider's authorized representative (specified in the contract).

§144.106. Payment [ Request ].

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The commission may withhold payment if the provider is not in compliance with commission requirements, which include:

(1)

rules adopted by the commission; [ and ]

(2)

terms and conditions in the contract ; and

(3)

other applicable statutes and regulations.

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Providers paid through the financial assistance payment mechanism who want to receive [ monthly ] cash advances must submit the completed method of payment selection form to the commission.

(f)-(h)

(No change.)

[ (i)

Reimbursements must be requested at least quarterly. Final payment must be requested within 90 days after the end of the budget period.]

[ (j)

Payment requests shall be accurate and submitted in the format required by the commission, and certified by the provider's authorized representative (specified in the contract).]

§144.107. Reporting.

(a)

The provider shall submit all reports as required by commission rules, the contract, and applicable instruction manuals. Reports shall be submitted in the specified form, manner, and timeframe. Unless otherwise specified, reports are due 30 days after the end of the reporting period.

(b)

The provider shall submit all performance reports, financial reports, and requests for payment through the designated web-based computer [ electronic interface ] system. When equipment problems prevent electronic submission, the provider shall fax or mail paper copies to the commission. The provider's authorized official or designee specified in the Electronic Forms Signature Agreement is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the data.

(c)

The provider shall acquire and maintain the equipment and software needed for the web-based computer [ electronic interface ] system.

(d)-(e)

(No change.)

(f)

The provider shall reconcile the general ledger with the Financial Status Report (FSR) each quarter and maintain supporting documentation on site.

§144.108. Financial Assistance for Treatment Services.

(a)

The commission's standard payment mechanism for treatment services is the unit cost payment mechanism.

(b)

The commission may place a treatment program on financial assistance if the provider does not have the resources to provide needed treatment services without start-up funding and:

(1)

has never before provided treatment or prevention services;

(2)

will provide a specific type of commission-funded services for the first time;

(3)

will provide commission-funded services in a specific geographic area or to a specific population for the first time; or

(4)

will expand services at the commission's request to meet identified needs.

(c)

Every treatment provider on financial assistance shall submit a plan for moving from financial assistance to a unit cost basis for reimbursement. The plan must include specific actions to be taken and target dates for completion.

(d)

A treatment provider on financial assistance will be transferred to unit cost payment as soon as the provider meets financial and service stability criteria or at the end of 12 months, whichever is less.

(e)

To meet financial and service stability criteria, the treatment program must:

(1)

reach 80% of its client capacity as specified in the contract;

(2)

implement written financial policies and procedures;

(3)

achieve at least 80% of the state minimum performance measures targets in completion, follow-up and abstinence; and

(4)

have a computed unit cost rate under 125% of the maximum rate for services provided.

(f)

If a treatment provider does not meet the financial and service stability criteria after 12 months, the commission may place the provider on probation and extend financial assistance for up to four three-month periods.

(g)

No treatment provider can remain on financial assistance for more than 24 months unless the commission's executive director grants a waiver based on extenuating circumstances.

§144.123. Program Income.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The program may charge reasonable fees for commission-funded services or activities provided:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

an otherwise eligible applicant is not refused commission-funded services [ treatment ] for inability to pay.

§144.131. Expenditures Requiring Prior Approval.

Prior approval is required for certain costs charged to the commission contract or reported as program income or match. Costs that are allowable only with prior approval from the commission include:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Minor remodeling [ Remodeling ]. Work costing $5,000 or more which is required to change the interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility, or to install equipment so that the facility may be used more effectively. Minor remodeling shall not exceed $10,000.

(3)-(5)

(No change.)

§144.133. Travel.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not allowable travel costs.

§144.141. Procurement.

(a)

The provider may use small purchase procurement procedures to obtain services, supplies, or other property costing no more than $25,000 in total. These rules do not apply to obtaining the services of a professional as defined in Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254.

(1)

For any purchase under $2,000 [ $1,000 ], price or rate quotations are not required.

(2)

The provider shall obtain three verbal or written price or rate quotations for any purchase between $2,000 and $10,000 [ $1,000 and $5,000 ]. Telephone and other verbal quotations must be documented.

(3)

The provider shall obtain three written price or rate quotations for any purchase over $10,000 [ $5,000 ].

(b)

The provider shall select the vendor providing the best value and document the rationale [ rational ] for selection.

(c)

(No change.)

§144.142. Subcontracting.

(a)

Providers shall not subcontract, assign, or transfer any activity central to the purposes of the contract without prior written approval from the commission. The subcontractor shall be a corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, or another entity with legal authority to operate in the State of Texas.

(b)-(h)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903492

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §§144.105, 144.122, 144.125

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §§144.105, 144.122 and 144.125 concerning Contract Administration. These sections contain the requirements for legal precedence, double billings, and Medicaid. The repeals are proposed because the requirements in these sections have been incorporated into other sections.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeals are in effect the anticipated public benefit will less confusion about these regulations and how they relate to other requirements. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed repeals is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.105. Legal Precedence.

§144.122. Double Billings.

§144.125. Medicaid.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903493

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter C. Program Oversight

40 TAC §§144.201, 144.203, 144.204, 144.211-144.216

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§144.201,144.211-144.216 and proposes new §144.203 and §144.204 concerning Program Oversight. These sections contain information regarding commission oversight, on-site contract reviews, on-site compliance reviews, independent audit report, auditor qualifications, independent audit report requirements, independent audit report submission, corrective action plan, and audit report desk reviews.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to clarify how the commission may provide oversight to funded providers; to describe the purpose of and process for on-site contract reviews and inform providers of their responsibilities for responding to identified issues; to outline the on-site compliance review process including provider response and corrective action; to clarify the rules regarding required single audits and program audits; to specify that auditors must be licensed in the state in which the audit is performed at the time the audit is performed; to clarify what requirements must be included in the audit report; to specify that the rules regarding audit submission refer to independent audit reports; to clarify that the corrective action plan relates to the independent financial audit report and management letter; and to more accurately name and describe the audit report desk review process.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better program oversight by the commission and a clearer understanding of the audit process and related requirements on the part of commission-funded providers. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new sections is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.201. Commission Oversight [ Compliance Review ].

(a)

All commission-funded providers, regardless of the level of funding, are subject to periodic reviews by the commission for adherence [ compliance ] with applicable federal, state and commission statutes and regulations and contract requirements. These include compliance reviews, monitoring visits, and contract monitoring reviews.

(b)

The commission shall determine the extent of the review [ ,which shall be limited to services funded by the commission ].

(c)

The commission may conduct a scheduled or unannounced on-site reviews [ inspection ] or request the provider to submit materials for desk review.

(d)-(e)

(No change.)

§144.203. On-site Contract Reviews.

(a)

On-site contract reviews shall be conducted to determine if the provider has the financial and programmatic systems in place to meet contract requirements and deliver services.

(b)

After an on-site contract review, the provider will receive a written summary of the review. The report will include a summary checklist of the major areas reviewed and the provider's performance related to these areas.

(c)

The provider shall respond to the report by the specified deadline.

(d)

The provider shall address the issues noted in the report within the allotted time frames or request an extension.

(e)

The results of on-site contract review will be used by the commission in future funding decisions.

(f)

Results of on-site contract reviews will be shared with other departments in the commission. The commission may decide to conduct additional reviews of the provider, based on the results of the on-site contract review.

§144.204. On-Site Compliance Reviews.

(a)

On-site compliance reviews will be conducted to examine compliance with applicable federal, state, and commission regulations.

(b)

After an on-site compliance review, the provider will be notified in writing of any noncompliance with federal, state, and commission regulation identified by the commission in the form of a draft report.

(c)

The provider shall respond to the draft report and the deficiencies (if any) and submit a plan of corrective action (if necessary) to the commission within 14 calendar days of the postmark date.

(d)

The corrective action plan shall include:

(1)

the title(s) of the person(s) responsible for the corrective action;

(2)

the corrective action planned; and

(3)

the anticipated completion date.

(e)

If the provider believes corrective action is not required for a noted deficiency, the response shall include an explanation and specific reasons.

(f)

The provider's replies and corrective action plan (if any) shall become part of the final report.

(g)

The provider shall correct deficiencies identified in the final report within a reasonable period of time.

§144.211. Independent [ Financial ] Audit Report .

(a)

Providers [ (except for-profit entities) ] that expend a total amount of federal awards (from the commission and other funding sources) of at least $300,000 during their fiscal year must have a single audit or program-specific audit in accordance with the requirements of the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and other governance guiding the program.

(1)

If the funds are expended under more than one federal program the provider shall have a Single Audit.

(2)

If the funds are expended under only one federal program and the provider is not subject to laws, regulations, or federal contracts that require a financial statement audit, the provider may elect to have a program-specific audit.

(3)

The provider shall comply with the single audit requirements of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133.

(b)

Providers expending a total amount of state funds of at least $300,000 during their fiscal year must have either a single audit or a program-specific audit as described in the Uniform Grant Management Standards. If the provider is already required to have a single audit because of federal funding, an additional program audit is not required. [ Providers shall inform the commission in the contract if they expect to spend $300,000 or more in total federal awards from all funding sources. ]

(c)

Providers that expend less than $300,000 in federal funds from all sources and less than $300,000 in state funds from all sources during their fiscal year are not required to have an audit. However, these providers shall submit a signed statement to the commission after their fiscal year end documenting that they did not expend $300,000 or more in state or federal funds during the fiscal year. [ Providers (including for-profit entities) expending a total amount of state funds from the commission of at least $300,000 during their fiscal year must have a program-specific audit that meets the standards in OMB Circular A-133. If the provider is already required to have a single audit because of federal funding, an additional program audit is not required. ]

(d)

When a provider expends both state and federal funds and is required to submit a single audit report, the state and federal expenditures may be combined in one financial statement in the report. However, the source and amount of funds expended (state vs. federal) must be clearly stated. [ Providers that expend less than $300,000 in federal funds from all sources and less than $300,000 in state funds during their fiscal year are not required to have an audit. ]

§144.212. Auditor Qualifications.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The selected auditor must meet the requirements of the Government Auditing Standards (GAS) and be licensed in the state in which the audit is performed at the time the audit is performed.

(c)

(No change.)

§144.213. Independent Audit Report Requirements .

(a)

The audit report shall include the requirements found in:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Government Auditing Standards (GAS); [ and ]

(3)

Uniform Grants Management Standards [ the commission's contract(s), including any stipulations and amendments ] ; and

(4)

the commission's contract(s), including any stipulations and amendments.

(b)

In addition, the audit shall meet requirements of the following publications (issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), as applicable:

(1)

Audits of Not-for-Profit Organizations [ Audits of State and Local Governmental Units ];

(2)

Audits of State and Local Governmental Units [ Audits of Certain Not-for-Profit Organizations ];

(3)

Audits of Colleges and Universities [ Audits of Providers of Health Care Services ];

(4)

Audits of Providers of Health Care Services [ Audits of Voluntary Health Care and Welfare Organizations ]; [ or ]

(5)

Audits of Certain Not-for-Profit Organizations; or [ Audits of Colleges and Universities. ]

(6)

Audits of Voluntary Health Care and Welfare Organizations.

§144.214. Independent Audit Report Submission.

(a)

The provider shall submit two copies of all required audit documentation to the commission, including:

(1)

the audit report;

(2)

any separately issued management letters;

(3)

management responses as required in §144.215 of this title (relating to Corrective Action Plan); and

(4)

the commission's Audit Report Submission Checklist.

(b)

Audits for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1998 shall be completed and submitted no later than nine months after the provider's fiscal year end. Audits for fiscal years beginning on or before June 30, 1998 must be completed and submitted no later than 13 months after the provider's fiscal year end.

§144.215. Corrective Action Plan.

(a)

The provider shall prepare a response that includes a corrective action plan for each deficiency noted in the independent financial audit report and management letter.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

§144.216. Audit Report Desk Reviews Commission Review of Audit Report.

(a)

After reviewing the audit, the commission will send the provider a [ an initial ] resolution letter requesting a response to any administrative findings or deficiencies.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903496

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §144.202

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §144.202 concerning Program Oversight. This section contains the requirements for organization response. The repeal is proposed because the requirements in this section will be incorporated into other sections.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the anticipated public benefit will more clarity for providers about what they must do in response to the various program oversight activities conducted or required by the commission. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed repeals is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.202. Organization Response.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903494

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter D. Organizational

40 TAC §§144.312, 144.313, 144.321, 144.322, 144.324, 144.325, 144.327

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§144.312, 144.313, 144.322, 144.324, and 144.325 and proposes new §144.321 and §144.327 concerning organizational requirements. These sections contain information regarding organizational structure, governing body and chief executive officer, policies and procedures, records, limiting barriers, complaints and reports, and standards of conduct.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to expand these rules to make them comparable to facility licensure standards (which apply only to treatment providers) so that prevention providers are held to the same organization standards as treatment providers; to replace the term executive director with chief executive officer; to require providers to maintain documentation signed by each employee that policies and procedures have been read and understood; to replace the term governing authority with governing body; to ensure that members of the governing body are aware of their responsibilities and liabilities as well as the program's target populations and their particular cultural needs; to specify the minimum requirements for and responsibilities of a chief executive officer; to establish requirements for policies and procedures; to clarify that providers must maintain current personnel documentation on each employee and to list the minimum items that must be included; to clarify the retention requirements for contract related records; to require a written policy prohibiting discrimination; to mandate that providers retain documentation of formal agreements and contracts to address identified problems with program service access by people with disabilities; to expand the requirements for handling complaints to include complaints from clients, participants and their families; to state that reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation must be made verbally to the commission's investigation department; and to establish standards of conduct for the program and its personnel.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that prevention providers will be held to the same standards as treatment providers, which will result in better administration of prevention programs. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new sections is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.312. Organizational Structure.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The provider shall maintain a current manual that includes all policies and procedures required by the commission.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Procedures shall be approved by the chief executive officer [ director ], reviewed annually, and revised as needed.

(3)

The provider shall require each employee to read the policies and procedures applicable to the position and maintain documentation signed by the employee that the policies and procedures have been read and understood .

(4)

(No change.)

§144.313. Governing Body and Chief Executive Officer [ Authority ].

(a)

All entities shall have a governing body [ authority ] that is legally responsible for the integrity of the fiscal and programmatic management of the organization.

(b)

The governing body [ authority ] shall be a separate business entity with legal authority to operate in the State of Texas [ and shall not be a sole proprietor or partnership ].

(c)

Staff members, including the chief executive officer [ director ], of a public or nonprofit entity shall not serve on their employer's governing board.

(d)

The governing body [ authority ] shall appoint a chief executive officer [ person ] to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure that the organization has the programmatic, managerial, and financial capability to ensure proper planning, management, and delivery of funded services.

(e)

The governing body [ authority ] shall meet at least quarterly and maintain minutes that include:

(1)

date, time, and place of the meeting;

(2)

names of members present and absent; and

(3)

summary of discussion and action taken.

(f)

The governing body shall provide all members with information about the responsibilities and liabilities of the governing body and its individual members. [ Members of the governing authority shall receive training on cultural sensitivity and awareness. ]

(g)

The governing body shall ensure that all of its members are familiar with the program's target population and sensitive to the needs of the different cultures represented.

(h)

The chief executive officer director shall:

(1)

have documented education and/or experience in financial, administrative, and personnel management, and other areas needed to manage the facility effectively;

(2)

ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules:

(3)

ensure that all staff are competent and trained;

(4)

establish mechanisms to ensure quality of services; and

(5)

maintain adequate financial records according to generally accepted accounting principles.

§144.321. Policies and Procedures.

(a)

The provider shall operate according to policies and procedures that comply with all applicable commission rules.

(b)

The governing body shall establish policies that comply with commission rules, and the chief executive officer shall use the policies to develop and implement all needed procedures.

(c)

The policy and procedures manual shall be current, in compliance with current commission rules, individualized to the program, well organized, and easily accessible to all staff at all times.

(d)

Within ten days of a policy or procedure change, the provider shall inform staff about any changes to the policy and procedure manual that are relevant to their job duties and document the notification. If training is needed, it shall be provided and documented within 60 days.

(e)

The provider shall adopt and implement TCADA Workplace and Education Guidelines for HIV and Other Communicable Diseases in order to meet requirements as specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 85, and standard precautions for infection control as outlined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(f)

The provider shall implement written policies and procedures to protect client/participant records and client/participant-identifying information from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with the federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Part 2.

§144.322. Records.

[ (a)

The provider shall protect client/participant records and client/participant-identifying information from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with the federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Part 2. ]

(a)

[ (b) ] The provider shall maintain current personnel documentation on each employee. Training records may be stored separately from the main personnel file, but shall be easily accessible upon request. Required documentation includes, as applicable [ Personnel files shall contain ]:

(1)

a copy of the current job description signed by the employee;

(2)

application or resume with documentation of required qualifications;

(3)

documentation that required credentials were verified directly with the credentialing body;

(4)

annual performance evaluations;

(5)

personnel data that includes date hired, rate of pay, and documentation of all pay increases and bonuses:

(6)

documentation of appropriate screening and/or background checks;

(7)

signed documentation of initial and other required training; and

(8)

records of any disciplinary actions.

(b)

[ (c) ] The provider shall maintain all records relating to the contract for at least three years from the date the independent financial [ final ] audit [ report ] is due (when required) or would have been due (when not required) as stated in §144.214 of this title (relating to Independent Audit Report Submission) . If any litigation, audit, or other action is in process at the end of three years, the records must be kept until the action is resolved. If a provider closes business operations, it shall ensure that records relating to the contract are securely stored and accessible for at least three years. The provider shall provide the commission with the name and address of the responsible party.

§144.324. Limiting Barriers.

(a)

The provider shall implement and enforce a written policy prohibiting discrimination [ not discriminate ] against an individual or group based on race, religion, ethnicity, country of origin, age, disability (including mental illness), sexual orientation, or gender. The provider shall also ensure that no person or group of persons is restricted from receiving the same services or the same quality of services available to others.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The provider shall maintain documentation of formal agreements and contracts to address identified deficiencies in access to program services for people with disabilities.

§144.325. Complaints and Reports.

(a)

Providers shall have written policy and procedures for handling complaints from clients, participants , and their families [ of funded programs ].

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The provider shall verbally report all allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the commission's investigation department [ commission in writing ] within 24 hours, and submit documentation within two working days. The provider shall investigate the allegation, take appropriate action, and maintain documentation of the investigation and resulting actions.

(d)

The provider shall not retaliate against anyone who reports a violation or cooperates during an investigation or related activity.

§144.327. Standards of Conduct.

(a)

The program and all of its personnel shall:

(1)

protect the health, safety, rights, and welfare of clients/participants;

(2)

provide adequate services as described in the program description;

(3)

comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;

(4)

maintain required licenses, permits, and credentials; and

(5)

comply with professional and ethical codes of conduct.

(b)

Neither the program nor any of its personnel shall:

(1)

abuse, neglect, or exploit clients/participants;

(2)

commit an illegal, unprofessional or unethical act;

(3)

assist or knowingly allow another person to commit an illegal, unprofessional, or unethical act;

(4)

knowingly provide false or misleading information;

(5)

omit significant information from required reports and records or interfere with their preservation;

(6)

retaliate against anyone who reports a violation or cooperates during a review, audit, inspection, investigation, hearing, or other related activity; or

(7)

interfere with commission reviews, inspections, investigations, hearings, or related activities. This includes taking action to discourage or prevent someone else from cooperating with the activity.

(c)

The program shall have a written policy on staff conduct that complies with this section.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903495

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §144.321

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §144.321 concerning organizational responsibilities. This section contains the requirements for HIV policies. The repeal is proposed because the requirements in this section will be incorporated into a new section that addresses all required policies.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the anticipated public benefit will clear guidance about all required policies as they will be consolidated into one section. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed repeal is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.321. HIV Policies.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903498

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §144.326

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes new §144.326 concerning organizational requirements. This section contains information regarding staffing.

This new section is proposed to establish minimum requirements related to staffing. This entire subchapter is being expanded to make these rules comparable to the facility licensure standards (which apply only to treatment providers). This expansion ensures that prevention providers are held to the same organization standards as treatment providers. Thus, this new section will ensure that prevention providers are held to the same staffing standards as treatment providers. There is one new requirement included in this new section which is that providers must obtain the results of a criminal background check for each staff person who has contact with adolescents and/or children.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that prevention providers will be held to the same standards regarding staffing as treatment providers, which will result in more effective and better staffed prevention programs. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The only anticipated economic cost to comply with the new section is the cost of criminal background checks, which is estimated at $15.00 per staff person for programs that serve adolescents and/or children.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

This new section is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed new section is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.326. Staffing

(a)

The provider shall have an adequate number of qualified staff to comply with commission rules, provide the services described in the program description, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of clients/participants.

(b)

The program shall hire applicants who meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description.

(c)

The application or resume shall document required education, training, and related work experience.

(d)

The facility shall develop and implement procedures for reviewing the background and suitability of any employee with access to clients/participants. The review shall be appropriate for each person's level of access and shall adequately protect clients/participants.

(e)

The program shall obtain the results of a statewide criminal background check from the Department of Public Safety on all staff with access to adolescents or children.

(f)

The facility shall ensure that staff are adequately trained and competent to perform job duties.

(g)

Each employee shall complete initial training during the first seven calendar days of employment. The initial training shall include, as applicable:

(1)

client/participant rights and complaint procedures;

(2)

confidentiality of client/participant-identifying information;

(3)

abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including reporting requirements);

(4)

standards of conduct; and

(5)

the individual's specific job duties.

(h)

The program shall establish an annual staff training plan for employees based on the program design and identified staff needs. The plan must include annual cultural competency training for all employees.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903497

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25 ,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter E. Prevention and Intervention

40 TAC §§144.411-144.416, 144.441-144.447, 144.451-144.455, 144.457–144.460, 144.462

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§144.411-144.416 and 144.441-144.447 and proposes new §§144.451-144.455, 144.457-144.460 and 144.462 concerning Prevention and Intervention. These sections contain information regarding program design and implementation, program self-evaluation, performance and activity measures, performance measure review, participant rights, smoking policies, information dissemination, prevention education and skills training, alternatives, problem identification and referral, community-based process, environmental and social policy, intervention services, youth prevention programs, youth intervention programs, community coalitions, prevention training services, prevention resource centers, pregnant postpartum prevention programs, pregnant postpartum intervention programs, other special prevention programs, HIV early intervention services, and HIV outreach services.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to reorganize the rules to present them in more logical order; to clarify the process and requirements for program design and implementation; to describe the requirements for self-evaluation of programs; to specify that performance and activity measures must be defined for both the primary and secondary target populations; to refine the performance measure review process; to clarify that participant rights apply to participants in both prevention and intervention programs; to outline the additional rights of participants in intervention programs; to require programs to have written smoking policies and to prohibit all adults from using tobacco products in the presence of program participants; to clarify the requirements related to information dissemination; to refine the requirements related to prevention education and skills training; to more fully describe the strategy of alternatives; to include identification of risk factors for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases during the screening process; to expand the requirements related to follow-up in the problem identification and referral strategy; to present the community-based process in a more organized and detailed manner; to more fully describe intervention services and present the requirements related to these services in a logical and organized format; to add requirements for each program type that may be funded as a prevention or intervention program; and to make grammatical changes to improve readability and understanding.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a better understanding of the requirements for prevention and intervention programs and more clarity of the various types of strategies and programs that may be implemented. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new sections is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.411. Program Design and Implementation.

(a)

The provider shall determine what population the program is designed to serve: universal, selective, indicated, or a combination. [ The program design shall be based on a logical, conceptually sound framework with the intended result of preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems. The design should take into consideration current research and evaluation data and effectiveness of comparable programs relative to the needs of the target population. ]

(1)

Universal programs reach the general population (such as all students in a school).

(2)

Selective programs target a subset of the general population which is at high risk for substance abuse (such as children of drug users).

(3)

Indicated programs are designed for those who may already be experimenting with drugs or who exhibit other problem-related behaviors.

(4)

Combination programs provide a range of services for a specific community service setting.

(b)

The program shall identify and describe the primary and secondary target populations including specific information about: [ The program shall develop a written plan for the contract period. The plan shall initially be developed as part of the application process and revised annually on the basis of needs data and results of self-evaluation. ]

(1)

age, gender, and ethnicity;

(2)

risk and protective factors;

(3)

patterns of substance use;

(4)

social and cultural characteristics;

(5)

knowledge, beliefs, values, and attitudes; and

(6)

needs.

(c)

The program shall identify long-range goals which: [ The provider shall determine what population the program is designed to serve: universal, selective, indicated, or a combination. ]

(1)

address identified risks, needs and/or problems of the primary and secondary target populations; [ Universal programs reach the general population (such as all students in a school). ]

(2)

are designed to enhance protective factors; [ Selective programs target a subset of the general population which is at high risk for substance abuse (such as children of drug users). ]

(3)

clearly describe behavioral and/or societal changes to be achieved; and [ Indicated programs are designed for those who may already be experimenting with drugs or who exhibit other problem-related behaviors. ]

(4)

are realistic in relation to available resources.

(d)

The program shall establish objectives for each contract period that are linked to the goals. Objectives must: [ The program shall identify and describe the target population including specific information about: ]

(1)

be realistic, outcome oriented, measurable, and time-specific; [ age, gender, and ethnicity; ]

(2)

include performance and activity measures required in the contract; and [ risk and protective factors; ]

(3)

address specific family strategies, as applicable. [ patterns of substance use; ]

[ (4)

social and cultural characteristics;]

[ (5)

knowledge, beliefs, values, and attitudes; and]

[ (6)

needs.]

(e)

The program design shall be based on a logical, conceptually sound framework to connect the prevention or intervention effort with the intended result of preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems. The program shall gather and use reliable evidence of effectiveness from comparable programs to select and guide the program design. The program shall use results that come from sound studies to assess potential effectiveness of the program design relative to the needs of the target population. [ The program shall identify long-range goals which: ]

[ (1)

address identified risks, needs and/or problems;]

[ (2)

are designed to enhance protective factors;]

[ (3)

clearly describe behavioral and/or societal changes to be achieved; and]

[ (4)

ensure adequate availability of resources to accomplish identified goals.]

(f)

In order to carry out the program design, the program shall incorporate a combination of some or all CSAP's six prevention strategies (information dissemination, prevention education and skills training, alternative activities, problem identification and referral, community-based process, and environmental and social policy). All Youth Prevention Programs (YPP) and Youth Prevention Intervention (YPI) Programs must at a minimum conduct prevention education and skills training as a core strategy. Each strategy and activity must: [ The program shall establish objectives for each contract period that are linked to the goals. Objectives must: ]

(1)

relate directly to program goals and objectives; and [ be realistic, measurable, and time-specific; and ]

(2)

address identified needs. [ include performance and activity measures required in the contract. ]

(g)

The program shall be designed to build on and support related prevention and intervention efforts in the community. The program shall secure and maintain the support of key decision makers and leaders, and shall establish formal linkages and coordinate with other community resources. [ The program design shall include key strategies and activities used to achieve program goals and objectives. Each strategy and activity must: ]

[ (1)

relate directly to program goals and objectives;]

[ (2)

address identified needs;]

[ (3)

be of sufficient time, intensity, and duration to produce intended results; and]

[ (4)

be appropriate for the target population. The program design, content, communications, and materials shall be:]

[ (A)

available in the primary language of the target population; and ]

[ (B)

appropriate to the literacy level, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and developmental level of the target population.]

(h)

The program shall be appropriately structured to implement the program design. The prevention effort shall be consistent with the availability of personnel, resources, and realistic opportunities for implementation. [ The program shall be designed to build on and support related prevention and intervention efforts in the community. The program shall establish linkages and coordinate with other community resources. ]

(i)

The program design, content, communications, and materials shall: [ The program shall establish an annual staff training plan for employees based on the program design and identified staff needs. The plan must include cultural awareness and sensitivity training for all employees. ]

(1)

be available in the primary language of the target population;

(2)

be appropriate to the literacy level, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and developmental level of the target population; and

(3)

recognize the cultural identification (context) of the family unit.

(j)

The program design shall be delivered at an appropriate time with sufficient intensity and applied over an appropriate duration so that results can be sustained.

§144.412. Program Self-Evaluation.

(a)

The program shall perform self-evaluation to verify, document, and quantify program activities and effectiveness unless exempted through an executive order .

(b)

Programs shall conduct evaluation activities using the Prevention Plus III format unless the commission has approved an alternative model. [ Programs required to complete the self-evaluation include Prevention, Intervention, Core Council Services, HIV Outreach Services, Infant Primary Prevention and Intervention Programs, and Compulsive Gambling. ]

(c)

For programs in the first year of funding from the commission, the evaluation process must include: [ Programs shall conduct evaluation activities using the Prevention Plus III format unless the commission has approved an alternative model. ]

(1)

identification of goals and objectives (PP III Step 1);

(2)

assessment of the service delivery process (PP III Step 2); and

(3)

a plan for assessment of the program outcomes (plan for PP III Step 3).

(d)

In subsequent funding years, the evaluation must include: [ For programs in the first year of funding from the commission, the evaluation process must include: ]

(1)

identification of goals and objectives (PP III Step 1);

(2)

assessment of the service delivery process (PP III Step 2); and

(3)

implementation of the assessment of the program outcomes (PP III Step 3) . [ a plan for assessment of the program outcomes (plan for PP III Step 3). ]

(e)

The program shall submit a written evaluation report using the format specified by the commission. The provider must submit the report at the end of each contract period, no later than September 30th unless otherwise stipulated in the contract. [ In subsequent funding years, the evaluation must include: ]

[ (1)

identification of goals and objectives (PP III Step 1);]

[ (2)

assessment of the service delivery process (PP III Step 2); and]

[ (3)

implementation of the assessment of the program outcomes (PP III Step 3).]

(f)

The program shall use information gained from the annual self-evaluation to make appropriate changes to the program and the staff training plan. Any change requiring commission approval must be made through a contract amendment as described in §144.103 of this title (relating to Amendments). [ The program shall submit a written evaluation report using the format specified by the commission. The provider must submit the report at the end of each contract period, no later than September 30th unless otherwise stipulated in the contract. ]

[ (g)

The program shall use information gained from the annual self-evaluation to revise the program plan and staff training plan. ]

§144.413. Performance and Activity Measures.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The program shall track and appropriately document the performance and activity measures defined for the primary and secondary target populations [ population ] and the services provided. The program must maintain adequate documentation to substantiate the reported numbers.

(c)

(No change.)

§144.414. Performance Measure Review.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The commission shall review actual performance on key measures [ at least twice each fiscal year ] and notify the program in writing if the program failed to achieve the expected level of performance.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

[ (e)

If the program fails to satisfactorily resolve any performance measure deficiencies as noted in the commission's review, the commission will implement further corrective action and may impose one or more of the following sanctions:]

[ (1)

designation as a high-risk provider;]

[ (2)

suspension of payments;]

[ (3)

one-time decrease in the contract amount for the fiscal year;]

[ (4)

permanent decrease in the contract amount; or]

[ (5)

termination of the contract.]

§144.415. Participant Rights.

(a)

Each provider shall develop and implement a policy and age-appropriate procedures to protect the rights of children, families, and adults participating in a prevention or intervention program.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Participants receiving individualized services in an intervention program also have the right to refuse or accept services after being informed of services and responsibilities, including: [ Participants in an intervention program also have the right to: ]

(1)

program goals and objectives; [ a humane environment that provides reasonable protection from harm ];

(2)

rules and regulations; and [ be informed of the program rules and regulations before participation; and ]

(3)

participant rights. [ accept or refuse services after being informed of services and responsibilities. ]

(d)

Programs that provide services to identified individuals shall maintain the confidentiality of participant-identifying information as required by the federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Part 2. [ When participants receive individualized services in an intervention program, the provider shall inform participants and consenters (if applicable) about: ]

[ (1)

program goals and objectives;]

[ (2)

rules and regulations; and]

[ (3)

participant rights. ]

[ (e)

Programs that provide services to identified individuals shall maintain the confidentiality of participant-identifying information as required by the federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Part 2. ]

§144.416. Smoking Policies

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Staff and other adults shall not use tobacco products in the presence of participants.

(e)

(No change.)

(f)

The program shall have a written smoking policy that complies with this section.

§144.441. Information Dissemination.

(a)

Each program that provides activities within this strategy [ to individuals over the age of nine ] shall disseminate information about these topics as appropriate for the target population :

(1)

the nature and extent of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, abuse, and addiction;

(2)

HIV infection, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases; and/or [ and ]

(3)

information about available services and resources.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The program shall document the number of persons receiving written information/literature. For presentations, documentation [ Documentation ] shall include, as applicable:

(1)

date, time, and duration of activity;

(2)

location of activity;

(3)

staff/volunteers conducting activity;

(4)

purpose and goal of activity; and

(5)

number of participants . [ ; and ]

[ (6)

pieces of literature/written information distributed.]

§144.442. Prevention Education and Skills Training.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The activities must include extensive interaction [ where information is exchanged ] between the leader and the participants.

(c)

Activities shall be conducted according to [ based on ] a written, time-specific curriculum which is based on proven, effective principles [ or outline approved by the commission ].

(d)

Each program that provides activities within this strategy must help participants gain knowledge and/or skills needed to access assistance or help with a problem.

(e)

(No change.)

§144.443. Alternatives [ Alternative Activities ].

(a)

Each program that provides activities within this strategy shall provide alternative activities designed to assist participants in :

(1)

mastering [ help participants master ] new skills [ and develop relationships ] ; [ and ]

(2)

developing/maintaining relationships; [ offset attraction to and fill needs met by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. ]

(3)

bonding with peers, family, school , and community;

(4)

building cultural understanding, and honoring diversity; and

(5)

identifying activities which offset the attraction to fill needs met by alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

(b)

Alternative activities should be planned and conducted to complement the exisiting program design and proposed outcomes [ Activities must be selected to meet the identified needs of the participants ].

(c)

(No change.)

§144.444. Problem Identification and Referral.

(a)

General requirements. Each program that provides activities within this strategy shall provide problem identification and referral services to ensure access to the appropriate level and type of services needed by participants and their families. Required components include screening, referral, and follow-up.

(b)

Screening. The screening process shall be designed to identify warning signs for alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drug abuse [ and HIV risk factors, as deemed appropriate ]. The screening shall also identify STD/HIV risk factors as appropriate.

(c)

Referral. The program shall identify needs that cannot be met by the program and help the participant access appropriate support systems and community resources. The program shall maintain a current list of referral resources , including other services provided by the organization .

(d)

Follow-up. The program shall conduct and document follow-up on referrals whenever possible. Unsuccessful attempts at follow-up shall also be documented.

(e)

Documentation. The program shall maintain documentation of each screening which includes:

(1)

date of the screening;

(2)

zipcode [ name and address ] of the individual screened;

(3)

demographics of the individual screened [ referrals made; and ]

(4)

referrals made [ any follow-up contacts ] ; and

(5)

any follow-up contacts.

§144.445. Community-Based Process.

(a)

Each program that provides activities within this strategy shall work with other service providers, organizations, individuals, and families to promote substance abuse services and improve the community's ability to prevent substance abuse and related problems. [ Prevention programs implementing community-based process shall meet the following standards. ]

[ (1)

The program must work with other service providers, organizations, and individuals to promote substance abuse services and improve the community's ability to prevent substance abuse and related problems.]

[ (2)

The program must use existing community services and resources effectively to enhance the prevention program.]

[ (3)

The program must establish linkages with other service providers to build a continuum of substance abuse services in the community.]

[ (4)

To the extent possible and appropriate, the program must involve family members in the prevention program and coordinate appropriate services for them.]

[ (5)

When the program coordinates services with another provider, there must be a written letter of agreement that includes:]

[ (A)

names of the providers entering into the agreement;]

[ (B)

services or activities each provider will provide;]

[ (C)

signatures of authorized representatives; and]

[ (D)

dates of action and expiration.]

[ (6)

Documentation of community process activities shall include, as applicable:]

[ (A)

date, time, and duration of activity;]

[ (B)

key contact persons/providers involved;]

[ (C)

purpose and goal of activity;]

[ (D)

further action steps needed; and]

[ (E)

action or change achieved.]

(b)

The program must use existing community services and resources effectively to enhance the prevention program.

(c)

The program must establish formal linkages with other service providers to build a continuum of substance abuse services in the community. Where gaps exist, the program shall document active participation in collaborations to support community resource development.

(d)

When the program coordinates services with another provider, there must be a written letter of agreement that is renewed annually and includes:

(1)

names of the providers entering into the agreement;

(2)

services or activities each provider will provide;

(3)

signatures of authorized representatives; and

(4)

dates of action and expiration.

(e)

Documentation of community process activities shall include, as applicable:

(1)

date, time, and duration of activity;

(2)

key contact persons/providers involved;

(3)

purpose and goal of activity;

(4)

further action steps needed; and

(5)

action or change achieved.

§144.446. Environmental and Social Policy.

(a)

Each program that provides activities within this strategy shall take steps to influence the incidence and prevalence of substance abuse through:

(1)

legal and regulatory strategies; or

(2)

service and action-oriented activities.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

§144.447. Intervention [ Additional ] Services.

(a)

A program may offer intervention [ additional ] services to meet the needs of individual participants who do not meet DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependence, but are showing early warning signs of substance abuse and other problem behaviors associated with substance abuse. Family members may also be involved in intervention services [ and their families, such as intervention counseling, crisis intervention, family case management, and support group opportunities. ]

[ (1)

Intervention counseling shall be conducted through confidential face-to-face contacts with participants and/or family members.]

[ (2)

The program shall assess the individual's or family's needs and develop a service plan to address the identified needs and the services to be provided.]

[ (3)

The program shall document participation and follow-through, including any changes in the participant's or family's status.]

[ (4)

The program shall provide information and referrals for participant and/or family needs that cannot be met by the program.]

(b)

The program shall determine the needs of the participant (and family members) in a culturally appropriate, face-to-face assessment. The assessment shall gather information to identify the participant's risk and protective factors in five domains: individual, family, school, peer relationships, and community.

(1)

Information about the individual shall include:

(A)

age, gender, culture and ethnicity;

(B)

individual assets;

(C)

ATOD use; and

(D)

legal issues.

(2)

Information about the family shall include:

(A)

structure; and

(B)

functioning.

(3)

School information shall include:

(A)

literacy level;

(B)

academic performance;

(C)

social functioning; and

(D)

behavioral functioning issues.

(4)

Information about peer relationships shall include:

(A)

ATOD use;

(B)

gang or club involvement; and

(C)

legal issues.

(5)

Information about the community shall include:

(A)

economic status;

(B)

general environment; and

(C)

criminal activity.

(c)

The counselor and the participant (and family members, if appropriate) shall develop a service plan to address identified needs. The service plan shall include:

(1)

behavioral goals;

(2)

timelines for completion; and

(3)

recommended services/interventions.

(d)

Intervention counseling shall be conducted through confidential face-to-face contacts with participants and/or family members. All intervention counseling sessions shall be documented in the participant's service record, including a summary of the session and progress toward or away from identified goals.

(e)

The program shall provide information, referrals, and follow-up for participant and/or family needs that cannot be met by the program. These referrals must be documented in the service record.

(f)

The program may also provide crisis intervention, family case management, and support group opportunities.

(g)

When intervention services are completed, the counselor shall file an exit summary in the service record which includes a description of the results achieved and participant status at closure.

§144.451. Youth Prevention Programs

(a)

The goal of youth prevention programs shall be to preclude the onset of the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth and to foster the development of social and physical environments that facilitate healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

(b)

Youth prevention programs shall offer universal and/or selective prevention strategies to youth and their families.

§144.452. Youth Intervention Programs

(a)

The goal of youth intervention programs shall be to interrupt the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth and to break the cycle of harmful use of legal substances and all use of illegal substances by adults in order to halt the progression and escalation of use, abuse, and related problems.

(b)

Youth intervention programs shall offer indicated prevention strategies to youth and their families.

§144.453. Community Coalitions.

(a)

Community coalitions shall implement strategies designed to accomplish the following goals:

(1)

to reduce substance use and abuse among youth in each community served;

(2)

to strengthen collaboration in communities and support the existing community-based prevention, intervention, and treatment infrastructure; and

(3)

to increase citizen participation and greater commitment among all sectors of the community toward reducing substance use and abuse.

(b)

Community coalitions shall include (or document attempts to recruit) one or more representatives from each of these areas:

(1)

youth;

(2)

parents;

(3)

businesses;

(4)

media;

(5)

schools;

(6)

community organizations serving youth;

(7)

faith-based groups;

(8)

civic and/or volunteer groups;

(9)

health care professionals;

(10)

state, local, or tribal governmental agencies with expertise in substance abuse; and

(11)

other organizations involved in reducing substance abuse.

(c)

Each program shall submit a quarterly report that includes a current list of all members in the coalition and a summary of the past quarter's activities.

(d)

Community coalitions shall not provide or subcontract for the provision of individual direct services - prevention education and skills training, alternative activities or problem identification and referral - as described in §144.442 of this title (relating to Prevention Education and Skills Training.

§144.454. Prevention Training Services

(a)

Prevention training services are designed to strengthen and expand a prevention infrastructure through the provision of statewide training and technical assistance. The program shall provide these services by dissemination of information on the latest prevention technology, research and best practice approaches to encourage and support implementation of research-based prevention programs.

(b)

The program shall submit a quarterly program narrative report. The report shall address the following:

(1)

trainings;

(2)

program administration and staffing;

(3)

marketing efforts and collaboration;

(4)

follow-up/technical assistance; and

(5)

training schedule.

§144.455. Prevention Resource Centers.

(a)

The goal of each Prevention Resource Center shall be to increase the effectiveness and visibility of prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and abuse within the region it is funded to serve through information dissemination, community education, and identification of training resources and best practices in prevention.

(b)

Each Prevention Resource Center shall provide universal prevention strategies to the region it serves.

(c)

Identified target groups shall include at a minimum: prevention professionals and volunteers; community leaders; teachers; school counselors and educational administrators; children and youth; parents and families; communities at large; local news media within the region served; and other persons in need of training in the area of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

(d)

The following services are required of all funded Prevention Resource Centers:

(1)

prevention needs assessment and resource identification;

(2)

prevention information marketing efforts;

(3)

prevention training and referral to resources;

(4)

prevention materials clearinghouse;

(5)

regional coordination/networking; and

(6)

regional prevention resource center web site and toll-free number.

(e)

Each program shall submit a monthly report detailing the past month's efforts in the required Prevention Resource Center services categories.

§144.457. Pregnant Postpartum Prevention Programs.

(a)

The goal of pregnant postpartum prevention programs shall be to preclude the onset of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by pregnant and postpartum women and to foster the development of social and physical environments that facilitate healthy, drug-free lifestyles for the women and their children.

(b)

Pregnant postpartum prevention programs shall offer universal and/or selective prevention strategies to address the comprehensive service needs and issues of non-using pregnant and postpartum women who are at risk for substance abuse and their families.

(c)

Each program shall submit a quarterly narrative report.

§144.458. Pregnant Postpartum Intervention Programs

(a)

The goal of pregnant postpartum intervention programs shall be to intervene on the substance use or abuse of pregnant and postpartum women and to reduce the incidence of drug exposure of their unborn, newborn, and/or young children .

(b)

Pregnant postpartum intervention programs shall provide indicated intervention strategies to pregnant and postpartum substance using or abusing women.

(c)

Each program shall submit a quarterly narrative report.

§144.459. Other Special Prevention Programs.

(a)

Special prevention programs are designed to meet the needs of specific target populations.

(b)

Each program shall establish key performance measures required and negotiated by the commission according to the specific program design.

§144.460. HIV Early Intervention Services (HEI).

(a)

Programs receiving HIV early intervention funds shall provide comprehensive HIV services to HIV infected persons with substance abuse problems and/or persons at risk of being infected as a result of substance abuse related activity and their families and/or significant others. HIV early intervention services shall include the following components.

(1)

Access to HIV antibody counseling and testing. HEI staff who perform HIV antibody counseling and testing must be currently registered as a Prevention Counseling and Partner Elicitation (PCPE) counselor with the Texas Department of Health.

(2)

Access to screening for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases.

(3)

Case management to identify and access appropriate medical and social services for HIV infected clients and their families and/or significant others.

(A)

Medical services for HI- infected clients include laboratory analyses to monitor HIV status and ensure access to prescribed medication and/or alternative treatments used to slow down or prevent HIV disease progression. Services may also include clinical supervision as needed to carry out medical service functions.

(B)

Social services for HIV infected clients and their families and/or their significant others may include but are not limited to: legal counseling, mental health counseling, child care, child welfare and family services, social services advocacy, transportation to treatment programs or HIV-related appointments, housing referrals, support groups, health and wellness education (including education and counseling about medication scheduling and adherence), and nutrition counseling.

(b)

Case management must be documented by the use of individualized service plans which address and prioritize client needs identified through assessment.

(1)

Service plans shall be completed within two weeks of a client's entrance into HEI services.

(2)

Client and case manager participation in the service plan process is required and is documented by signature of both parties on the plan.

(3)

Objectives and strategies stated in the service plan shall be specific and measurable.

(4)

Progress on service plan goals and objectives shall be documented in client progress notes.

(5)

Service plans shall be updated based upon information from the progress notes.

(c)

HIV early intervention services shall be provided only if the client voluntarily gives informed consent. Receiving these services shall not be required as a condition of receiving substance abuse treatment or other services.

(d)

Programs shall establish linkages with a comprehensive community resource network of related health, social service providers, and community or regional planning groups.

(1)

Networks shall be documented by written service agreements that are specific as to activities performed by the referral agency and those performed by the commission-funded provider.

(2)

Service agreements shall be signed by responsible parties of both agencies. Letters from planning councils/consortia/groups chairs or co-chairs which describe the commission-funded provider as being an active member or participant is sufficient documentation for this requirement.

(3)

Each service agreement or planning group letter shall be renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year.

(e)

Each HEI program shall submit annual goals relating to anticipated numbers of persons to be served during the course of the contract period. Goals shall address the following key performance measures:

(1)

Referral/follow-up: The percentage of client referrals made by the HIV Early Intervention program which resulted in an initial contact of service provider by the client within 1 to 14 days during the report period.

(2)

Clients receiving substance abuse services: The percentage of clients who receive substance abuse services while enrolled as a client of HIV early intervention services.

(f)

Each HEI program shall submit annual and quarterly reports.

§144.462. HIV Outreach Services.

(a)

HIV outreach programs target substance abusers who may or may not be seeking treatment and provide them with information, activities, referrals, and education directed toward informing drug users about the relationship between drug use (especially injecting drug activity) and communicable diseases.

(b)

HIV outreach service programs shall use outreach models that are scientifically sound. Unless the commission approves another model in writing, programs shall use one or more of the following models:

(1)

The NIDA Standard Intervention Model for Injection Drug Users: Intervention Manual, National AIDS Demonstration Research (NADR) Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, February, 1992;

(2)

AIDS Intervention Program for Injecting Drug Users: Intervention Manual, Rhodes, R., Humfleet, G.L., et al., February, 1992; and

(3)

The Indigenous Leader Model: Intervention Manual, Wiebel, W. and Levin, L.B., February 1992.

(c)

HIV outreach services shall be delivered at times and locations that meet the needs of the target population.

(1)

Outreach workers who perform HIV antibody test counseling must be currently registered as Prevention Counseling and Partner Elicitation (PCPE) counselors with the Texas Department of Health. PCPE counseling must be performed as a one-to-one activity in a safe and confidentially secure environment.

(2)

Commission-funded HIV outreach programs shall refer all persons found to be HIV-infected to commission-funded HIV Early Intervention programs.

(3)

Written procedures shall effectively secure confidentiality of individuals who are identified through outreach activities as HIV infected or at risk for HIV.

(d)

HIV outreach programs shall establish linkages with a comprehensive community resource network of related health, social service providers and community or regional planning groups.

(1)

Service agreements shall outline services and activities performed by each agency, and include signatures from responsible parties of each program. Letters from planning council/consortia chairs or co-chairs which describe the commission funded provider as an active member or participant is sufficient documentation for this requirement.

(2)

Each service agreement or planning group letter shall be renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year.

(e)

HIV outreach programs shall report to the commission monthly, quarterly and annually.

(1)

Monthly reports shall be submitted electronically through the commission's web-based computer system and will include data on key performance measures and demographics.

(2)

Quarterly documents will report street activities that include a narrative describing observations or current trends in drug activity, barriers and/or successful strategies used when providing outreach services to the target population.

(3)

Program self-evaluation is required and shall consist of a report generated annually by ongoing program work using the Prevention Plus III process.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903499

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25,1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §144.417

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes new §144.417 concerning Prevention and Intervention. This section contains information regarding staff training.

This new section is proposed to establish requirements for training the staff of prevention and intervention programs, including training during the first six months of hire and annually thereafter.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rule.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better and more consistently trained prevention and intervention program staff. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed new section will vary for each provider. It will depend upon their present training practices and the methods used to implement these new requirements. It is estimated that the cost could be up to $800 per year for each provider.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

This new section is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed new section is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.417. Staff Training

(a)

During the first six months of employment, all direct service prevention staff shall receive a total of eight hours of training (or document eight hours of equivalent training) in the following areas:

(1)

cultural competency;

(2)

risk and protective factors/ building resiliency; and

(3)

child development and/or adolescent development, as appropriate.

(b)

Specific training in the curriculum implemented for Prevention Education/Skills Training before facilitating the curriculum independently.

(c)

In subsequent years, all direct services prevention staff shall receive eight hours prevention training related to the program design.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903500

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §§144.431-144.435

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §§144.431-144.435 concerning Prevention and Intervention. These sections contain the requirements for HIV early intervention services, HIV outreach services, prevention resources centers, infant primary prevention and intervention programs, and core council services. The repeals are proposed because this entire subchapter has been reorganized to present the rules in a more logical order. The requirements of these sections are incorporated into new sections that are being proposed concurrently.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeals are in effect the anticipated public benefit will that the rules will be easier to find as they are presented in more logical order. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeals are proposed the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed repeals is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.431. HIV Early Intervention Services.

§144.432. HIV Outreach Services.

§144.433. Prevention Resource Centers.

§144.434. Infant Primary Prevention and Intervention Programs.

§144.435. Core Council Services.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903502

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §144.456

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes new §144.456 concerning Prevention and Intervention. This section contains information regarding core council services.

This new section is proposed because this section was reorganized to present the information in a more logical order and to implement a new requirement that Core Council service providers must render crisis intervention services.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be more clarity about core council services and their role in prevention and intervention as well as the provision of crisis intervention services to the public. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed new section will vary depending on current service and equipment. It is estimated that it could cost up to $1,000 per year.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

This new section is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed new section is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.456. Core Council Services

(a)

Core council service providers are community-based organizations that provide alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention and intervention services to the community at large in their identified catchment area. Core council service providers conduct a variety of services aimed to reduce use and abuse of ATOD in the targeted community(ies) including information, referral and placement services.

(b)

Core council services programs shall offer universal, selective and indicated strategies to individuals, families, and communities within the service area defined in the contract.

(c)

Minimum core council services shall include the following:

(1)

Information dissemination shall be provided for the purposes of awareness and case finding in the community.

(2)

Problem identification and referral shall be provided for the purpose of the identification of appropriate treatment needs through screening, referral, placement and follow-up.

(3)

Crisis intervention services shall be provided for the purpose of providing immediate response to individuals and/or families in crisis who may call or present themselves in need of core council services.

(A)

Core council service programs shall establish an avenue for a person in crisis to speak with a trained counselor or trained volunteer within one hour of the initial call received during and after normal business hours.

(B)

Core council service programs shall develop written policies and procedures for crisis intervention services during and after normal business hours.

(C)

Core council service programs shall provide training annually on crisis telephone call policies and procedures for all employees who answer (or may answer) the telephone during or after normal business hours.

(4)

Minors and tobacco activities shall be provided for the purpose of reducing minors' access to tobacco products throughout the catchment area served.

(5)

Community-based process shall be provided for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the community to more effectively provide substance abuse services.

(d)

Core council services may include assessment for treatment as described in §144.448 of this title (relating to Assessment for Treatment). Core council service programs conducting assessments for treatment shall maintain written agreements with referral sources/treatment providers to a. identify assessment roles in order to minimize duplicate efforts in conducting treatment assessments.

(e)

Core council service providers shall not provide intervention counseling.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903501

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter F. Treatment

40 TAC §§144.511, 144.512, 144.521-144.526, 144.531, 144.541, 144.543, 144.545, 144.551-144.554

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§144.511, 144.512, 144.521-144.525, 144.531, 144.541, 144.543, 144.545, and 144.551-144.554 and proposes new §144.526 concerning Treatment. These sections contain information regarding program design and implementation, self evaluation, client eligibility, priority populations, capacity management, facility capacity system, interim services for priority populations, length of stay guidelines, admission, specialized treatment services for females, pharmacotherapy services, family services, performance measure review, select performance measure definitions, client billings and client data systems (CDS) forms.

These amendments and new section are proposed to provide more guidance about the use of data, research and studies in program design; to describe the self evaluation process and how to use the resulting information; to clarify how to determine an adolescent's ability to pay; to add veterans to the list of priority populations (required by new legislation); to require providers to implement a marketing/outreach plan that specifically targets priority populations; to add requirements regarding capacity management, particularly for certain populations; to specify that programs must use the state's facility capacity management system to facilitate prompt, appropriate placements; to clarify the procedures to be used by treatment programs to report available capacity and waiting list information; to describe required interim services; to incorporate length of stay guidelines in the rules; to fully describe the admission process and to ensure that admission criteria will not automatically exclude certain individuals; to clarify what is required of programs that serve pregnant adult or adolescent females and adult or adolescent females with dependent children; to expand the requirements of pharmacotherapy programs; to fully describe family services, including purpose, potential recipients, reimbursable services, acceptable providers, and required documentation; to update the performance measure review process; to clarify performance measure definitions; to specify which clients are to be reflected on the monthly client billings; to revise the description of the billing system; to update references; and to make grammatical changes that enhance readability and understanding.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a better understanding of these requirements and, as a result, more effective and efficient treatment programs for those who are chemically dependent. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new section are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new section is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.511.Program Design and Implementation.

(a)

The program design must be based on a logical, conceptually sound framework with the intended result of reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems. The program shall gather and use reliable evidence of effectiveness from comparable programs to select and guide the program design. The program shall use results that come from sound studies to assess potential effectiveness of the program design related to the needs of the target population. [ The design should take into consideration current research and evaluation data and effectiveness of comparable programs relative to the needs of the target population. ]

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The program shall establish objectives for each contract period that are linked to the long range goals. Objectives must:

(1)

be realistic, outcome-oriented , measurable, and time-specific; and

(2)

(No change.)

(f)

(No change.)

[(g)

The program must also develop and implement an annual plan to provide employees with training and continuing education in the program's services. The plan must include cultural awareness and sensitivity training for all employees.]

§144.512.Self Evaluation.

(a)

Each program shall develop and implement a system that makes use of data to monitor and evaluate the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of its program(s) [ , and then use the data and results to make appropriate program adjustments ]. The program shall use this system to revise the program plan and make appropriate program adjustments. Any change requiring commission approval must be made through a contract amendment as described in §144.103 of this title (relating to Amendments).

(b)

The system shall identify program strengths and problem areas, develop necessary program adjustments, and ensure the implementation of these adjustments. [ evaluate progress, develop and take corrective actions, and monitor and evaluate the results of corrective actions taken. ]

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The program shall also document:

(1)

identified program strengths and problem areas;

(2)

resulting program adjustment to be made [ evaluated progress ];

(3)

the implementation of these adjustments [ corrective actions taken ]; and

(4)

the results of the self-evaluation system corrective actions taken.

[(e)

The program shall use information gained from the annual self-evaluation to revise the program plan and staff training plan.]

§144.521.Client Eligibility.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

For adolescents, ability to pay shall be determined by parental or family income unless: [ Commission funds may be used to provide treatment for any adolescent client, regardless of ability to pay. ]

(1)

the adolescent applies for treatment without parental knowledge; and

(2)

the adolescent refuses to consent to parental notification.

§144.522.Priority Populations.

(a)

[ The program shall implement procedures to identify members of priority populations and admit them before all others. ] The commission has established six priority populations. Preference shall be given in the following priority order:

(1)

pregnant injecting drug users;

(2)

pregnant substance abusers;

(3)

injecting drug users;

(4)

former Supplemental Security Income recipients previously disabled from substance abuse;

(5)

parents with children in foster care; and

(6)

veterans with honorable discharges [ all other substance abusers ].

(b)

The program shall implement a marketing/outreach plan that specifically targets these priority populations.

(c)

The program shall establish screening procedures to identify members of priority populations and admit them before all others, in priority order.

§144.523.Capacity Management.

(a)

The program shall maintain a waiting list or other organized and documented system to track [ for ] eligible individuals who have been screened but cannot be treated immediately.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The program shall consult the state's facility capacity management system to facilitate prompt placement in an appropriate treatment program within a reasonable geographic area.

(e)

The program shall implement a mechanism to maintain contact with pregnant women and intravenous drug users waiting for admission.

(f)

If a pregnant women is placed on the waiting list, the program must make interim services available to her within 48 hours as described in §144.525 of this title (relating to Interim Services for Priority Populations).

(g)

The program shall ensure that each individual who requests and is in need of treatment for intravenous drug abuse is admitted to an appropriate program not later than:

(1)

14 days after making the request; or

(2)

120 days after making the request when interim services are provided to the individual within 48 hours as described in §144.525 of this title (relating to Interim Services for Priority Populations).

(h)

[ (d) ] Capacity management may be handled through a centralized intake system.

§144.524.Facility Capacity System.

(a)

Treatment programs shall report available capacity and waiting list information through the commission's facility capacity management system and comply with procedures specified by the commission [ described in the applicable manual ].

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

§144.525.Interim Services for Priority Populations .

(a)

When a program does not have capacity to admit an injecting drug user or pregnant female, the program shall [ make every effort to ] place the individual in another treatment facility or provide reasonable access to interim services.

(b)

Interim services shall be offered within 48 hours. [ : ]

[(1)

be offered within 48 hours; ]

[(2)

continue until the individual is admitted into treatment; and]

[(3)

include strategies to reduce the adverse health effect of intravenous drug use and to reduce the risk of transmission of disease.]

(c)

Interim services shall include counseling and education about HIV and tuberculosis (TB), including the risks of needle-sharing, the risks of transmission to sexual partners and infants, and steps that can be taken to prevent transmission. Referrals for HIV or tuberculosis treatment shall be provided if necessary. For pregnant females, interim services shall also include counseling [ provide information and education ] about the effects of alcohol and drug use on the fetus and referrals for prenatal care.

(d)

The program shall maintain documentation of interim services provided.

[(e)

Even when interim services are provided, an individual requesting treatment for intravenous drug use shall be admitted to an appropriate program within 120 days.]

§144.526.Length of Stay Guidelines.

(a)

Length of stay in treatment shall be determined by the needs of the individual client. Whenever possible, multiple levels of care shall be used to provide a continuum of care for each individual client.

(b)

The commission has adopted Texas Department of Insurance guidelines to provide a tool for monitoring service utilization. Clients may remain in a specific level of treatment for a longer or shorter period of time based on individual need.

(c)

When a client's length of stay in a level of treatment exceeds the guidelines, the provider shall clearly document the needs and conditions justifying the variance in the client record.

(d)

All facilities shall implement procedures to monitor length of stay according to these guidelines.

(e)

The commission has interpreted the Texas Department of Insurance Guidelines to apply them to the commission's defined levels of service. Any revisions adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance supercede the recommended lengths of stay listed in this section.

(1)

Residential Level I (Detoxification): 1-14 days for adults and adolescents.

(2)

Outpatient Level I (Detoxification): 3-9 days for adults, not applicable for adolescents.

(3)

Residential Level II (Intensive Residential): 14-35 days for adults and 14-60 days for adolescents.

(4)

Outpatient Level II (Day Treatment): 14-35 days for adults and 14-60 days for adolescents.

(5)

Residential Level III (Residential): 28-70 days for adults and 28-120 days for adolescents.

(6)

Outpatient Level III (Intensive Outpatient): 30-84 days for adults and 30-84 days for adolescents.

(7)

Outpatient Level IV (Outpatient): Up to 180 days for adults and adolescents.

Admission [ Screening and Assessment ].

(a)

The program shall assess each applicant face-to-face to determine if the person is appropriate for admission. [ Clients receiving treatment services shall have a presenting problem which meets the appropriate DSM-IV criteria as specified in Chapter 148 of this title (relating to Facility Licensure). ]

(1)

Every client admitted to a Level I treatment program shall meet the DSM-IV criteria for substance intoxication or withdrawal. Persons in need of crisis stabilization who meet the criteria for substance dependence may be admitted to Level I treatment for up to 72 hours.

(2)

Every client admission to a Level II, III, or IV treatment program shall meet the DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse or dependence.

(b)

All admissions must be authorized or denied by a QCC. [ The screening shall include a criteria-based evaluation to determine the appropriate level of service. ]

(1)

For every applicant admitted to treatment, the client record must include documentation signed by a QCC that the individual met all applicable admission criteria, including the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

(2)

When an applicant is denied admission, the program shall maintain documentation signed by a QCC which explains why the admission was denied.

(c)

The assessment shall include a criteria-based evaluation to determine the appropriate level of service [ The psychosocial history and assessment for an adolescent shall take developmental issues into account and shall address child welfare involvement, peer relationships, and gang involvement ].

(d)

As part of the assessment, the [ The ] program shall [ provide education and shall ] assess each applicant's [ client's ] risk for HIV infection, tuberculosis, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Risk assessments shall follow guidelines as set by the National Institute on Drug Abuse's "Preventing HIV Among Substance Abusers: Risk Assessment/Risk Reduction."

[(1)

Education shall adhere to TCADA Workplace Guidelines for HIV and AIDS.]

[(2)

Risk assessments and risk reduction counseling shall follow guidelines as set by the National Institute on Drug Abuse's "Preventing HIV Among Substance Abusers: Risk Assessment/Risk Reduction."]

(e)

The program's admission criteria shall not exclude members of the commission's priority populations defined in §144.522 of this title (relating to Priority Populations).

(f)

The program's admission criteria shall not automatically exclude individuals based on:

(1)

physical or mental health history;

(2)

current physical or mental health diagnoses or services;

(3)

past or present prescription medications;

(4)

assumptions of ability to benefit from treatment without documented current behavioral evidence; or

(5)

drugs being abused.

(g)

The program shall not automatically deny admission to a previous client based on prior treatment unless the individual has been admitted to the facility three or more times in the past 12 months.

(h)

The program shall not automatically deny admission based on a perceived threat of harm to self or others. The program shall have a policy and procedures for assessment of potential harm to self or others. If the program determines that an individual is a current risk to self or others, the program may require an evaluation from a qualified mental health provider prior to admission.

(i)

All treatment programs shall develop and implement written procedures to identify clients exhibiting conditions or behavior that may suggest unmet mental health needs. The program shall collaborate with and provide referrals to available resources (including qualified and credentialed mental health professionals) to address the client's mental health needs.

§144.541.Specialized Treatment Services for Females.

(a)

Specialized female programs shall serve pregnant adult or adolescent females and adult or adolescent females with dependent children. Females with dependent children include females in treatment who are attempting to regain custody of their children.

(b)

These programs shall treat the female and her dependent children [ family ] as a unit and therefore admit both females and their children into treatment, when appropriate and possible.

(c)

All programs offering specialized female services shall provide a comprehensive treatment program. The following services shall be provided directly or through collaborative agreements and case management arrangements with other service providers:

(1)

primary medical care for females receiving treatment, including age-appropriate and specific reproductive health care and prenatal care;

(2)

gender-specific substance abuse treatment and other therapeutic interventions for females that [ may ] address issues of relationships, sexual and physical abuse and parenting;

(3)

childcare while the females are receiving services;

(4)

primary pediatric care for the clients' children, including immunizations;

(5)

therapeutic interventions for the children[ , which may address their developmental needs, their potential for substance abuse, and their issues of sexual and physical abuse and neglect ]; and

(6)

documented sufficient case management and transportation services to ensure that female clients and their children have access to the services provided by paragraphs (1)-(5) of this subsection.

(d)

Programs shall implement a coordinated marketing/outreach plan that targets services and organizations that regularly serve adult or adolescent females with or without dependent children, including Child Protective Services and the Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) program [ inform relevant entities in their communities that the specialized female program is available ].

(e)

Treatment programs serving women with dependent children shall report monthly measures [ and annual goals ] for the women's children when the children receive prevention and/or intervention services.

(f)

Programs serving adult or adolescent females shall provide an array of services including Levels II, III, and IV treatment and structured aftercare, either directly or through case management and service agreements. Level, intensity, and duration of services shall be clinically appropriate.

(g)

Programs shall have written referral and service coordination procedures with qualified providers to provide:

(1)

assessments for children for Early Childhood Intervention services; and

(2)

counseling or therapy to address the children's identified developmental, emotional, or psychosocial needs.

§144.543.Pharmacotherapy Services.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Programs shall establish a phase/level system which is consistent with guidelines from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [ Food and Drug Administration ] and includes the following phases:

(1)

Phase I: During the first 45 days of treatment, the client shall receive [ at least ] four individual counseling sessions. If not, justification shall be documented in the client record.

(2)

Phase II: After 45 days of continuous treatment, the client shall receive [ at least ] two individualized counseling sessions monthly. Justification shall be documented in the client record each month this standard is not met.

[(3)

Phase III: After two years of continuous treatment, the client shall receive at least one individual counseling session per month.]

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

All Pharmacotherapy programs shall adopt policies and procedures that conform with §144.523 of this title (relating to Capacity Management), §144.524 of this title (relating to Facility Capacity System), and §144.535 of this title (relating to Interim Services).

(e)

A Pharmacotherapy program can bill for a client receiving methadone who has an excused or planned absence for up to two consecutive days. The frequency of approved absences shall be reasonable and appropriate and shall not exceed eight days in a 30-day period.

(f)

All Pharmacotherapy programs shall complete a client fee assessment on each commission-funded client every six months. If a client remains in a commission-funded slot for more than 18 months, the provider must review the treatment plan and justify the need for continued commission-funded treatment in the client's record.

(g)

All direct care employees shall demonstrate knowledge or receive training that includes:

(1)

symptoms of opiate withdrawal;

(2)

drug urine screens;

(3)

current standards of pharmacotherapy; and

(4)

poly-drug addiction.

§144.545.Family Services.

(a)

Providing services to the family of the primary client is required of all commission funded programs. Family centered services are a crucial ingredient in providing comprehensive, community-based services to children, adolescents and adults. [ Family services supplement an existing treatment program by providing services to the family of the primary client. Commission funds shall not be used to provide services available through other sources. ]

(b)

Family services shall be designed to identify family risk factors [ problems ] associated with the client's chemical dependency, improve the health and functioning of the family unit and/or to assist individual family members to support the client in achieving and maintaining a achieve healthy, drug-free life style [ styles ].

(c)

Family services are [ may be ] provided to the entire family, including older adults, individual family members, and/ or a subset of family members. Reimbursable family [ Family ] services include:

(1)

family psychosocial assessment [ evaluations ];

(2)

individual counseling or therapy;

(3)

group counseling or therapy; [ and ]

(4)

family counseling or therapy;

(5)

family case management;

(6)

family in-home support; and

(7)

[ (4) ] structured, curriculum-based education and/or skills training accompanied by group process.

(d)

Family services must be provided by qualified staff including LCDCs who have the documented education, training and experience needed to perform the specific family services being provided [ function ]. Qualifications shall be based on industry standards and applicable licensure requirements. LCDCs may provide family education, assessment, and counseling services for issues that are directly related to substance abuse treatment and prevention within the family (including the development of healthy family behavior patterns), commensurate with the individual's training and experience. However, clients and/or family members in need of therapy [ counseling ] on issues outside the LCDC's scope of professional practice must be referred to a qualified mental health professional such as an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LPA (Licensed Psychological Associate) [ LPC, LMFT, or LMSW ].

(e)

Family services must be documented in [ a separate section of ] the client record. The record [ file ] must include the elements listed.

(1)

Family psychosocial assessment [ evaluation ]. The assessment [ evaluation ] must be conducted by a licensed and qualified [ properly credentialed ] professional based upon education and training .

(2)

Family service plan. The counselor , client and family shall develop the plan and update it as goals are accomplished or needs change. This plan [ which ] must include:

(A)

abilities, strengths, preferences, problems and needs identified from the client and family assessment [ during the evaluation ];

(B)

goals that are realistic, outcome-oriented, measurable, time limited and stated in behavior terms that are understandable to the client and family [ that address identified needs and state in behavioral terms what the family is expected to achieve during the treatment period ];

(C)

specific services to be provided that enable [ to help ] the family to achieve the agreed upon [ identified ] goals ; and [ . ]

(D)

aftercare services to be provided upon discharge, including necessary community supports.

(3)

Progress notes. Progress notes must document the services provided and the family's response [ and describe the family's progress towards stated goals ]. The provider [ family therapist ] shall document each service contact in a signed progress note that includes:

(A)

date, nature, and duration of the contact;

(B)

individuals involved;

(C)

content and goals addressed;

(D)

progress or lack of progress toward the goals; and

(E)

other relevant information.

(4)

Discharge plan. Discharge planning shall begin at the time of the initial treatment plan. And [ The discharge plan ] shall address ongoing family needs and support activities. The family shall receive a copy of the discharge plan , including:

(A)

family goals or activities to sustain progress;

(B)

referrals for other needed support services; [ and ]

(C)

aftercare services ; and [ , if applicable. ]

(D)

follow-up.

§144.551.Performance Measure Review.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The commission shall review actual performance [ with targets at least twice each fiscal year ] and notify the program in writing if the program failed to achieve the expected level of performance.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

[(e)

If the program fails to satisfactorily resolve any performance measure deficiencies as noted in the commission's review, the commission will implement further corrective action and may impose one or more of the following sanctions:]

[(1)

designation as a high-risk provider;]

[(2)

suspension of payments;]

[(3)

one-time decrease in the contract amount for the fiscal year;]

[(4)

permanent decrease in the contract amount; or]

[(5)

termination of the contract.]

§144.552.Select Performance Measure Definitions.

(a)

Completion of Treatment. This measure applies to Levels II, III, and IV, except for pharmacotherapy programs. For a client to have completed a level of treatment, the client record must indicate that all of the following criteria have been met.

(1)

A client must substantially complete his or her [ the ] planned duration of stay [ the program ] and individualized treatment plan objectives. This means that the average of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph must equal or exceed 75%.

(A)

The percentage of the individual's, planned duration of stay (as documented in the most recent treatment plan) that was completed by the client. [ In programs with a variable length of stay, the planned duration of stay documented in the most recent treatment plan is used as a basis for calculation. ]

(B)

The percentage of the behavioral objectives identified in the original treatment plan and subsequent revisions that have been achieved by the client.

(2)

A discharge plan or transfer note must have been completed in accordance with the requirements noted in §148.322 of this title (relating to Discharge Plan) or §148.304 of this title (relating to Treatment Plan Reviews).

(3)

The discharge summary or transfer note shall indicate whether the client has successfully completed treatment according to the above criteria, and must be signed by a qualified credentialed counselor. The client record must also contain supporting documentation for completion.

(b)

Abstinence. This measure applies to Levels II, III, and IV programs, except for pharmacotherapy programs. Abstinence is the percent of clients who report no use of alcohol or drugs within the past 30 days when contacted 60 days after discharge from the treatment program. For those clients who are transferred to another commission-funded level of service within the same program (therefore no follow-up is required), abstinence is the percent of transferred clients who report no use of alcohol or drugs during the 30 days prior to discharge or the duration of treatment, whichever is less.

[(1)

For youth, abstinence is the percent of youth who report no use of alcohol or drugs within the past 30 days when contacted 60 days after discharge from the treatment program. For those youth who are transferred to another commission-funded level of service within the same program (therefore no follow-up is required), abstinence is the percent of transferred youth who report no use of alcohol or drugs during the 30 days prior to discharge or the duration of treatment, whichever is less.]

[(2)

For adults, abstinence is the percent of adults who report no use of alcohol or drugs within the past 30 days when contacted 60 days after discharge from the treatment program. For those adults who are transferred to another commission-funded level of service within the same program (therefore no follow-up is required), abstinence is the percent of transferred adults who report no use of alcohol or drugs during the 30 days prior to discharge or the duration of treatment, whichever is less.]

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

One-Year Retention Rate. This measure applies to Level IV Pharmacotherapy programs. The One-Year Retention Rate is the percentage of clients admitted within the previous fiscal year who have remained continuously active in the program for at least one year as documented by CDS forms .

(e)

Abstinence Rate. This measure applies to Level IV Pharmacotherapy programs. The Abstinence Rate is based on the percentage of clients with no positive urinalysis for illicit opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and barbiturates in the 90 days prior to the Methadone Annual Survey. The client record shall contain copies of all urinalysis test results. This calculation excludes recent admissions.

(f)

Employment Rate. This measure applies to Level IV Pharmacotherapy programs. The Employment Rate is based on the percentage of all active clients employed at the time of the Methadone Annual Survey , as documented in the client record . This calculation excludes recent admissions.

§144.553.Client Billings.

(a)

Treatment programs shall submit monthly client billings for each client served in the program who is supported [ fully or partially ] with commission funds.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

[(e)

Billings with incomplete or invalid information may generate an error report. When a billing error report is received, the program shall promptly correct the errors or resubmit new client billings as needed. Errors must be corrected before the next billing cycle.]

(e)

[ (f) ] Forms submitted to the commission must contain complete and valid information.

(f)

[ (g) ] The commission will not accept or process payment requests until corresponding Client Data System [ Client Oriented Data Acquisition Process (CODAP) ] Admission forms have been submitted [ and all errors identified through the electronic interface system's edit checks have been corrected ].

(g)

[ (h) ] The provider shall maintain complete documentation for all services paid for by commission funds. In addition to the items required by licensure rules, the client record shall include the following information:

(1)

weekly summary progress notes which provide a summary of all scheduled groups attended by the client, including the dates covered, the topics, the number of hours, and the client's level of participation;

(2)

documentation of the purpose, duration, and justification of any approved absence from a residential program;

(3)

a record of all case management, referral, linkage, and follow-up activities; and

(4)

a progress note documenting the information gathered in the 60-day follow-up contact, including:

(A)

the date and time of successful follow-up contact;

(B)

the name of the person contacted and relationship to the client;

(C)

the telephone number of the person contacted;

(D)

documentation of any unsuccessful attempts at follow-up; and

(E)

the signature of the person who conducted and documented the follow-up interview.

Client Data Systems (CDS) Forms [ CODAP Reports ].

(a)

All treatment programs shall submit CDS forms [ Client Oriented Data Acquisition Process (CODAP) reports ] to the commission through the commission's web-based computer system for [ on ] all clients receiving commission-funded substance abuse treatment services. CDS forms include Adult and Youth Admission Reports (AARs/YARs), Adult and Youth Discharge Reports (ADRs/YDRs), Adult and Youth Follow-up Reports (AFRs/YFRs), Detox Brief Follow-up Report (DBFR), and a CDS Facility Summary (CFS).

(b)

Programs shall comply with reporting procedures detailed in the CDS [ CODAP ] Reference and Instruction Manual. Any changes to instructions that are mailed to treatment programs from the commission prior to revising the CDS Reference and Instruction Manual [ CODAP manual ] will supersede the instructions in the current CDS Reference and Instruction Manual [ CODAP manual ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903503

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


§144.554.40 TAC §144.532

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §144.532 concerning Treatment. This section contains information regarding core program requirements.

These amendments are proposed to update the name of the section; to delineate the exact responsibilities of all commission-funded programs; to make grammatical changes to enhance readability and understanding; to require all programs to provide family education and counseling and group aftercare; to reduce the maximum number of clients allowed in a group counseling session from 16 to 12; to mandate formal letters of agreement that must be renewed annually; to require that programs operating at low capacity implement structured outreach plans; to mandate that where gaps in service delivery exist, programs must document active participation in collaborations to support community resource development; to increase the number of hours of additional structured activities during evenings and weekends; and to specify that all counseling sessions and other activities counted toward the required hours of service must be of at least 30 minutes duration.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better and more consistent provision of core services in all commission funded treatment programs and improved quality of care. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is an anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments. There is no impact for implementing the requirements for family services since the commission will reimburse these costs. The cost to implement aftercare will depend upon current program design and staffing pattern. It is estimated that the cost for aftercare could be up to $600 per year.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

Core Program Requirements [ General Treatment Services ].

(a)

All treatment programs shall comply with applicable chemical dependency treatment facility licensure requirements for the specified level of service established in Chapter 148 of this title (relating to Facility Licensure).

(b)

All programs funded by the commission shall [ The program shall, to the extent possible and appropriate ]:

(1)

implement a systematic process to identify and provide appropriate referrals for family members of clients ;

(2)

inform clients and involved family members of family services offered directly and through other community resources; and

(3)

document family participation and attempts to engage family members in services.

(c)

Levels II, III, and IV treatment programs funded by the commission shall provide:

(1)

[ education about dysfunctional relationships within the ] family education and counseling related to the client's substance abuse ;

(2)

life [ coping ] skills training;

(3)

case management;

(4)

relapse prevention services; [ and ]

(5)

support group opportunities for adolescents and adults , including older adults; and

(6)

aftercare, including group counseling.

(d)

The program shall have written description of all educational and didactic sessions, including curricula, outlines, and activities.

(e)

Group size shall be limited to a number that allows effective interaction between the group and facilitator and between group members.

(1)

Group counseling sessions are limited to a maximum of 12 [ 16 ] clients.

(2)

Group education sessions, didactic sessions, [ multifamily groups, ] and other groups are limited to a maximum of 32 clients. This limitation does not apply to seminars, outside speakers, or other events designed for a large audience.

(f)

The program shall establish formal letters of agreement [ links ] with available substance abuse and other mental health, health care, and social services to meet the needs of clients and family members. Agreements to coordinate services must be established in writing and renewed annually, and shall include:

(1)

names of the organizations entering into the agreement;

(2)

services or activities each organization will provide;

(3)

signatures of authorized representatives; and

(4)

dates of action and expiration.

(g)

The program shall develop and implement a written plan of operation explaining outreach efforts, including specific strategies to reach members of the priority populations listed in §144.522 of this title (relating to Priority Populations). The commission may waive this requirement if the program demonstrates high capacity utilization and adequate engagement of priority populations.

(h)

Where gaps in the service delivery system exist, the program shall document active participation in collaborations to support community resource development.

(i)

Levels II, III, and IV residential programs shall schedule planned, structured activities during evenings and weekends. These hours are in addition to those required by licensure rules. The minimum number of additional hours for Levels II, III, and IV are 10 hours for adults and 15 hours for adolescents. The program shall maintain documentation that the activities were provided, including sign-in sheets. Client participation does not need to be individually recorded in client records.

(j)

All counseling sessions and other activities counted toward the required hours of service must last at least 30 minutes.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903504

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


§144.532.40 TAC §§144.533, 144.542, 144.544

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §§144.533, 144.542 and 144.544 concerning Treatment. These sections contain information on service enhancements, court commitment services and dual diagnosis programs. The repeals are proposed due to reorganization of the rules and deletion of outdated requirements. Requirements related to service enhancements have been incorporated into appropriate sections in this chapter which are being concurrently proposed. Requirements related to court commitment services have been consolidated into §148.238 of this title (related to Court Commitment Services) so that they will all be contained in one section, which is also concurrently proposed. Requirements related to dual diagnosis programs have been deleted.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeals are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the continuing requirements from these rules will be presented in a manner that makes them easier to find and understand. This will result in better services from treatment programs. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed repeals is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.533.Service Enhancements.

§144.542.Court Commitment Services.

§144.544.Dual Diagnosis Programs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903505

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter G. Network Management Organizations (NMOs)

40 TAC §§144.611-144.616

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes new §§144.611-144.616 concerning Network Management Organizations (NMOs). These sections contain information regarding service structure; outreach; screening, assessment and referral; care coordination; monitoring service utilization; and service delivery planing and implementation.

These new sections are proposed to establish standards for network management organizations. These rules will apply to networks established under the fiscal year 2000 request for proposals.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be clarity about the roles and responsibilities of network management organizations. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed new rules.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules governing the functions of the commission, including rules that prescribe the policies and procedures followed by the commission in administering any commission programs.

The code affected by the proposed new sections is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 461.

§144.611.Service Structure.

(a)

The network management organization (NMO) shall maintain a chart of the network's organization that identifies all organizations in the network and indicates their function(s) and relationship to the NMO.

(b)

The NMO shall maintain a network that includes the following services:

(1)

outreach, screening, assessment, and referral (OSAR);

(2)

adult treatment (Levels I, II, III and IV);

(3)

youth treatment (Levels II, III, and IV); and

(4)

specialized female services (Levels II, III, and IV).

(c)

The following services must also be included in the network if they were funded in the service area during the state's fiscal year 1999:

(1)

pharmacotherapy;

(2)

pregnant/postpartum intervention; and

(3)

HIV outreach.

(d)

The network shall be organized to provide each client with a continuum of services based on individual need.

(e)

The network shall also provide minors and tobacco activities to reduce minors' access to tobacco products throughout the service area.

(f)

OSAR and minors and tobacco activities may be provided directly by the NMO or through a separate organization that does not provide treatment services in the network.

§144.612.Outreach.

(a)

The NMO shall coordinate outreach efforts throughout the provider network.

(b)

The NMO shall develop and implement an annual outreach plan to:

(1)

increase target populations' knowledge of available services;

(2)

improve access to services; and

(3)

promote appropriate service utilization.

(c)

The outreach plan shall:

(1)

describe continuing and new outreach efforts;

(2)

include specific strategies to reach and engage the commission's priority populations as described in §144.522 of this title (relating to Priority Populations).

(3)

be responsive to system evaluation findings; and

(4)

demonstrate coordination of outreach efforts to avoid gaps or duplication of effort.

(d)

The NMO shall submit copies of the outreach plan to the following individuals no later than 60 days after signing the commission's contract:

(1)

members of the NMO's governing body;

(2)

members of the service area's Regional Advisory Consortium(s);

(3)

the CEO of each provider in the service network; and

(4)

the commission's regional administrator assigned to the service area.

(e)

The NMO shall ensure that outreach efforts encompass the entire service area and reach culturally diverse populations.

§144.613.Screening, Assessment, and Referral.

(a)

The NMO shall ensure that all persons in the network service area have 24-hour access seven days a week to a toll-free telephone information line for substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services.

(b)

The NMO shall provide screening and referral services to ensure access to the appropriate level and type of services needed by applicants and their families.

(1)

Screening. The screening process shall be designed to identify warning signs for alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drug abuse The screening shall also identify STD/HIV risk factors as appropriate. If a potential substance abuse problem is identified, the NMO shall arrange for a substance abuse assessment.

(2)

Referral. The NMO shall also identify needs that cannot be met by the network and help the applicant and family members access appropriate support systems and community resources. The program shall maintain a list of referral resources.

(3)

Follow-up. The NMO shall conduct and document follow-up on referrals whenever possible.

(4)

Documentation. The NMO shall maintain documentation which includes:

(A)

date of the screening;

(B)

name of the individual screened;

(C)

demographics of the individual screened

(D)

referrals made; and

(E)

any follow-up contacts.

(c)

Assessments for treatment may be provided directly or through referral to a network treatment provider.

(1)

Assessment tools shall be appropriate for the target population.

(2)

Assessment shall be provided through a confidential, face-to-face interview.

(3)

The assessment shall include a criteria-based evaluation to determine the appropriate level of treatment.

(4)

All assessments shall be conducted by qualified credentialed counselors or counselor interns working under appropriate supervision.

(5)

Documentation shall include a written summary of the applicant's needs, treatment recommendations, and referrals.

(d)

The NMO may also conduct financial assessments for treatment applicants as described in §144.521 of this title (relating to Client Eligibility).

(e)

The NMO shall have written procedures that describe screening, assessment, and referral activities.

(f)

The procedures shall minimize duplication between the NMO and treatment providers, especially in the area of assessments. Any activity completed by the NMO does not need to be repeated or duplicated by the treatment program.

§144.614.Care Coordination.

The NMO shall establish a care coordination system to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the service delivery system. The care coordination system shall include but is not limited to the components described in §144.522 of this title (relating to Priority Populations), §144.523 of this title (relating to Capacity Management), and §144.525 of this title (relating to Interim Services). Through written policies and procedures, the NMO shall:

(1)

maintain a centralized waiting list for all network services;

(2)

make use of any slot that can benefit a client until a more appropriate service is available before placing any prospective client on the waiting list;

(3)

coordinate admission, transfer, transportation, and discharge of clients throughout the network;

(4)

provide appropriate screening, referral, and care coordination for clients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders; and

(5)

use providers outside the service network when needs cannot be met by network providers.

§144.615.Monitoring Service Utilization.

(a)

The NMO shall verify the provider has justification for any client whose length of stay at a level of service exceeds the guidelines listed in §144.526 of this title (relating to Length of Stay Guidelines). Documentation for the justification may be a progress note in the client's record or an updated treatment plan indicating problems needing resolution.

(b)

The NMO shall develop procedures to maximize use of available capacity.

(1)

Admission and length of stay data shall be reviewed for the network as a whole, for individual providers, and for specific programs and services.

(2)

The NMO shall develop and implement a written plan to address any problems identified.

(3)

The NMO shall evaluate the results of actions taken and amend the plan as needed.

(c)

The NMO shall not offer incentives related to determinations regarding length of stay.

§144.616.Service Delivery Planning and Implementation.

(a)

The NMO shall develop a process to track and respond to changing needs of the community. There shall be written policies and procedures describing:

(1)

What sources of information will be used to determine areas of greatest need, including input from the Regional Advisory Consortia (RAC) and from providers;

(2)

How information about community needs and resources will be obtained from the RAC, providers, and other community stakeholders;

(3)

How needs will be prioritized; and

(4)

How funds are distributed to areas of greatest need, including criteria for determining from where funds would be freed.

(b)

The NMO shall establish a written agreement with the regional RAC that includes:

(1)

How information about the network (including service demand and utilization) will be shared with the RAC;

(2)

How information about community needs and resources will be obtained from the RAC.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903506

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Chapter 148. Facility Licensure

Subchapter A. Licensure Information

40 TAC §§148.3, 148.4, 148.21, 148.23-148.27, 148.41, 148.61

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.3, 148.4, 148.21, 148.23-148.27, 148.41 and 148.61 concerning Licensure Information. These sections describe sites and services, variances, new license application process, changes in status, change in ownership, licensure fees, inactive status and closure, licensure review, sanctions, and definitions of terms used in this chapter.

These amendments are proposed to clarify which chemical dependency treatment programs are required to have a license issued by the commission; to explain what sites may offer what services; to clarify that a provider must be approved as a clinical training institution before designating interns to perform duties; to clarify the variance process; to describe what happens if an applicant fails to provide evidence of compliance within six months; to specify which department within the commission must receive advance notice of proposed changes relevant to a facility's license, invalid licenses, and notices of closure; to clarify that advance written approval is required before a facility moves to a new location; to more fully describe the processes related to inactive status; to require that the licensure certificate must be displayed at each approved site; to clarify that practicing at an unlicensed site is subject to the same penalty as practicing without a license; and to number, expand and refine the definitions of terms used and to remove definitions of terms no longer used in this chapter.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be a clearer and more effective licensure process for facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.3.Sites and Services.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Facilities providing chemical dependency treatment for dually diagnosed clients must be licensed by the commission unless exempt under §148.2 of this title (relating to License Required). [ A facility shall have written approval from the commission before accepting court commitments. ]

(c)

A facility that has received commission approval to provide a specific level of service [ (or category of court commitment approval) ] may provide that service at any of its approved [ licensed ] sites or through registered extension sites [ services ].

(d)

The provider shall have written approval from the commission as a clinical training institution before designating [ and compensating ] interns to perform counseling, assessments, or treatment interventions.

(e)

(No change.)

§148.4.Variances.

(a)

The commission's executive director or designee may grant a temporary variance to a facility or group of facilities.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

A variance cannot be granted for a statutory requirement.

§148.21.New Licensure Application.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

If an applicant fails to provide evidence of compliance within six months, the application will be denied [ deactivated ]. After a six-month waiting period, the [ The ] applicant may reapply by submitting a new application and application fee [ reactivate the application by informing the commission in writing, but the application will be treated as a new application ].

§148.23.Changes in Status.

(a)

A facility shall give the commission's licensure department [ commission ] advance notice of any proposed change in a program's licensure status and submit the appropriate application and fees. Notice of less than 60 days may delay approval.

(b)

The facility shall receive written approval from the commission before:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

adding a new site or moving to a new location ;

(3)-(4)

(No change.)

(c)

The provider must also notify the commission's licensure department [ commission ] in writing within 30 days after a change in the organization's name or the client gender(s) being served.

§148.24.Change in Ownership.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The facility shall notify the commission's licensure department [ commission ] at least 60 days before a change in ownership takes effect.

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The invalid licensure certificate shall be returned to the commission's licensure department [ commission ] within ten days of the change in ownership.

§148.25.Licensure Fees.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

A facility shall pay the full licensure fee for any licensure period during which it provides chemical dependency treatment. Failure to notify the commission's licensure department [ commission ] of closure does not excuse a licensee from paying fees.

(d)-(f)

(No change.)

§148.26.Inactive Status and Closure.

(a)

Inactive Status. The commission will automatically retire the license of any [ Any ] facility in which services are suspended for more than 30 days unless the facility sends a written request for inactive status [ shall notify the commission with a letter ] justifying why the commission should not retire the license. To be eligible for inactive status, the facility must be in good standing with no pending sanctions or investigations.

(1)

If granted, inactive status is limited to six months. The licensee is responsible for all licensure fees and for proper maintenance of client records while on inactive status.

(2)

To return to active status, the facility shall submit a written request to reactivate the license.

(3)

If the license is not reactivated, it will be automatically retired [ expires ] at the end of the six month period.

(b)

Closure. The facility shall notify the commission's licensure department [ commission ] in writing within 30 days when it closes a chemical dependency treatment program.

(1)

A license becomes invalid when a program closes and the licensure certificate shall be returned to the commission's licensure department [ commission ] within 30 days.

(2)

When a facility closes, the provider is responsible for properly maintaining client records in compliance with confidentiality regulations.

§148.27.Licensure Review.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The facility shall display the licensure certificate prominently at each approved [ licensed ] site.

§148.41.Sanctions.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

A facility practicing without a license or practicing at an unlicensed site is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each violation of the Act or these rules. Each day a violation continues or occurs is a separate violation.

(e)-(f)

(No change.)

§148.61.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Abuse--Any act or failure to act which is done knowingly, recklessly or intentionally, including incitement to act, which caused or may have caused injury to a client. Injury may include, but is not limited to: physical injury, mental disorientation, or emotional harm, whether it is caused by physical action or verbal statement. Client abuse may be perpetrated by staff or other clients and includes:

(A)

any sexual activity between facility personnel and a client;

(B)

corporal punishment;

(C)

nutritional or sleep deprivation,

(D)

efforts to cause fear;

(E)

the use of any form of communication to threaten, curse, shame, or degrade a client;

(F)

restraint that does not conform with these rules;

(G)

coercive or restrictive actions taken in response to the patient's request for discharge or refusal of medication or treatment that are illegal or not justified by the patient's condition; and

(H)

any other act or omission classified as abuse by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(2)

Act--Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

[Acute withdrawal--

Withdrawal symptoms that threaten the physical safety of the client, including but not limited to: seizures, hypertensive crisis, deliriums tremens, and severe dehydration with metabolic imbalances.]

(3)

Admission--Formal documented acceptance of a prospective client to a treatment facility , based on specifically defined criteria .

(4)

Adolescent--An individual 13 through 17 years of age whose disabilities of minority have not been removed by marriage or judicial decree.

(5)

Adult--An individual 18 years of age or older, or an individual under the age of 18 whose disabilities of minority have been removed by marriage or judicial decree.

(6)

Advanced practice nurse--A registered nurse currently licensed in Texas who is prepared for advanced practice and approved by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners.

(7)

Aftercare [ services ]-- Structured services provided after discharge from a treatment facility which are designed to strengthen and support the client's recovery and prevent relapse. [ Services provided by a facility to a client who has been discharged and is no longer receiving services from any of that facility's treatment programs. ] Aftercare may be provided by the facility directly or through a letter of agreement with another provider. If the program provides two or more hours of services per week, it must be licensed as an outpatient program.

(8)

Applicant (licensure) --A person who has submitted a complete application to the commission for licensure, relicensure, or change in status, and paid the application fee.

(9)

Approval--Written authorization.

(10)

Assessment (treatment)--The process used to interpret information from the psychosocial history to identify [ gain sufficient information to identify, among other things, ] the participant's strengths, problems, and needs in order to develop an appropriate plan for treatment [ as they relate to the use/abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs and the risk of contracting or transmitting infectious diseases/sexually transmitted diseases ].

(11)

Case management--A systematic process to ensure clients receive all substance abuse, physical health, mental health, social, and other services needed to resolve identified problems and needs. Case management activities are provided by an accountable staff person and include:

(A)

linking a client with needed services;

(B)

helping a client develop skills to use basic community resources and services; and

(C)

monitoring and coordinating the services received by a client.

(12)

Chemical dependency-- Substance abuse and substance dependence as defined in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. [ The abuse of, psychological or physical dependence on, or addiction to alcohol, a toxic inhalant, or any substance designated as a controlled substance in the Texas Controlled Substances Act. ]

(13)

Chemical dependency counseling--Face-to-face interactions in which a counselor helps an individual, family or group [ between clients and counselors to help clients ] identify, understand, and resolve issues and problems related to chemical dependency.

(14)

Chemical dependency counselor--A qualified credentialed counselor or counselor intern [ working under direct supervision ].

(15)

Chemical dependency education--A planned, structured presentation of information training, provided by qualified staff (not clients), which is related to chemical dependency. It includes but is not limited to: physiological and psychological effects, emotional and social deterioration, rehabilitation and relapse, and risk of acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

(16)

Chemical dependency treatment--A planned, structured, and organized program designed to initiate and promote a person's chemical-free status or to maintain the person free of illegal drugs. It includes, but is not limited to, the application of planned procedures to identify and change patterns of behavior related to or resulting from chemical dependency that are maladaptive, destructive, or injurious to health, or to restore appropriate levels of physical, psychological, or social functioning lost due to chemical dependency.

(17)

Chief executive officer--The individual authorized by the governing body to act on its behalf in the overall administration of the facility.

(18)

Child--An individual under the age of 13.

(19)

Child abuse and neglect--Any act or omission that constitutes abuse or neglect of a child by a person responsible for a child's care, custody, or welfare as defined in the Texas Family Code §261.001.

(20)

Client--An individual who has been admitted to a chemical dependency treatment facility licensed by the commission and is currently receiving services.

(21)

Clinical training institution--An individual or legal entity approved by the commission to provide a counselor training program in which counselor interns obtain supervised work experience. [ supervise a counselor intern who performs counseling, assessments, or interventions. ]

(22)

Commission--The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

[Commissioners--

Members of the commission's governing body.]

(23)

Confidentiality laws--Federal law (42 United States Code, §290 dd-2) and state law (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 611) and regulations adopted pursuant to these statutes.

(24)

Consenter--The individual legally responsible for giving informed consent for a client. This may be the client, parent, guardian, or conservator. Unless otherwise provided by law, a legally competent adult is his or her own consenter. Consenters include adult clients, clients 16 or 17 years of age, and clients under [ 13- ]16 years of age admitting themselves for chemical dependency counseling under the provisions of the Texas Family Code, §32.004.

(25)

Consultant--An individual who is not an employee who provides professional advice or services to the facility for compensation.

(26)

Counselor--See chemical dependency counselor.

(27)

Counselor intern (CI)--A person pursuing a course of training in chemical dependency counseling at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an approved [ a registered ] clinical training institution who has been designated as a counselor intern by the institution. The activities of a counselor intern shall be performed under the direct supervision of a qualified credentialed counselor.

[Day treatment--

An outpatient program where the client spends more than five consecutive hours at the program site.]

[Detoxification services--

Chemical dependency treatment designed to systematically reduce the amount of alcohol and other toxic chemicals in a client's body, manage withdrawal symptoms, and encourage the client to seek ongoing treatment for chemical dependency.]

(28)

Direct care staff--Staff responsible for providing treatment, care, supervision, or other client services that involve a significant amount of face-to-face contact.

(29)

Direct supervision--Oversight and direction of a counselor intern provided by a qualified credentialed counselor (QCC). If the intern has less than 2,000 hours of supervised work experience, the supervisor must be on site when the intern is providing services. If the intern has at least 2,000 hours of documented supervised work experience, the supervisor may be on site or immediately accessible by telephone. The qualified credentialed counselor shall:

(A)

assume responsibility for the actions of the intern within the scope of the intern's clinical training;

(B)

be available for assistance;

(C)

conduct and document a complete review of the intern's current written work [ product ] at least weekly during the first 1000 hours, monthly during the second 1000 hours, and quarterly during the final 2000 hours ;

(D)

complete and document a session to observe the intern providing services to chemical dependency clients at least weekly during the first 1000 hours, monthly during the second 1000 hours, and as deemed necessary during the final 2000 hours [ and document the observation ]; and

(E)

meet with the intern (in a group or individual session) at least one hour each week [ weekly ] to provide written and verbal feedback and direction.

(30)

Discharge-- Formal, documented termination from a treatment facility. Discharge occurs when a client successfully completes treatment goals, leaves against professional advice, or is terminated for other reasons. [ The time when a client leaves a facility and will no longer be receiving chemical dependency treatment from that facility. ]

(31)

DSM-IV--The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Revised, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Any reference to DSM-IV is understood to mean the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

(32)

Dually diagnosed--Diagnosed with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.

(33)

Education--See chemical dependency education.

(34)

Employee--An individual hired directly by the facility to provide services in exchange for money or other compensation, as determined under the usual common law rules. An employee is subject to the will and control of the employer not only as to what shall be done but as to how it shall be done.

(35)

Ensure--Take all reasonable and necessary steps to achieve results.

[Executive director--

The individual authorized by the governing body to act on its behalf in the overall administration of the facility.]

(36)

Experience--Direct participation in a similar job activity supervised by a qualified individual.

(37)

Exploitation--An act or process to use, either directly or indirectly, the labor or resources of a client for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain of another individual or organization.

(38)

Extension services--Services provided by a licensed facility at a registered site that is not owned, leased, or operated by the licensed facility.

(39)

Family--The children, parents, brothers, sisters, other relatives, foster parents, guardians, or significant others who perform the roles and functions of family members in the lives of clients/participants.

(40)

FTE--Full Time Equivalent staff position requiring 40 hours per week.

(41)

Facility--A legal entity with a single governing body, a single administration, and a single staff that provides chemical dependency treatment.

(42)

Governing body--The individual or individuals legally established to operate a facility. The governing body has ultimate legal authority and responsibility for the facility's finances, services and operations.

(43)

HIV--Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection.

(44)

Immediate supervision--Being physically present while a task is being performed.

(45)

Individual service day--A day on which a specific client receives services.

(46)

Intake--The administrative process for gathering information about a prospective client and giving a prospective client information about the treatment facility and the facility's treatment and services.

(47)

Intervention and assessment service--A service that offers assessment, counseling, evaluation, treatment intervention, or referral services or makes treatment recommendations to an individual with respect to chemical dependency.

(48)

License--A grant of authority to a facility to provide chemical dependency treatment in the State of Texas, which is issued by the commission under the Act.

(49)

Licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC)--A counselor licensed by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

(50)

Licensed dietitian--An individual who is currently licensed or provisionally licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians.

(51)

Licensed health professional--A physician, physician assistant, advance practice nurse, registered nurse, or licensed vocational nurse as defined in these rules.

(52)

Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)--An individual who is currently licensed as a marriage and family therapist by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists.

(53)

Licensed master social worker (LMSW)--An individual who is licensed as a master social worker by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.

(54)

Licensed professional counselor (LPC)--An individual licensed as a professional counselor by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

(55)

Licensed psychological associate--A person licensed as a psychological associate by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

(56)

Licensed vocational nurse (LVN)--A nurse licensed by the Texas State Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

(57)

Life skills training [ Skills Training ]--A formalized program of training provided by qualified staff (not clients), based upon a written curriculum [ program description ], to help clients [ assist the client in acquiring personal habits, attitudes, values, and social interaction skills that will enable the client to ] manage daily responsibilities [ function ] effectively and[ /or ] become gainfully employed. It may include [ includes ] instruction in communication and social interaction , stress management, problem solving, daily living, and decision making.

(58)

Mechanical restraint--Use of a physical device to control or restrict a person's physical movement or actions.

(59)

Medical emergency-- A medical condition with acute symptoms of sufficient severity that a prudent layperson could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in [ Physical symptoms requiring immediate medical attention to prevent ]death or serious [ imminent ] harm.

[Medication--

Any drug used to treat a condition or relieve symptoms, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.]

(60)

Medication error--Medication not given according to the written order by the prescribing professional or as recommended on the medication label . Includes duplicate doses, missed doses, and doses of the wrong amount or drug.

(61)

Mental health referral service--See Qualified Mental Health Referral Service.

(62)

Neglect--Actions resulting from inattention, disregard, carelessness, ignoring or omission of reasonable consideration that caused, or might have caused, physical or emotional injury to a client. Examples of neglect include, but are not limited to:

(A)

failure to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, or health care;

(B)

failure to provide a safe environment free from abuse;

(C)

failure to maintain adequate numbers of appropriately trained staff;

(D)

failure to establish or carry out an appropriate individualized treatment plan; and

(E)

any other act or omission classified as neglect by the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(63)

Offer--To make available.

(64)

On call--Immediately available for telephone consultation.

(65)

On duty--Scheduled and present at the site to perform job duties.

(66)

Orders (written, verbal, or telephone)--Direct communication between a physician and licensed program staff in which the physician directs specific treatments.

(67)

Person--An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other business or professional entity.

(68)

Personal restraint--Physical contact to control or restrict a person's physical movement or actions.

(69)

Personnel--Members of the governing body, employees, contract providers, consultants, agents, representatives, volunteers, and other individuals working on behalf of the facility through a formal or informal agreement.

(70)

Physician--A physician licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, or a physician employed by any agency of the United States who has a license in any other state of the United States.

(71)

Physician assistant--An individual registered as a physician assistant by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

(72)

Policy--A statement of direction or guiding principle issued by the governing body.

(73)

Practicum--A 300 hour course of structured clinical training in the 12 core functions required for chemical dependency counselor licensure.

(74)

Private practice--Unless otherwise defined by a licensing board, an individual's professional counseling practice in which the individual:

(A)

provides all treatment services personally;

(B)

does not report to a supervisor or utilize subordinate counseling staff;

(C)

is a licensed chemical dependency counselor or exempt from licensure.

(75)

Procedure--A step-by-step set of instructions.

[Process counseling--

Counseling designed to help clients identify and explore the feelings and emotions they encounter and resolve areas of conflict that led to their problems associated with chemical dependency. It does not include cognitively oriented or psychoeducational groups.]

(76)

Program--A specific level of chemical dependency treatment delivered to a defined client population.

(77)

Program director--The individual who manages a chemical dependency treatment program.

(78)

Provide--To perform or deliver.

(79)

Psychiatric emergency--Symptoms requiring immediate psychiatric attention.

(80)

Psychologist--An individual licensed as a psychologist by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

(81)

Qualified credentialed counselor (QCC)--A licensed chemical dependency counselor or one of the professionals listed below:

(A)

licensed professional counselor (LPC);

(B)

licensed master social worker (LMSW);

(C)

licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT);

(D)

licensed psychologist;

(E)

licensed physician

(F)

certified addictions registered nurse (CARN);

(G)

licensed psychological associate; and

(H)

advance practice nurse recognized by the Board of Nurse Examiners as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner with a specialty in psyche-mental health (APN-P/MH).

(82)

Qualified mental health referral service--A service that does not provide treatment directly but instead refers clients in need of chemical dependency treatment to qualified providers. A mental health referral service shall meet the statutory requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code, §164.007.

(83)

Refer--Identify appropriate services and provide information and assistance needed to access them.

(84)

Registered nurse (RN)--A professional nurse licensed by the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners.

(85)

Religious organization--A church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institution:

(A)

the purpose of which is the propagation of religious beliefs; and

(B)

that is exempt from federal income tax by being listed as an exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code (26 United States Code), Section 501(a).

(86)

Residential site--A site owned, leased, or operated by the facility where clients who are receiving chemical dependency treatment stay in a structured, supervised, 24-hour living environment [ sleep overnight ].

(87)

Retaliate--Adverse actions taken to punish or discourage a person who reports a violation or cooperates with an investigation, inspection, or proceeding. Such actions include but are not limited to suspension or termination of employment, demotion, discharge, transfer, discipline, restriction of privileges, harassment, and discrimination.

[Screening--

Determining whether a client meets the program's admission criteria, based on the person's reason for admission, medical and chemical use history, and other needed information.]

(88)

Seclusion--The placement of a client alone in a room from which exit is prevented.

(89)

Service day--A day during which the program provides scheduled services to any client.

(90)

Sexual exploitation--A pattern, practice, or scheme of conduct that can reasonably be construed as being for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification or sexual abuse of any person. It may include sexual contact, a request for sexual contact, or a representation that sexual contact or exploitation is consistent with or part of treatment.

(91)

Site--A single identifiable location owned, leased, or controlled by a facility where any element of chemical dependency treatment is offered or provided , including aftercare .

(92)

Small family living environment--A single apartment unit, house, or similar residence designed for an average size family, with no more than four bedrooms.

(93)

Solicit--To contact a person for the purpose of inducing the person, directly or indirectly, to enter treatment or make a referral.

(94)

Special treatment procedures--Personal restraint, mechanical restraint, and seclusion.

(95)

Staff--Individuals employed by the facility to provide services for the facility in exchange for money or other compensation.

[STDs--

Sexually transmitted diseases.]

(96)

Support services--Services designed to provide individuals with a stable living environment, such as meals, shelter, and access to peer support groups.

(97)

Treatment--See chemical dependency treatment.

(98)

Treatment intervention--A meeting designed to persuade a chemically dependent individual to enter treatment.

(99)

Treatment level--The intensity of treatment provided by a program.

(100)

Treatment protocol--Instructions for the delivery of treatment services to groups of clients by non-licensed and licensed staff.

(101)

Unethical conduct--Conduct prohibited by the ethical standards adopted by state or national professional organizations or by rules established by a profession's state licensing agency.

(102)

Unprofessional conduct--An act or omission that violates commonly accepted standards of behavior for individuals or organizations.

(103)

Volunteer--An individual who provides services for the facility without compensation. Unpaid students are volunteers.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903507

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter B. Facility Management

40 TAC §§148.71-148.74, 148.113, 148.116, 148.117, 148.119

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.71-148.74, 148.113, 148.116, 148.117 and 148.119 concerning Facility Management. These sections contain information on: the governing body; chief executive officer; policies, procedures and licensure rules; standards of conduct; initial training; personnel files and training records; basic staffing requirements; and clinical training institutions.

These amendments are proposed to change the term executive director to chief executive officer; to require timely correction of identified deficiencies; to specify the requirements for and duties of a chief executive officer; to clarify the requirements related to policies, procedures and licensure rules; to make it clear that client abuse, neglect and exploitation are considered an unprofessional and unethical act; to add to the standards of conduct the requirement that facility personnel shall not have a personal or business relationship with a client until at least two years after the client's discharge; to require facilities to have written policies that comply with the commission's rules on standards of conduct; to require that initial training must be completed within seven days of hire; to specify under what circumstances video, manual or computer-based training are acceptable; to specify requirements for documentation of initial staff training; to clarify the requirements for personnel files and training records; to clarify basic staffing requirements for various duties; to add to the section on basic staffing requirements the rule that former clients shall not be hired until at least two years after discharge from active treatment; and to clarify that counselor interns may only be used in facilities registered as clinical training institutions.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better management in facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.71.Governing Body.

(a)

The facility's governing body is legally responsible for the management, services, and operations of the program. The governing body shall:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

designate a chief [ an ] executive officer [ director ];

(3)-(8)

(No change.)

(9)

ensure timely correction of identified organizational, fiscal, and program deficiencies.

(b)

(No change.)

Chief Executive Officer [ Director ].

The chief executive officer [ director ] is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility and is accountable to the facility's governing body. The chief executive officer [ director ] shall:

(1)

have documented education and/or experience [ demonstrate competence ] in financial , administrative, and personnel management, and other areas needed to manage the facility effectively;

(2)

ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules;

(3)

ensure that all staff are competent and trained; [ and ]

(4)

establish mechanisms to ensure quality of treatment services; and

(5)

[ (4) ] maintain adequate financial records according to generally accepted accounting principles. Financial records shall include:

(A)

an annual budget;

(B)

records of income and expenditures; and

(C)

a written fee policy.

§148.73.Policies, Procedures, and Licensure Rules.

(a)

The facility shall operate according to a written program description and policies and procedures that comply with all applicable licensure rules.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The governing body shall establish policies that comply with licensure rules, and the chief executive officer [ director ] shall use the policies to develop and implement all needed procedures.

(d)

The policy and procedures manual shall be current, in compliance with current licensure standards, individualized to the program, well organized, and easily accessible to all staff at all times.

(e)

Within 10 days of a policy or procedure change, the [ The ] facility shall inform staff about any changes to the policy and procedure manual that are relevant to their job duties and [ , ] document the notification[ , and provide training as needed ]. If training is needed, it shall be provided and documented within 60 days.

§148.74.Standards of Conduct.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Neither the facility nor any of its personnel shall:

(1)

commit an illegal, unprofessional or unethical act (including client abuse, neglect, or exploitation) ;

(2)-(6)

(No change.)

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Facility personnel shall not enter into a personal or business relationship with a person who receives services from the facility until at least two years after the service recipient's discharge.

(e)

[ (d) ] The facility shall have written policies on staff conduct and reporting procedures that comply with this section.

§148.113.Initial Training.

(a)

Each employee shall complete initial training during the first seven calendar days of employment [ before working without immediate supervision. ]

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Video, manual, or computer-based training is acceptable if the supervisor discusses the material with the employee in a face-to-face session to highlight key issues and answer questions.

(e)

Documentation of the initial training shall be signed by the supervisor and the employee and maintained in the employee's personnel file.

§148.116.Personnel Files and Training Records.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The facility shall maintain current personnel documentation on each employee . Training records and supervision records may be stored separately from the main personnel file, but shall be easily accessible upon request. Required documentation [ that ] includes, if [ as ] applicable:

(1)

job description;

(2)

application or resume;

(3)

documentation that the facility has direct verification from the credentialing authority (by telephone or letter) that required credentials are current at the time of employment and maintained throughout employment [ verification of current credentials ];

(4)

documentation of appropriate screening and required background checks ;

(5)

signed documentation of required training (initial and annual) ;

(6)

documentation of other training the employee has completed [ written supervisory approval to provide treatment services independently ];

(7)

records of direct supervision for all counselor [ trainees and ] interns;

(8)

annual performance evaluations; and

(9)

records of any disciplinary actions.

(c)

Documentation of training for individual staff members [ for in-service training ] shall include:

(1)

date;

(2)

number of hours;

(3)

topic [ content ];

(4)

instructor's name [ and qualifications ]; and

(5)

signature of the instructor (or equivalent verification) [ ; and ]

[(6)

signature of the person completing the training].

(d)

The facility shall maintain documentation of all in-service training.

(1)

For each topic, the file shall include an outline of the contents and the name, credentials, and relevant qualifications of the person providing the training.

(2)

For each group training session, the facility shall maintain on file a dated participant sign-in sheet.

(3)

When in-service training is delivered to only one or two individuals at a time, the individual's dated certificate of completion may substitute for the participant sign-in sheet.

(e)

[ (d) ] Personnel files shall be kept for at least two years after the individual stops working at the facility. Documentation of training required in §148.118 of this title (relating to Training Requirements Relating to Abuse, Neglect, and Unprofessional or Unethical Conduct) must be kept for at least five years.

§148.117.Basic Staffing Requirements.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Chemical dependency education shall be taught by chemical dependency counselors or people who have the specialized education , expertise, and /or experience needed to teach the material, including knowledge of chemical dependency and its relationship to the topic.

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

All chemical dependency counselor [ trainees and ] interns shall work under the direct supervision of a qualified credential counselor as required in Chapter 150 of this title (relating to Counselor Licensure) .

(1)

The QCC may not supervise more than five trainees.

(2)

The facility shall adjust the supervisor's direct treatment responsibilities to allow adequate time for supervision.

(f)

Counselors shall not provide [ providing ] group or individual counseling focused on trauma, abuse, or sexual issues unless they are licensed and [ shall ] have specialized education /training and supervised experience in the subject. Required training must be [ which is ] defined in writing by the program and documented in the individual's personnel file .

(g)

New employees who have not completed crisis intervention and/or CPR training shall not be on site alone. One or more direct care staff trained in non-violent crisis intervention shall be on duty and on site at all times that the program is in operation. In residential programs, one or more direct care staff certified in CPR must also be on duty and on site at all times that the program is in operation.

(h)

Direct care staff [ Staff ] included in staff-to-client ratios shall not have job duties that prevent ongoing and consistent [ interfere with effective ] client supervision.

(i)

The facility shall not allow its clients to serve as staff. Former clients shall not be hired until at least two years after discharge from active treatment.

(j)

The facility shall ensure that personnel do not endanger the health, safety or well-being of clients and do not use mood-altering substances which interfere with their job performance.

§148.119.Clinical Training Institutions.

A facility shall not use [ compensate ] a counselor intern for performing counseling, assessments, or treatment interventions unless the facility is registered with the commission as a clinical training institution as required in §150.72 of this title (relating to Clinical Training Institutions).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903508

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §148.112

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §148.112 concerning Facility Management. This section contains information on hiring practices.

These amendments are proposed to direct that the facility must obtain the results of a statewide criminal background check done on all staff who have access to adolescents or children.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better protection of adolescents and children who are served by chemical dependency programs. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments is $15 per staff person for those programs that serve adolescents and children.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.112.Hiring Practices.

(a)-(e)

(No change.)

(f)

The facility shall obtain the results of a statewide criminal background check from the Department of Public Safety on all staff with access to adolescents or children.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903509

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §148.114

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §148.114 concerning Facility Management. This section contains information on special training requirements.

This amendment is proposed to allow a facility to accept documented training from another organization during the year prior to employment if it meets commission requirements; to require a minimum number of hours of face-to-face training in issues related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, illegal, unprofessional and unethical conduct for all staff who have any client contact; to set standards for required, face-to-face training related to tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted diseases for all direct care staff; to require that direct care employees have their current certification in CPR within 90 days of hire and to specify that staff in programs that serve women with their dependent children must have certification in both adult and child/infant CPR; to specify the requirements for nonviolent crisis intervention training, training in special treatment procedures, training for staff who conduct intakes or assess applicants for admission, detoxification training, training of staff who supervise self-administration of medication, and staff training requirements in adolescent programs; and to state the conditions under which video, manual or computer-based training are acceptable

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better management in facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed new rules will depend upon the type of program and the current training practices. The proposed amendments could result in a slight increase or decrease in training costs.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.114.Special Training Requirements.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The facility may accept documented training from another organization completed during the year prior to employment if it meets commission requirements. [ Staff shall have all required training before performing job duties independently. Training must be completed within 90 days from the date of hire. Unless otherwise specified, training in the following topics is required only once. ]

(c)

The facility shall [ annually ] provide face-to-face [ staff who have any client contact with at least eight hours of approved ] training in issues relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, illegal, unprofessional, and unethical conduct to all staff who have any client contact .

(1)

This training shall comply with the interagency memorandum of understanding on abuse training (see §148.118 of this title (relating to Training Requirements Relating to Abuse, Neglect, and Unprofessional or Unethical Conduct)).

(2)

Crisis intervention training and other training related to improving client care may be included in the required hours.

(3)

Full time staff in residential programs must receive at least eight hours every year, and full time staff in outpatient programs must receive at least two hours every year. Hours of training for part time staff may be determined by the facility based on the number of hours worked and the amount of direct client contact.

(d)

All direct care staff shall complete two hours of face-to-face [ HIV ] training related to tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases during the first 90 days of employment [ based on the commission's AIDS/HIV Model Workplace Guidelines ].

(1)

The training must be based on the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Workplace and Education Guidelines for HIV and Other Communicable Diseases.

(2)

Staff shall receive an update with current information every two years.

[(e)

All employees shall receive information on tuberculosis and STDs that includes:]

[(1)

high-risk populations,]

[(2)

symptoms;]

[(3)

containment;]

[(4)

standard testing and treatment procedures; ]

[(5)

available resources; and]

[(6)

appropriate referral.]

(e)

[ (f) ] All direct care employees in residential programs shall have current certification in CPR within 90 days of hire .

(1)

Personnel in licensed medical facilities are exempt if emergency resuscitation equipment and trained response teams are available 24 hours a day.

(2)

Licensed medical physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses are also exempt.

(3)

Staff working in programs that serve women with their dependent children must have certification in adult and child/infant CPR.

(f)

[ (g) ] All direct care employees shall have at least four hours of face-to-face training [ and competency ] in nonviolent crisis intervention during the first 90 days of employment, with two additional hours every subsequent year.

(1)

The instructor shall have successfully completed a course for crisis intervention instructors or have equivalent training and experience.

(2)

The training shall teach employees how to use verbal and other non-physical methods for prevention, early intervention, and crisis management.

(g)

[ (h) ] All direct care employees working in programs that use special treatment procedures shall have face-to-face training and competency in the safe methods of the specific procedures used within 90 days of hire. This includes all direct care staff working in adolescent programs, detoxification programs, or programs that accept emergency detentions. The training must last approximately four hours and must include hands-on practice under the supervision of a qualified instructor. It is required one time only.

[(i)

Supervisors shall observe and document that counselors demonstrate competency in the facility's treatment modalities before working without immediate supervision.]

(h)

[ (j) ] Each employee who conducts intakes or assesses applicants for admission [ screenings ] shall complete eight hours of training in the program's intake and admission determination [ screening ] procedures annually. [ An employee shall not conduct screening or intake unless training is complete and current. ]

(1)

The first eight hours must be completed during the first 90 days of employment, and an employee shall not conduct intakes or assess applicants for admission unless training is complete and current.

(2)

The training shall cover the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders, and shall also include information to help staff recognize possible unmet mental health needs and provide appropriate referrals for further mental health assessment and follow-up.

(i)

[ (k) ] All direct care employees working in detoxification programs shall complete detoxification training during the first 90 days of employment. The training is required one time only and [ which ] shall:

(1)

be provided by a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or registered nurse with at least one year of documented experience in detoxification;

(2)

include:

(A)

signs of withdrawal;

(B)

pregnancy-related complications (if the program admits females of child-bearing age);

(C)

observation and monitoring procedures;

(D)

appropriate intervention; [ and ]

(E)

complications requiring transfer ; and

(F)

frequently-used medications, including purpose and precautions.

(j)

[ (l) ] All programs that admit females of child-bearing age shall have at least one staff person with documented knowledge of pregnant substance-abusing females and their care. When a pregnant female is admitted, all members of the treatment team shall receive information needed to provide appropriate care.

(k)

[ (m) ] All employees responsible for supervising clients in self-administration of medication who are not credentialed to administer medication shall complete at least two hours of documented training from a physician, pharmacist, physician assistant, or registered nurse before performing this task. The training is required one time and must be completed during the first 90 days of employment. It shall include:

(1)

prescription labels;

(2)

medical abbreviations;

(3)

routes of administration;

(4)

use of drug reference materials;

(5)

storage, maintenance, handling, and destruction of medication;

(6)

documentation requirements; and

(7)

procedures for medication errors, adverse reactions, and side effects.

(l)

All supervisory and direct care staff working in adolescent programs shall receive at least eight hours of specialized education or training in adolescent health and development each year. The training shall include:

(1)

psychosocial stages of adolescent development;

(2)

physical growth and development;

(3)

adolescent culture;

(4)

communicable diseases;

(5)

mental health;

(6)

substance abuse and dependency in adolescents; and

(7)

family systems.

(m)

Unless otherwise specified, video, manual, or computer-based training is acceptable if the supervisor discusses the material with the employee in a face-to-face session to highlight key issues and answer questions.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903510

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter C. Client Management

40 TAC §§148.141, 148.143, 148.161-148.164, 148.171-148.173, 148.181, 148.183, 148.185

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.141, 148.143, 148.161-148.163, 148.171-148.173, 148.181, 148.183, 148.185 and proposes new §148.164 concerning Client Management. These sections contain information on: required postings; voluntary clients--additional rights; client abuse, neglect, and exploitation; behavior management; client labor; searches; client record security; general documentation requirements; release of confidential information; significant incident reports; special treatment procedures; and adolescents absent without permission.

These amendments and new section are proposed to clarify that it is the commission's current poster on reporting complaints and violations that must be posted; to specify that required postings must be at each approved site; to clarify the process regarding requests for discharge from voluntary clients under 16 years of age; to replace the term executive director with chief executive officer; to fully describe the process for reporting allegations of client abuse, neglect or exploitation; to specify that the client government process cannot substitute for the client grievance procedure; to mandate that written information about required housekeeping activities and responsibilities be given to the client at the time of admission; to specify that two years must elapse between discharge of a former client and (1) the employment of the former client by the facility, (2) any business relationship between the former client and a facility staff member, and/or (3) the giving of personal gifts to the former client by a staff member; to require a policy on searches and to set parameters for the search process in facilities that choose to allow searches; to add requirements regarding client and applicant record security including location of records, protection of applicant information, and a record of destroyed client records; to clarify the requirement for signatures on documentation; to include applicant information and specific legal citations in the section on release of confidential information; to clarify the requirements regarding significant incident reports; to require all adolescent programs, detoxification programs and programs that accept emergency detentions to authorize the use of personal restraint; to reduce the maximum amount of time personal restraint may be used on a client; and to clarify what programs must have written procedures used when an adolescent leaves the program without permission.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be better protection of clients in facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new section are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments and new section is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.141.Required Postings.

(a)

The facility shall post a legible copy of the following documents in a prominent public location that is readily available to clients, visitors, and employees:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

the commission's current poster on reporting complaints and violations; and

(3)

(No change.)

(b)

The Bill of Rights and the commission's poster shall be displayed in English and in a second language at each approved [ licensed ] site.

§148.143.Voluntary Clients-Additional Rights.

In addition to the rights described in §148.142 of this title (relating to Client Bill of Rights), voluntary clients in residential programs shall be advised as to the following rights with regard to requests for discharge:

(1)

You have the right to leave the treatment facility within four hours after you tell a staff person you want to leave. If you want to leave, you need to say so in writing or tell a staff person. If you tell a staff person you want to leave, the staff person must write it down for you to ensure that it is documented. There are only three reasons why you would not be allowed to leave:

(A)-(B)

(No change.)

(C)

Third, if you are under 16 years old, and the person who admitted you (your parents, guardian, or conservator) doesn't want you to leave, you may not be able to leave. If you request release, staff must explain to you whether or not you can sign yourself out and why. The facility must notify the person who does have the authority to sign you out and tell that person that you want to leave. That person must talk with the program director [ to your doctor ], and the program director [ your doctor ] must document the date, time and outcome of the conversation in your client [ medical ] record. If the person who admitted you to the facility does not want you to leave the facility and says so in writing, you must remain in treatment.

(2)-(3)

(No change.)

§148.161.Client Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Any person who receives an allegation or has reason to suspect that a client has been, is, or will be abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately inform the chief executive officer [ director ] or designee. If the allegation involves the chief executive officer, it shall be reported directly to the facility's governing body or the commission's investigations department.

(c)

If the allegation involves sexual exploitation, the chief executive officer [ director ] shall also comply with reporting requirements listed in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, §81.006.

(d)

The chief executive officer [ director ] shall take immediate action to prevent or stop the abuse, neglect, or exploitation and provide appropriate care and treatment.

(e)

The chief executive officer [ director ] or designee shall make a verbal report to the commission's investigations department [ commission ] immediately but no later than [ within ] 24 hours. This is in addition to the reports specified in the Texas Human Resources Code, §48.082 and the Texas Family Code, §261.001.

(f)

The person who reported the incident shall submit a written incident report to the chief executive officer [ director ] within 24 hours.

(g)

The chief executive officer [ director ] shall send a written report to the commission's investigations department [ commission ] within two working days after receiving notification of the incident. This report shall include:

(1)

the name of the client and the person the allegations are against;

(2)

the information required in the incident report or a copy of the incident report;

(3)

other individuals, organizations, and law enforcement notified.

(h)

The chief executive officer [ director ] or designee shall also notify the legal consenter. If the client is the legal consenter, family members and significant others may be notified only if the client gives written consent.

(i)

The facility shall investigate the complaint and take appropriate action unless otherwise directed by the commission's investigations department [ commission ].

(j)

The governing body [ authority ] or its designee shall take action needed to prevent any confirmed incident from recurring.

(k)

(No change.)

§148.162.Behavior Management.

Facility staff shall use appropriate behavior management to enforce program rules and protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of all clients.

(1)-(7)

(No change.)

(8)

The program may have a system of client government if staff monitor the clients' governing group and approve its decisions. The client government process cannot be used in place of the client grievance procedure.

§148.163.Client Labor.

(a)

Clients can be required to maintain their own living quarters and client activity areas if they are physically able to do so. These housekeeping activities and individual/group responsibilities shall be clearly defined in writing and presented to the client at the time of admission .

(b)

The facility shall not hire clients to fill staff positions. Former clients are not eligible for employment at the facility until at least two years after documented discharge from active treatment.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Staff members shall not enter into a business relationship with any client or give personal gifts to clients until at least two years after documented discharge.

§148.164.Searches.

(a)

The facility shall adopt a policy on searches. If searches are allowed, the facility shall adopt a search procedure that ensures the protection of client rights.

(b)

Searches may only be conducted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of clients, including detection of drugs and weapons.

(c)

Searches must be conducted in a professional manner that maintains respect and dignity for the client. All searches must comply with the following standards.

(1)

Staff members performing a body search must be the same gender as the client.

(2)

The client must be allowed to remain fully clothed during a body search. The client may be required to remove jackets, coats, and extra garments. Staff may use their hands to pat down the client's body to feel for illicit items.

(3)

The client must be present when a search is conducted of belongings such as back packs, purses, and luggage.

(4)

When searching bedrooms, all clothes, furniture, and personal items must be returned to their original state.

(5)

All searches must be witnessed by a second staff person or another individual who is not directly involved in the search.

(6)

All searches must be documented in the client record, including the circumstances prompting the search, the result of the search, and the signature of the individuals conducting and witnessing the search.

(d)

Strip searches are not allowed. If the provider believes a strip search is necessary, the provider must contact local law enforcement and request that the client be transferred to the criminal justice system. The circumstances and justification for the request and transfer must be documented in the client record.

§148.171.Client Record Security.

(a)

The facility shall implement a written policy and procedures to protect all client records and other client-identifying information from loss, tampering, and unauthorized access or disclosure.

(1)

All active client records must be stored at the facility, and inactive records in off-site storage must be fully protected.

(2)

Information that identifies applicants must be protected to the same degree as information that identifies clients.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The program shall have an effective tracking system, and an assigned staff person shall ensure that each record is returned to the locked file at the end of each day or shift.

(f)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

If client records are microfilmed, scanned, or destroyed, the facility shall take steps to protect confidentiality. The facility shall maintain a record of all client records destroyed on or after September 1, 1999, including the client's name, record number, birthdate, and dates of admission and discharge.

§148.172.General Documentation Requirements.

The facility shall keep complete, current documentation.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

All documents and entries shall have full original signature, credentials, and date [ be signed and dated ]. If the document relates to past activity, the date of the activity shall also be recorded. Signature stamps are not acceptable.

(3)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

The facility shall create a record for each client at the time of admission. All documents related to active clients shall be filed and readily available on site .

(6)-(7)

(No change.)

§148.173.Release of Confidential Information.

(a)

The facility shall implement written procedures for protecting and releasing client and applicant information that conform to federal and state confidentiality laws and regulations, including 42 CFR Part 2 (the federal regulations on the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records).

(b)-(e)

(No change.)

§148.181.Significant Incident Reports.

(a)

Staff shall complete an incident report for all significant client incidents, including:

(1)-(9)

(No change.)

(10)

fire or significant disruption of program operation (including disruption due to insufficient staffing) ;

(11)

death of an active outpatient or residential client (on or off the program site); and

(12)

clients absent without permission from a residential [ or day treatment ] program.

(b)-(e)

(No change.)

(f)

The chief executive officer [ director ] shall report these incidents to the commission's investigations department [ commission in writing ] within 72 hours of discovery:

(1)

fires and natural disasters;

(2)

substantial disruption of program operation;

(3)

death of an active client (on or off the program site); and

(4)

violations of laws, rules, and professional and ethical codes of conduct.

(g)

The chief executive officer [ director ] shall report all incidents of alleged client abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the commission's investigations department [ commission ] as described in §148.161 of this title (relating to Client Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation).

(h)

(No change.)

(i)

Once a year, the chief executive officer [ director ] or designee shall review all incident reports to:

(1)

identify patterns;

(2)

evaluate the effectiveness of staff response; and

(3)

take any corrective or preventive action needed.

(j)

(No change.)

§148.183.Special Treatment Procedures.

Staff shall use special treatment procedures appropriately to protect the health, safety, and rights of clients and other individuals.

(1)

The governing body shall adopt a policy to either authorize or prohibit the use of personal restraint, mechanical restraint, and seclusion. All adolescent programs, detoxification programs, and programs accepting emergency detentions shall authorize use of personal restraint.

(2)-(11)

(No change.)

(12)

The chief executive officer [ director ] or designee shall:

(A)

review all incident reports involving special treatment procedures;

(B)

investigate unusual or possibly unjustified use of the procedures; and

(C)

take appropriate action to address any identified problems.

(13)

Facilities using personal restraint shall comply with the following.

(A)

Staff shall not personally restrain a client for longer than twenty minutes [ one hour ]. At the end of twenty minutes [ one hour ], staff shall implement the facility's psychiatric emergency procedures.

(B)

(No change.)

(14)-(16)

(No change.)

§148.185.Adolescents Absent Without Permission.

The facility shall have written procedures that staff use when an adolescent leaves a [ residential or day treatment ] program without permission. The procedure shall include:

(1)

time frames that determine when a client is absent without permission;

(2)

time frames and persons responsible for notifying the legal consenter(s);

(3)

actions to be taken by staff; and

(4)

incident report documentation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903511

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter D. Program Services

40 TAC §§148.201-148.203, 148.211, 148.231-148.233, 148.236-148.238, 148.252, 148.261-148.268

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.201, 148.202, 148.211, 148.231-148.233, 148.236, 148.252, 148.261-148.268 and proposes new §§148.203, 148.237, and 148.238 concerning Program Services. These sections contain information on: general information; services required in all programs; client transportation; Level I treatment (outpatient or residential detoxification); adolescents; parents and their dependent children; structured therapeutic children's services; extension services; small family living environments; court commitment services; meals in residential programs; general provisions for medication; medication storage; medication inventory; disposing of medication; staff qualifications and training; authorizations for medication; administration of medication; and self-administration of medication.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to add and/or update appropriate references; to ensure that residential programs have procedures that provide for clients to continue prescribed medication after admission; to require that chemical dependency education is based on a course curriculum and that all sessions include opportunities for client participation and discussion; to require programs to provide education about specific communicable diseases; to require case management for other services needed by clients; to mandate that facilities have a written policy regarding the use of facility vehicles and/or staff to transport clients and to set parameters for facilities that choose to use their resources to provide transportation for clients; to clarify and/or add requirements for Level I treatment programs including hourly checks while clients are sleeping, some additional experience and/or training requirements for certain staff, and at least one counseling session to encourage clients to seek appropriate treatment after detoxification; to strengthen the requirements for adolescent treatment programs including family involvement and prohibition of tobacco use by adolescents, staff and other adults; to clarify the requirements for programs for parents and their dependent children and for structured therapeutic children's services provided in connection with their parents' treatment; to specify that extension sites must be registered and approved prior to service provision at the site; to add requirements for small family living environments to this subchapter and to clarify that small family living environments are only for outpatient clients who need temporary living arrangements in order to access services; to consolidate the rules on court commitment services in one place; to specify that residential programs are responsible for the meals of clients who are scheduled to be away from the facility at meal time; and to clarify the requirements regarding medication policies and procedures including inventory, disposal, storage, administration and self-administration as well as training for staff who administer medication.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be improved programs and services for all clients from facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.201.General Information.

(a)

Every program shall comply with the rules in §148.202 of this title (relating to Services Required in All Programs) and §148.203 of this title (relating to Client Transportation) .

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

§148.202.Services Required In All Programs.

(a)

All services shall be delivered according to the [ a ] written program description referenced in §148.73 of this title (relating to Policies, Procedures, and Licensure Rules). The program shall maintain plan [ which includes ] a service schedule listing services provided and timeframes in which they are provided.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Every residential program shall adopt medication procedures so that clients can continue taking prescribed medication after admission. [ Every residential client shall have a medical history and physical examination that is signed by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner. ]

(e)

Chemical dependency education shall follow a course curriculum [ outline ] that identifies lecture topics and major points to be discussed. All educational sessions shall include opportunities for client participation and discussion.

(f)

(No change.)

(g)

The program shall provide [ HIV ] education about tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases based on the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Workplace and Education Guidelines for HIV and Other Communicable Diseases [ Model Workplace Guidelines developed by the Texas Department of Health ].

(h)-(i)

(No change.)

(j)

The program shall provide case management for clients with regard [ refer clients ] to physical health, mental health, and ancillary services necessary to meet treatment goals and conduct follow-up. Residential programs shall ensure clients have access to appropriate physical [ health care ] and mental health services.

(k)

Programs that admit females of child-bearing age shall ensure that at least one staff person has training and/or experience in providing specialized care for substance-abusing pregnant females. In addition, the program shall:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

implement the procedures whenever a pregnant female is admitted; [ and ]

(3)

refer pregnant clients who are not receiving prenatal care to an appropriate health care provider and monitor follow-through ; and

(4)

provide gender specific services.

(l)

(No change.)

§148.203.Client Transportation.

(a)

The facility shall have a written policy on the use of facility vehicles and/or staff to transport clients.

(b)

If the facility allows the use of facility vehicles and/or staff to transport clients, it must adopt transportation procedures which include the following elements:

(1)

Any vehicle used to transport a client must have appropriate insurance coverage for business use with a current safety inspection sticker and license.

(2)

All vehicles used to transport clients must be maintained in safe driving condition.

(3)

Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license.

(4)

An individual with more than two moving violations during the previous five years shall not be allowed to transport clients.

(5)

Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times the vehicle is in operation.

(6)

A vehicle shall not be used to transport more passengers than designated by the manufacturer.

(7)

Drivers shall not use cellular phones while driving.

(8)

Use of tobacco products shall not be allowed in the vehicle.

(9)

Every vehicle used for client transportation shall have a fully stocked first aid kit and A:B:C fire extinguisher that are easily accessible.

§148.211.Level I Treatment (Outpatient or Residential Detoxification) .

(a)

Every client shall have a medical history and physical as required in §148.291 of this title (relating to Detoxification History and Assessment) .

[ (1)

Residential clients shall have the medical history and physical completed and filed within 24 hours of admission. If the facility cannot meet this deadline because of exceptional circumstances, the circumstances shall be documented in the client record. Until a client's medical history and physical is complete, staff shall observe the client closely and monitor vital signs.]

[ (2)

Outpatient clients shall have the medical history and physical completed and available for review by program staff before admission.]

(b)

The program shall provide continuous supervision for clients.

(1)

In residential programs, direct care staff shall be awake and on duty where the clients are located [ on site ] 24 hours a day.

(A)

During day and evening hours, at least two awake staff shall be on duty for the first 12 clients, with one more person on duty for each additional one to 16 clients.

(B)

At night, at least one awake staff member shall be on duty for the first 12 clients, with one more person on duty for each additional one to 16 clients. Night staff shall conduct and document hourly checks while clients are sleeping.

(2)

In outpatient programs, direct care staff shall be awake and on site whenever a client is on site. Clients shall have access to an on-call health care professional with detoxification experience [ staff ] 24 hours a day.

(c)

If the program accepts clients with acute withdrawal symptoms or a history of acute withdrawal symptoms, the program shall have:

(1)

a licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse with detoxification experience on duty during all hours of operation; and

(2)

a physician on call 24 hours a day.

(d)

Level of observation shall be based on medical recommendations and program design.

(e)

A physician shall approve all medical policies, procedures, guidelines, tools, and forms, which shall include:

(1)

screening instruments (including a medical risk assessment) and procedures;

(2)

the form used for the admission and medical history and physical;

(3)

[ (2) ] treatment protocol or standing orders for each major drug category [ chemical the program is prepared to detoxify ]; and

(4)

[ (3) ] emergency procedures.

(f)

The clinical supervisor shall be a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or registered nurse.

(g)

The program shall:

(1)

ensure continuous access to emergency medical care;

(2)

provide clients access to mental health evaluation and linkage with mental health services when indicated; and

(3)

conduct at least one counseling session [ use written procedures ] to encourage clients to seek appropriate treatment after detoxification.

(h)

Direct care staff shall complete training in detoxification and special treatment procedures as described in §148.114 of this title (relating to Special Training Requirements).

(i)

Staff shall help each client develop an individualized post-detoxification plan that includes appropriate referrals.

§148.231.Adolescents.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Residential facilities shall have separate sleeping areas, bedrooms, [ bedroom areas ] and bathrooms for adults and adolescents and for males and females. The facility shall have adequate barriers to divide the populations.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The program shall involve the adolescent's family or an alternate support system in the treatment process or document why this is not happening. [ Providers shall observe legal or other statutory laws which define the adult population to be served when it is different from the commission's definition. ]

(f)-(h)

(No change.)

(i)

The facility shall ensure that staff who plan, supervise, or provide chemical dependency education or counseling to adolescents have specialized education or training as required in §148.114 of this title (relating to Special Training Requirements) [ in the emotional, mental health, and chemical dependency problems of adolescents and appropriate treatment for them ].

[(1)

Individuals who plan or supervise such services shall be qualified credentialed counselors.]

[(2)

Direct care employees shall have training in human adolescent development, family systems, adolescent psycho-pathology and mental health, chemical dependency and addiction in adolescents, and adolescent socialization issues.]

(j)-(m)

(No change.)

(n)

The treatment plan shall address adolescent needs and issues and family relationships .

(o)

The program shall prohibit adolescent clients from using tobacco products on the program site or during structured program activities. [ The program shall involve the adolescent's family or an alternate support system in the treatment process or document why this is not happening. ]

(p)

(No change.)

(q)

Staff and other adults shall not use tobacco products in the presence of adolescent clients.

[(r)

The program shall prohibit adolescent clients from using tobacco products on the program site or during structured program activities.]

§148.232.Parents and Their Dependent Children.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Education, counseling, and rehabilitation services shall address:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

parenting education, skills development and support ; [ and ]

(3)

health and nutrition , including health care of children; and

(4)

child development.

(c)

The program shall have a procedure to regularly assess parent-child interactions. Any identified needs shall be documented and addressed in treatment.

(1)

The assessment shall include documented examples of incidents and behaviors.

(2)

Identified issues and problems will be addressed in individual counseling or parenting sessions.

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The program shall provide or arrange for childcare with a qualified provider while the parent participates in treatment activities. Before supervising children independently, the provider shall have infant /child CPR certification and at least eight hours of training in the following areas:

(1)

chemical dependency and its impact on the family;

(2)

child development and age-appropriate activities;

(3)

child health and safety;

(4)

standard [ universal ] precautions;

(5)

appropriate child supervision techniques; and

(6)

signs of child abuse.

(f)-(h)

(No change.)

(i)

If the program provides childcare on site, it must provide a safe and sanitary environment appropriate for children. The physical plant shall meet the requirements listed in §148.372 of this title (relating to Physical Plant Requirements for Children).

[(1)

Heating equipment shall be cool enough to touch safely.]

[(2)

Heavy furniture and equipment shall be securely installed to prevent tipping or collapsing.]

[(3)

Electrical outlets accessible to children shall have child-proof covers or safety devices.]

[(4)

Air conditioners, fans, and heating units shall be mounted out of children's reach or have safety guards.]

[(5)

Grounds shall be kept free of standing water and sharp objects.]

[(6)

Tap water shall be no hotter than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.]

[(7)

Items potentially dangerous for children shall be stored safely.]

[(8)

Areas that are more than two feet above ground level (such as stairs, porches, and platforms) shall have railings low enough for children to reach.]

[(9)

Tanks, ditches, sewer pipes, dangerous machinery, and other hazards shall be fenced.]

[(10)

Outdoor play areas shall be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high if:]

[(A)

the play area is located close to a road, pool, deep ditch, or other hazard; or]

[(B)

there are more than six children in the group.]

[(11)

Outdoor play equipment shall be in a safe location and securely anchored (unless portable by design).]

[(12)

Buildings, furniture, and equipment shall not have openings or angles that could trap or injure a child's head.]

[(13)

Swing seats shall be durable, lightweight, and relatively pliable.]

§148.233.Structured Therapeutic Children's Services.

(a)

General requirements for programs that provide structured services for dependent children as part of the parent's treatment .

(1)

The program shall ensure that children are directly supervised by parents or qualified childcare providers at all times. The program is always responsible for providing oversight and guidance to ensure children receive appropriate care when they are supervised by clients.

(2)

The program shall have a written policy and a current schedule showing who is responsible for the children at all times.

(3)

The program shall provide a variety of age-appropriate equipment, toys, and learning materials.

(4)

Standards protecting the health, safety, and welfare of clients apply to their children.

(5)

Behavior management shall be fair, reasonable, consistent, and related to the child's behavior. Physical discipline is prohibited.

(b)

Staffing.

(1)

Every program that provides structured therapeutic children's services shall have a supervisor or consultant with at least:

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

one year of documented , supervised experience providing services to children.

(2)

Before supervising children independently, direct care employees shall have infant/child [ infant ] CPR certification and at least eight hours of training in:

(A)

chemical dependency and its impact on the family;

(B)

child development and age-appropriate activities;

(C)

child health and safety;

(D)

standard [ universal ] precautions;

(E)

appropriate child supervision techniques; and

(F)

signs of child abuse.

(3)-(5)

(No change.)

(c)

Safety practices.

(1)

The emergency evacuation procedures shall include provisions for children [ approved by the fire marshal ].

(2)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

The program site shall meet the additional physical plant requirements listed in §148.272 of this title (Relating to Physical Plant Requirements for Children) [ §148.232 of this title (relating to Parents and Their Dependent Children). ]

(d)

Health practices.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Staff, volunteers, and parents shall use standard [ universal ] precautions when caring for children other than their own.

(3)-(4)

(No change.)

(e)

Residential Programs shall also comply with the following requirements.

(1)

Childcare programs shall include pre-school, after school, and homework support. The daily activity schedule shall include a variety of structured and unstructured age-appropriate activities.

(2)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

Each child shall have a medical assessment from a medical doctor, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or registered nurse within 96 hours of admission. Copies of an assessment performed up to seven days before admission may be used. Children shall also have access to primary pediatric care, including immunizations.

(6)-(8)

(No change.)

(9)

The program shall provide an adequate diet for childhood growth and development, including two snacks per day. Menus for children shall be approved as described in §148.252 of this title (relating to Meals in Residential Programs).

[(10)

Rooms and buildings shall have at least 30 usable square feet of indoor activity space per child when occupied by children.]

[(11)

Where children share sleeping space with parents, bedrooms shall have at least 30 usable square feet per infant (in cribs) and 40 usable square feet per child.]

[(12)

Nurseries shall have 35 usable square feet per crib.]

[(13)

The program site shall have adequate outdoor play space with a safe route of access.]

§148.236.Extension Services.

(a)

Programs that provide services at a site that is not owned, leased, operated, or controlled by the facility shall develop procedures to protect the confidentiality of client-identifying information.

(1)

Client records shall be accounted for and secured in permanent storage at an approved site at the end of each work day.

(2)

(No change.)

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The facility shall not provide services at an extension site until the site has been registered and approved by the commission's licensure department. [ The provider shall not provide treatment at a school or other site which is prohibited by law. ]

§148.237.Small Family Living Environments.

(a)

A small family living environment is a single apartment unit, house, or similar residence (housing no more than six people) which is available to adult clients participating in an outpatient program.

(b)

Small family living environments shall be permitted only under these circumstances:

(1)

housing arrangements are offered as an option to outpatient clients needing temporary living arrangements in order to access services;

(2)

clients using the housing are adults;

(3)

use of the housing is completely voluntary; it is neither required nor implied as a condition of participation;

(4)

clients using the housing are not discriminated against or given preference over other clients, either in admissions or services; and

(5)

housing is used by no more than 25% of the clients in a program.

(c)

A small family living environment is not an acceptable option for clients who need residential treatment. A client may be admitted to a small family living environment only when all of the following conditions are met.

(1)

The client is participating in a Level III or Level IV outpatient treatment program.

(2)

A QCC determines that the client can reasonably be expected to remain abstinent without 24-hour supervision.

(3)

The client demonstrates sufficient stability and life skills to function adequately without staff supervision.

(d)

Each client who lives in a small family living environment shall sign a consent before admission that includes the following provisions:

(1)

housing is offered as an option and is not required as a condition for participation in the program;

(2)

use of the housing is completely voluntary;

(3)

clients using the housing are not discriminated against or given preference over other program participants, either in admissions or services;

(4)

the housing units are not licensed facilities and do not meet the health and safety standards required in residential facilities;

(5)

the facility is responsible for the selection, inspection, approval, and monitoring of these units regarding building safety, maintenance, repair, fire safety, and sanitation, including all required inspections and approvals; and

(6)

clients may leave the housing at any time without affecting their treatment services.

(e)

If the unit is owned or operated by another entity, the facility shall have a written agreement that defines responsibilities and addresses:

(1)

finances;

(2)

maintenance; and

(3)

client confidentiality.

§148.238.Court Commitment Services.

(a)

Facilities accepting court commitments shall be licensed to provide the appropriate level of service:

(1)

emergency detention: Level I or Level II residential services;

(2)

adult inpatient involuntary civil or criminal commitments: Level II or Level III residential services for adults;

(3)

adult outpatient involuntary civil or criminal commitments: Level II or Level III outpatient services;

(4)

juvenile inpatient commitments: Level II residential services for adolescents;

(5)

juvenile outpatient commitments: Level II or Level III outpatient services for adolescents.

(b)

The facility's court commitment program shall implement procedures for compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 462.

(c)

The facility shall have a procedure for reporting unauthorized departures to the referring courts. Verbal report shall be made immediately, with written confirmation within 24 hours.

(d)

The facility shall ensure that the designated staff members working with the court commitment program develop a working relationship with the judiciary. Staff members shall provide the judiciary with sufficient information in writing on the program design, treatment methods, and admission processes to assist the judiciary in committing appropriate clients to the facility.

(e)

The facility shall also develop and implement written referral procedures that incorporate other available resources to assist in the referral and placement of clients that are inappropriate for admission.

(f)

The program shall provide the judiciary with sufficient written information about its program design, treatment methods, admission processes, lengths of stay and continuum of care to assist the judiciary in committing appropriate clients to the facility.

(g)

The program shall accept all chemical dependency clients brought to the facility under an emergency detention warrant, order of protective custody, or civil court order for treatment. A general pre-screening and assessment of the individual seeking a civil court commitment for chemical dependency may be used to determine whether the client may be appropriate for chemical dependency treatment. A formal screening and assessment is not required before admission. For reporting purposes, only clients brought to the facility pursuant to an emergency detention or civil court order or originally referred from such an order, will be counted as court commitment clients.

(h)

The program's admission criteria shall not exclude individuals who meet the criteria for emergency detention or civil court ordered chemical dependency treatment, including individuals who are likely to cause serious harm to themselves or others.

(i)

The program shall have policies and procedures for crisis stabilization and medically-supervised detoxification. A Level I program shall provide these services directly. All programs providing other levels of service shall either provide these services directly or have access to them as documented in written agreements.

(j)

The program shall adopt protocols for the stabilization and management of clients who are a danger to themselves or others as required by §462.062 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

(k)

A program that accepts emergency detentions shall adopt a policy authorizing use of special treatment procedures and implement procedures that conform with §148.183 of this title (relating to Special Treatment Procedures) and §148.184 of this title (relating to Documenting Special Treatment Procedures).

(l)

The client record shall contain documentation of the conditions and/or behaviors that caused the client's entry into the civil court commitment process.

(m)

The client record shall also contain copies of the following documents:

(1)

order for emergency detention (if applicable);

(2)

application for court-ordered treatment services;

(3)

two physician's certificates of medical examination for chemical dependency;

(4)

order of protective custody for chemical dependency;

(5)

notice of hearing of application for court-ordered chemical dependency treatment;

(6)

waiver of attendance at hearing (if applicable);

(7)

finding of probable cause hearing;

(8)

order of commitment or writ of commitment;

(9)

transfer order (if applicable) and

(10)

modification order of the initial petition for court ordered treatment (if applicable).

(n)

The facility's court commitment program shall provide training for at least two designated staff to ensure they understand and comply with court commitment statutes, regulations, and procedures.

§148.252.Meals in Residential Programs.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The program shall provide at least three meals daily, with no more than 14 hours between any two meals. The program shall provide package meals or make other arrangements for clients who are scheduled to be away from the facility during meal time.

(e)

(No change.)

§148.261.General Provisions for Medication.

(a)

The facility shall implement [ adopt ] written procedures describing the handling, administration, documentation, disposal, inventory, and use of medication. This includes procedures for handling medication errors and adverse reactions.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Prescription medication [ Medication ] shall be used only for therapeutic and medical purposes and shall [ not ] be administered [ except ] as prescribed by the appropriately licensed professional [ or directed ].

§148.262.Medication Storage.

(a)

Prescription and over-the-counter medications [ Medications ], syringes, and needles shall be accessible only to staff who are authorized to provide medication. This does not include vitamins and mineral supplements.

(b)

The program shall keep all prescription and over-the-counter [ non-prescription ] medications, syringes, and needles in locked storage unless a client is authorized to keep the medication in his or her possession. Used needles and syringes shall be placed in rigid, puncture-proof containers.

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The program shall store all medication under appropriate conditions.

(1)

Drugs requiring refrigeration shall be stored in a locked compartment separate from food items.

(2)

Topical medications shall be separated from oral and injectable medications in a labeled box, drawer, compartment, or shelf.

(e)

Clients may not keep prescription [ or non-prescription ] medication in their personal possession on site without specific written authorization filed in the client record from a physician or from a licensed dentist, podiatrist, [ or a properly authorized ] physician assistant or advanced practice nurse practicing within licensure requirements. Clients may not keep over-the-counter medication in their personal possession on site without specific written authorization filed in the client record from the supervising health care professional or program director. Staff shall ensure that authorized clients keep medication on their persons or safely stored and inaccessible to other clients.

(f)

(No change.)

(g)

The facility must ensure that prescription medication is in a [ properly labeled ] container labeled by the pharmacy . [ If clients are required to take medication with them off site, the medication must be in an appropriate container with an appropriate label. ]

(1)

If the medication is a sample, the medication must have an attached, signed label from the prescribing professional that includes the name of the client, name of medication, dosage, route and frequency of the prescribed medication, prescribed date, medication expiration date, and initial dosage amount in the container. A copy of this information must be filed in the client record.

(2)

If clients are required to take medication with them off site, the medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacy or prescribing professional.

§148.263.Medication Inventory.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Staff shall inventory and inspect all stored prescription medication at least daily [ monthly ].

(c)

The inventory system shall include a centralized medication inventory form with [ documentation of ] the following information about each container of prescription medication:

(1)

date the medication entered the facility;

(2)

initial amount of medication;

(3)

amount administered to the client as recorded on the client administration record;

(4)

amount present at each inventory;

(5)

amount present at disposition; and

(6)

daily [ monthly ] reconciliation between the administration record and the inventory.

(d)

The staff member conducting the inventory shall sign and date the inventory sheet. When a discrepancy exists between the administration record and the inventory count form, a note explaining the reason for the discrepancy or action taken to reconcile/correct the discrepancy shall be signed by the staff member conducting the inventory and kept with the medication inventory forms.

§148.264.Disposing of Medication.

(a)

Staff shall separate the following medication immediately and dispose of it within 30 days:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

prescription medication remaining after the prescribed length of therapy; [ and ]

(3)

medication prescribed for clients who have left the program ; and

(4)

medication that has spoiled or been refused by the client.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Two staff members shall witness and document disposal , including amount of medication disposed and method used .

§148.265.Staff Qualifications and Training.

The facility shall ensure that staff who handle or administer medication are properly credentialed and trained.

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

Staff who supervise self-administration of prescription or over-the-counter medications shall be trained as described in §148.114 of this title (relating to Special Training Requirements).

§148.266.Authorization for Medication.

(a)

Staff shall not give prescription medication to a client without a prescription or order from a physician or from a licensed dentist, podiatrist, [ or an authorized ] physician assistant or advanced practice nurse (prescribing within licensure limitations) .

(b)

Each written order for medication shall include:

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

the signature of the prescribing professional [ physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse ].

§148.267.Administration of [ Prescription ] Medication.

(a)

Staff shall provide [ Licensed health professionals shall administer ] and discontinue medication exactly as ordered.

(b)

Each dose of prescription and over-the-counter medication taken by the client shall be documented [ Licensed health professionals shall document each dose administered ] in the client's medication record.

(c)

The medication [ administration ] record shall include:

(1)

the client's name;

(2)

drug allergies (or the absence of known allergies);

(3)

the name and dose of each medication;

(4)

the frequency and route of each medication;

(5)

the date and time of each dose [ administered ]; and

(6)

the signature of the staff person who administered or supervised each dose.

(d)

When a client is absent for scheduled doses of prescription medication , staff shall take action to ensure that the client receives the medication as prescribed.

(e)

When [ a medication error is identified or ] a client appears to have an adverse reaction to medication, a licensed health professional or other staff member shall:

(1)

notify the prescribing professional or another [ a ] physician , dentist, podiatrist, [ or an authorized ] physician assistant or advanced practice nurse (preferably the prescribing professional) within a reasonable amount of time based on the medication and client status ;

(2)

complete an incident report; and

(3)

document the facts[ and the physician (or physician assistant or advanced practice nurse) contact ] in the client record , including the date and time of notification and any other related action taken .

(f)

When a medication error is identified, a staff member shall:

(1)

contact a licensed health professional or a pharmacist to clarify what action should or should not be taken;

(2)

complete an incident report; and

(3)

document the facts in the client record, including the date, time, name and telephone number of the person contacted, the recommendation, and any other related action taken.

§148.268.Self-Administration of Medication.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Staff shall document each dose supervised in the client's record as required in §148.267 of this title (relating to Administration of Medication) .

[(d)

The medication record shall include:]

[(1)

the client's name;]

[(2)

drug allergies (or the absence of known allergies);]

[(3)

the name and dose of each medication;]

[(4)

the frequency and route of each medication;]

[(5)

the date and time of each dose supervised; and]

[(6)

the signature of the staff person who supervised each dose.]

[(e)

When a client is absent for scheduled doses, staff shall take action to ensure that the client receives the medication as prescribed.]

[(f)

When a medication error is identified or a client appears to have an adverse reaction to medication, staff shall:]

[(1)

notify a physician or an authorized physician assistant or advanced practice nurse;]

[(2)

complete an incident report; and]

[(3)

document the facts and the physician (or physician assistant or advanced practice nurse) contact in the client record.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903512

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §§148.212-148.214

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.212-148.214 concerning Program Services. These sections contain information on Level II treatment (day treatment or intensive residential); Level III treatment (residential or intensive out patient); and Level IV treatment (transitional outpatient or transitional residential).

These amendments are proposed to clarify and/or add requirements for Level II, III and IV treatment programs including setting minimum requirements for those admitted to each program, implementing new staff to client ratios during sleeping hours, ensuring that every residential client has a medical history and physical examination, conducting hourly checks while clients are sleeping in Level II and III treatment programs, and requiring individual counseling at least once a month in Level IV treatment programs.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be improved services for clients from facilities providing Level II, Level III and/or Level IV chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. The anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments varies. The cost is related to implementing the 1:32 staff-to-client ratio during sleeping hours. There will be no additional cost for programs with less than 33 beds. The additional cost for larger programs will depend on current staffing patterns. It is estimated that it could cost as much as $30,000 per year for every additional 32 beds.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.212.Level II Treatment (Day Treatment or Intensive Residential) .

(a)

All clients admitted to Level II shall not have [ be ]:

(1)

a documented, reported, or observed medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment or continuous medical supervision (as determined by a prudent lay person); or [ medically stable; and ]

(2)

an observable physical or mental impairment that prevents the client from participating [ able to participate ] in treatment.

(b)

The program shall have enough staff to provide close supervision and individualized treatment , even if this requires more staff than indicated by the minimum staff-to-client ratios listed in this section .

(c)

Counselor caseloads shall not exceed ten clients for each counselor.

(d)

Direct care staff shall be awake and on site during all hours of program operation. [ The direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during: ]

(1)

In outpatient programs, the direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during all hours of operation. [ the hours clients are awake in residential programs; and ]

(2)

In residential programs, the direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during the hours clients are awake and 1:32 when clients are asleep. [ all hours of operation in outpatient programs. ]

(3)

Night staff shall conduct and document hourly checks while clients are sleeping.

(e)

Counselors shall complete a comprehensive client assessment and initial treatment recommendations within three individual service days of admission for all clients transferred from Level I or admitted directly to a Level II program.

(f)

An individualized treatment plan shall be completed for all clients within five individual service days of admission.

(g)

The facility shall deliver an average of 20 hours of structured activities per week for each client, including:

(1)

three hours of chemical dependency counseling (including at least one hour of individual counseling);

(2)

14 hours of additional counseling, chemical dependency education, or life skills training; and

(3)

three hours of structured social and/or recreational activities.

(h)

Every residential client shall have a medical history and physical examination as required by §148.301 of this title (relating to Client History and Assessment). [ Each residential client shall have an opportunity to participate in physical recreation at least weekly. ]

(i)

Program staff shall offer related services to identified significant others.

§148.213.Level III Treatment (Residential or Intensive Outpatient) .

(a)

All clients admitted to Level III shall be able to function with limited supervision and support and shall not have :

(1)

a documented, reported, or observed medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment or continuous medical supervision (as determined by a prudent lay person); or [ medically stable; and ]

(2)

an observable physical or mental impairment that prevents the client from participating in treatment [ able to function with limited supervision and support ].

(b)

The program shall have enough staff to meet treatment needs within the context of the program description , even if this requires more staff than indicated by the minimum staff-to-client ratios listed in this section .

(c)

Counselor caseloads shall not exceed 16 clients per counselor.

(d)

Direct care staff shall be awake and on site during all hours of program operation. [ The direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during: ]

(1)

In outpatient programs, the direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during all hours of operation. [ the hours clients are awake in residential programs; and ]

(2)

In residential programs, the direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:16 during the hours clients are awake and 1:32 when clients are asleep [ all hours of operation in outpatient programs ].

(3)

Night staff shall conduct and document hourly checks while clients are sleeping.

(e)

For clients transferred from Level I or admitted directly to this level of treatment, counselors shall complete a comprehensive client assessment and initial treatment recommendations within three [ five ] individual service days of admission.

(f)

All clients shall have an individualized treatment plan within five [ seven ] individual service days of admission.

(g)

The facility shall deliver an average of ten hours of structured activities per week for each client, including at least two hours of chemical dependency counseling (with at least one hour of individual counseling every two weeks) and eight hours of additional counseling, chemical dependency education, or life skills training.

(h)

Every residential client shall have a medical history and physical examination completed and filed in the client record within 96 hours of admission, as required by §148.301 of this title (relating to Client History and Assessment).

§148.214.Level IV Treatment (Transitional Outpatient or Transitional Residential) .

(a)

All clients admitted to Level IV programs shall be able to function with minimal supervision and support and shall not have :

(1)

a documented, reported, or observed medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment or continuous medical supervision (as determined by a prudent lay person); or [ medically stable; and ]

(2)

an observable physical or mental impairment that prevents the client from participating in treatment [ able to function with minimal supervision and support ].

(b)

A Level IV program shall not admit a client transferred directly from Level I without written justification in the client record.

(c)

The program shall have enough staff to provide clients with adequate support and guidance, even if this requires more staff than indicated by the minimum staff-to-client ratios listed in this section .

(d)

Counselor caseloads shall not exceed 20 clients per counselor in residential programs. Outpatient programs shall set limits on counselor caseload size that ensure effective, individualized treatment and rehabilitation. Criteria used to set the caseload size shall be documented.

(e)

The program shall be adequately staffed during hours of operation to ensure effective service delivery.

(f)

In residential programs, the awake direct care staff-to-client ratio shall be at least 1:20 [ 1:16 ] during the hours clients are awake and at least 1:32 when clients are sleeping. Night staff shall conduct hourly checks while clients are sleeping. [ At least one staff person shall be on site and accessible to clients during sleeping hours. ]

(g)

For clients transferred from Level I or admitted directly to this level of treatment, counselors shall complete a comprehensive client assessment and initial treatment recommendations within three individual service days of admission. In outpatient programs, this period shall not exceed 45 calendar days. [ within: ]

[(1)

five individual service days of admission in residential programs; and]

[(2)

45 calendar days of admission in outpatient programs.]

(h)

All clients shall have an individualized treatment plan within five individual service days of admission. In outpatient programs, this period shall not exceed 45 calendar days. [ : ]

[(1)

seven individual service days of admission in residential programs; and]

[(2)

45 calendar days of admission in outpatient programs.]

(i)

The facility shall deliver an average of two hours of structured activities per week for each client, including at least one hour of chemical dependency counseling and one hour of additional counseling, life skills training, or chemical dependency education. Individual counseling shall be provided at least once a month.

(j)

Every residential client shall have a medical history and physical examination as required by §148.301 of this title (relating to Client History and Assessment).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903513

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §148.235

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §148.235 concerning Program Services. This section contains the requirements for pharmocotherapy programs. The repeal is proposed because the commission is no longer required to license methadone programs. These programs are now under the sole regulatory jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Health.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeal.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be clarity about the regulatory jurisdiction of pharmocotherapy programs. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed repeal is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.235.Pharmocotherapy Programs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903514

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter E. Treatment Process

40 TAC §§148.281, 148.282, 148.284, 148.291-148.293, 148.301-148.304, 148.322-148.324

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.281, 148.282, 148.284, 148.291-148.293, 148.301-148.304, and 148.322-148.324 concerning Treatment Process. These sections contain information on: admission criteria; admission determination; client orientation; detoxification history and assessment; detoxification plan; detoxification notes; client history and assessment; treatment plan; progress notes; treatment plan reviews; discharge plan; discharge summary; and discharge follow-up.

These amendments are proposed to clarify the typical age range served by adolescent and adult programs, when exceptions may be warranted and how they must be approved; to describe the admission determination process; to require that information about searches the program may use be included in client orientation; to expand the requirements related to detoxification history and assessment including reducing the time allowed to complete the detoxification history to 24 hours; to require that goals be established as part of the detoxification plan and that progress or lack of progress toward those goals be addressed in detoxification notes; to specify the process for and requirements of the client history and assessment; to describe the treatment plan process and document; to clarify what is to be included in progress notes; to specify that programs must define in writing the intervals at which treatment plans will be reviewed; to mandate that the treatment plan must be revised when the client enters a new level of service; to require that either family members who were initially involved in the initial treatment planning participate in reviews or that the counselor must document why this does not occur; to specify that discharge planning begins at the time of admission and must be completed before the client's scheduled discharge; to state what must be addressed in the discharge plan; and to institute a time limit of 90 days after discharge for follow-up to occur.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be improved chemical dependency treatment programs for all clients receiving services from licensed facilities. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.281.Admission Criteria .

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The criteria shall describe a client population appropriate for the program and specify the age group to be served.

(1)

Adolescent programs serve youth 13 to 17 years of age. However, children who are 10 through 12 years of age and young adults 18 through 20 years of age may be admitted to an adolescent program only when the assessment indicates that the individual's needs, experiences, and behavior are similar to those of adolescent clients.

(2)

Adult programs serve individuals 18 years of age or older. However, adolescents who are 17 years of age may be admitted to an adult program when they are referred by the criminal justice system or when the individual's needs, experiences, and behavior indicate that treatment in an adult program is clinically appropriate.

(3)

Each exception shall be approved in writing by the program director.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

Admission Determination [ Screening ].

(a)

Every client admitted to the program shall meet the diagnostic admission criteria.

(1)

In programs providing Level II, III, or IV treatment, a QCC shall assess the applicant to determine if the applicant meets the diagnostic and other admission criteria and recommend an appropriate level of treatment [ screening shall be conducted by a chemical dependency counselor ]. If a counselor intern assesses the applicant [ conducts the screening ], the intern shall consult with a qualified credentialed counselor who authorizes the admission and signs the admission form .

(2)

In Level I programs, applicants shall be assessed [ screening shall be done ] by a licensed health professional. Non-physicians shall have at least one year of detoxification treatment experience.

(A)

A chemical dependency counselor with one year of detoxification experience may assess the applicant [ do the screening ] with consultation from a licensed health professional who authorizes the admission and signs the admission form.

(B)

In outpatient [ and supported living ] detoxification programs, a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse shall examine the applicant [ client ] face-to-face, authorize the admission, and sign the admission form.

(3)

Clients shall be treated in the least restrictive environment available that best meets their needs.

(b)

Justification for admission (based on the diagnostic and other admission criteria) shall be signed by the individual authorizing admission and filed in the client record at admission.

(c)

If an individual is not admitted, the program shall refer and assist the applicant to obtain appropriate services.

(d)

The provider shall maintain a written log that lists all applicants [ clients ] found to be ineligible or inappropriate for admission. The documentation shall include the reason the individual was not admitted and where the individual was referred.

§148.284.Client Orientation.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The orientation shall include:

(1)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

any behavior management procedures or searches used to enforce program rules;

(6)-(8)

(No change.)

(d)-(e)

(No change.)

§148.291.Detoxification History and Assessment .

(a)

A chemical dependency counselor or licensed health professional shall collect and document the following information:

(1)

alcohol and other drug use, past and present;

(2)

past psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment;

(3)

significant medical history , including personal and family medical history, allergies, medications, and current health status;

(4)

current living situation;

(5)

current employment situation; and

(6)

current emotional state and behavioral functioning.

(b)

The program shall obtain enough medical and psychosocial information about the client to provide a clear understanding of the client's present status.

(c)

The detoxification history shall be [ initiated within 24 hours of admission, and ] completed and filed in the client record within 24 [ 72 ] hours of admission. If an emergency or the client's physical condition prevents documentation within 24 hours, staff shall explain the circumstances in the client record and obtain the information as soon as possible.

(d)

Each client shall have a [ A ] medical history and physical examination signed by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner. [ shall be completed and filed in the client record within 24 hours of admission. A medical history and physical examination completed during the 24 hours preceding admission may be substituted if it is approved by the program's physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse. ]

(1)

Residential clients shall have the medical history and physical completed and filed within 24 hours of admission. If the facility cannot meet this deadline because of exceptional circumstances, the circumstances shall be documented in the client record. Until a client's medical history and physical is complete, staff shall observe the client closely and monitor vital signs.

(2)

A medical history and physical examination completed during the 24 hours preceding admission may be substituted if it is approved by the program's physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse.

(3)

Outpatient clients shall have the medical history and physical completed and available for review by program staff before admission.

Detoxification [ Stabilization ] Plan.

(a)

A clinical staff person authorized by the program shall identify the client's short term needs and establish appropriate goals (based on the detoxification history, the medical history, and the physical examination) and develop an appropriate detoxification plan.

(b)

The detoxification plan shall be reviewed and signed by a physician or another licensed health professional. Non-physicians shall have at least one year of detoxification experience.

(c)

The client shall also sign the detoxification plan.

(d)

The completed and signed detoxification plan shall be filed in the client record within 24 hours of admission.

(e)

The program shall revise the detoxification plan whenever the client's needs change significantly.

§148.293.Detoxification Notes.

The program shall implement the detoxification plan and document the client's response.

(1)

Program staff shall document services provided to the client and progress or lack of progress toward detoxification goals . [ This may be done by filing a copy of the program schedule in the client record and documenting the client's level of participation. ]

(2)-(3)

(No change.)

§148.301.Client History and Assessment.

(a)

A counselor shall document a psychosocial history and assessment that provides a thorough understanding of the client's history and present status . The psychosocial history shall include [ , including ]:

(1)

circumstances leading to admission;

(2)

alcohol and other drug use, past and present;

(3)

past psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment;

(4)

significant medical history and current health status;

(5)

family structure [ and social history ];

(6)

current living situation , including family involvement with Child Protective Services as applicable ;

(7)

relationships with family of origin, nuclear family, and significant others;

(8)

social history including club or gang involvement if applicable;

(9)

[ (8) ] education (including school functioning and peer relationships) and vocational training;

(10)

[ (9) ] employment history (including military) and current status;

(11)

[ (10) ] legal history and current legal status;

(12)

[ (11) ] emotional state and behavioral functioning, past and present; and

(13)

[ (12) ] strengths, weaknesses, and needs.

(b)

The program may use a client questionnaire to gather some of the information needed for the psychosocial history [ evaluation ], but a counselor shall review and discuss the questionnaire with the client and document the discussion[ , including additional information needed to provide a clear and comprehensive psychosocial history ]. The client questionnaire shall not take the place of the psychosocial history and assessment.

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

A counselor shall complete an assessment of the client based on the psychosocial history. A qualified credentialed counselor shall review and sign the psychosocial history and assessment and/or any updates.

(e)

For residential clients, a medical history and physical examination shall be completed and filed in the client record within 96 hours of admission.

(1)

The medical history and physical shall be completed and signed by a physician, physician assistant, advanced nurse practitioner, or RN with a bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience in conducting medical histories and physicals. [ The facility may use a medical history and physical examination completed up to 30 days before admission or received from the referring facility. If the examination was completed more than 96 hours before admission, a licensed health professional must review the information with the client and documents an update within 96 hours of admission. ]

(2)

The facility may use a medical history and physical examination completed up to 30 days before admission or received from the referring facility. [ When the update reflects a significant change in the client's status, the client shall receive further evaluation from a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse. ]

§148.302.Treatment Plan.

(a)

A counselor shall develop a written list of the client's problems and needs based on the psychosocial history and assessment .

(b)

The counselor and client shall work together to develop an individualized, [ a ] written treatment plan that addresses identified problems and needs. Family members shall participate in the treatment planning process, or the counselor shall document why they did not participate. [ When possible and appropriate, family members and significant others should also participate. ]

(c)

Issues identified in the treatment plan which exceed the expertise of staff shall be identified, and the client shall be referred to a qualified provider as appropriate. All referrals shall be documented in the client record. [ The program shall involve the client's family or an alternate support system in the treatment process or document why this is not happening. ]

(d)

Goals shall be individualized, realistic, measurable, time specific, appropriate to the level of treatment, and clearly stated [ state ] in behavioral terms what the client is expected to achieve during treatment.

(e)-(g)

(No change.)

§148.303.Progress Notes.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Program staff shall document all services provided to the client. [ This may be done by filing a copy of the program schedule in the client record and documenting the client's level of participation in the progress notes. ] The record shall include individual documentation of all group services [ if the schedule of services is not followed ].

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Counselors shall write a progress note at least weekly when services are provided. Weekly notes shall describe the client's progress or lack of progress toward stated treatment plan goals and other significant information.

(e)

(No change.)

§148.304.Treatment Plan Reviews.

(a)

The primary counselor shall meet with the client to review the treatment plan at appropriate intervals defined in writing by the program .

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

When a client is transferred to a different level of service, the counselor shall document a transfer note in the client record. The treatment plan must be revised when the client enters a new level of service.

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Family members who participated in the initial treatment planning shall participate in the treatment plan reviews, or the counselor shall document why they are not participating.

§148.322.Discharge Plan.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Discharge planning shall begin at the time of admission and be completed [ occur ] before the client's scheduled discharge.

(d)-(f)

(No change.)

§148.323.Discharge Summary.

(a)

The program shall complete a discharge summary for each client, including:.

(1)

needs and problems identified at the time of admission , during treatment, and at discharge ;

(2)

(No change.)

(3)

assessment of the client's progress towards goals; [ and ]

(4)

circumstances of discharge ; and

(5)

arrangements for aftercare.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

§148.324.Discharge Follow-Up.

The facility shall contact each client no later than 90 days after discharge from the facility and then document the individual's current status or the reason the contact was unsuccessful.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903515

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Subchapter F. Physical Plant

40 TAC §§148.331, 148.341, 148.353, 148.355, 148.372, 148.373

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes amendments to §§148.331, 148.341, 148.353, 148.355 and proposes new §148.372, and §148.373 concerning Physical Plant. These sections contain information on: general environment; general physical plant provisions; exits; furniture and supplies; physical plant requirements for children; and physical plant requirements for small family living environments.

These amendments and new sections are proposed to require that any needed corrective action plan to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is implemented within a reasonable time frame; to clarify the requirements for private space for confidential interactions; to expand the prohibitions on smoking, firearms and other weapons; to require prohibitions on alcohol, illegal drugs, illegal activities and violence on site; to prohibit the use of recreational vehicles and campers as client sleeping areas; to clarify under what circumstances windows may be smaller than the size stated in the rules; to specify the required ratio of washers and dryers to clients; to specify the physical plant requirements that are specific to programs that provide children's services or childcare on site; and to specify the physical requirements for small family living environments.

Terry Faye Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be safer and more adequate physical plants in licensed facilities providing chemical dependency treatment services. There is no additional effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the proposed amendments and new sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P. O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

These amendments and new sections are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed amendments is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.331.General Environment.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The facility shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The facility shall maintain documentation that it has conducted a self-inspection to evaluate compliance and implemented a corrective action plan within reasonable time frames to address identified deficiencies.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The facility shall have private [ counseling ] space for counseling, assessments, and other confidential interactions . Staff shall not office in space needed for other activities , and partitions are not acceptable for creating private space .

(f)

The facility shall prohibit smoking inside facility buildings and during structured program activities .

(g)

(No change.)

(h)

Staff shall not provide, distribute, or facilitate access to tobacco products. [ The facility shall prohibit firearms and double-edged, fixed-blade knives on the site. ]

(i)

Staff shall not use tobacco products in the presence of clients.

(j)

The facility shall prohibit firearms and other weapons on the site.

(k)

The facility shall prohibit alcohol, illegal drugs, illegal activities, and violence on the site.

§148.341.General Physical Plant Provisions.

(a)

All programs shall comply with the following rules.

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

Mobile homes , recreational vehicles, and campers shall not be used for client sleeping areas.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

§148.353.Exits.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Windows shall provide a secondary means of escape. Windows shall not be less than 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height, unless the facility is protected throughout by an approved, operational automatic sprinkler system. [ : ]

[(1)

the sleeping room has a door leading directly to the outside of the building; or]

[(2)

the facility is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system.]

(f)-(i)

(No change.)

§148.355.Furniture and Supplies.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

All clients shall have access to laundry services or properly maintained laundry facilities equivalent to one washer and dryer per 25 clients .

(f)

(No change.)

§148.372.Physical Plant Requirements for Children.

(a)

All programs that provide children's services or childcare on site shall provide a safe and sanitary environment appropriate for children.

(1)

Heating equipment shall be cool enough to touch safely.

(2)

Heavy furniture and equipment shall be securely installed to prevent tipping or collapsing.

(3)

Electrical outlets accessible to children shall have child-proof covers or safety devices.

(4)

Air conditioners, fans, and heating units shall be mounted out of children's reach or have safety guards.

(5)

Grounds shall be kept free of standing water and sharp objects.

(6)

Tap water shall be no hotter than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

(7)

Items potentially dangerous for children shall be stored safely.

(8)

Areas that are more than two feet above ground level (such as stairs, porches, and platforms) shall have railings low enough for children to reach.

(9)

Tanks, ditches, sewer pipes, dangerous machinery, and other hazards shall be fenced.

(10)

Outdoor play areas shall be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high if:

(A)

the play area is located close to a road, pool, deep ditch, or other hazard; or

(B)

there are more than six children in the group.

(11)

Outdoor play equipment shall be in a safe location and securely anchored (unless portable by design).

(12)

Buildings, furniture, and equipment shall not have openings or angles that could trap or injure a child's head.

(13)

Swing seats shall be durable, lightweight, and relatively pliable.

(b)

Residential programs shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

Rooms and buildings shall have at least 30 usable square feet of indoor activity space per child when occupied by children.

(2)

Bedrooms shall have at least 40 usable square feet per child. This applies whether the child is sleeping with the parent or with other children.

(3)

When infant share the parent's bedroom, the room shall contain at least 30 usable square feet per infant.

(4)

Nurseries shall have 35 usable square feet per crib.

(5)

The program site shall have adequate outdoor play space with a safe route of access.

§148.373.Physical Plant Requirements for Small Family Living Environments.

(a)

A small family living environment is a single apartment unit, house, or similar residence (housing no more than six people) which is available to adult clients participating in an outpatient program as described in §148.237 of this title (relating to Small Family Living Environments).

(b)

A facility shall meet all residential physical plant rules in §§148.351-148.359 of this title (relating to Required Inspections, Space Requirements, Exits, Fire Systems, Furniture and Supplies, Lighting, Plumbing, Sanitation, and Ventilation) if:

(1)

clients are required to live in the housing as a condition of receiving treatment services, or

(2)

more than 25% of the clients in an outpatient program live in the optional housing.

(c)

A small family living environment must meet the requirements in §148.341 of this title (relating to General Physical Plant Provisions).

(d)

Each unit shall meet applicable state laws and local codes and ordinances.

(e)

Buildings shall be inspected and approved annually by the fire marshal as required.

(f)

Each unit shall have at least one working, portable A:B:C fire extinguisher for the living area and one B:C fire extinguisher for the kitchen. Fire extinguishers shall be approved by the Underwriter Laboratories or the fire marshal.

(g)

Each unit shall have at least one working smoke detector approved by the Underwriter Laboratories or the fire marshal.

(h)

Doors shall not require a key for exit from the inside.

(i)

Buildings and grounds shall be structurally sound, in good repair, and clean.

(j)

The residence shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

(k)

All plumbing, equipment, and appliances shall be maintained in good working condition.

(l)

Clients shall be able to keep the temperature between 65 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

(m)

There shall be at least 40 square feet per client in multiple-occupant bedrooms and at least 80 square feet per client in single-occupant bedrooms.

(n)

In multiple-occupant residences, bedrooms shall have doors for privacy.

(o)

The residence shall have a bathroom with a sink, a toilet, and a tub or shower with an adequate supply of hot water.

(p)

The residence shall have cooking facilities that include a sink with hot water, a stove, and a refrigerator.

(q)

Lighting shall be sufficient to meet the needs of clients.

(r)

The residence shall be appropriately furnished and have an atmosphere that preserves client dignity and confidentiality.

(s)

Each client shall have a separate bed with a solid frame and mattress.

(t)

The residence shall have adequate closet and drawer space for each client to store clothes and personal property.

(u)

Clients shall have access to private or public laundry facilities.

(v)

The facility shall inspect the residence at least quarterly to monitor compliance with these rules and correct identified problems.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903516

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


40 TAC §148.371

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §148.371 concerning Physical Plant. This section contains the requirements for small family living environments. This repeal is proposed because these requirements are being revised. The portion of the requirements that address program services will be moved to that subchapter and the portion that addresses physical plant requirements will be moved to a new section within this subchapter. Both of those actions are concurrently proposed for adoption.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeal.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be clarity about the purpose of and requirements for small family living environments. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register . In addition, there will be a hearing to receive public comments on these proposed rules at 4:30 p.m., Monday July 12, 1999, at the Austin Convention Center, 5000 East Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas. If you have questions about the hearing, you may contact Albert Ruiz, Community Network Coordinator, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529; phone 1-800-832-9623, extension 6607; or via email albert_ruiz@tcada.state.tx.us.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464, which provides the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules licensing chemical dependency treatment facilities.

The code affected by the proposed repeal is the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 464.

§148.371.Small Family Living Environments.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903517

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733


Chapter 149. Court Commitments

Subchapter A. Civil Court Commitments

40 TAC §§149.1, 149.11-149.16

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse proposes the repeal of §§149.1 and 149.11-149.16 concerning Court Commitments. These sections describe the definitions of terms used, authority of the commission regarding court commitments, approval needed by facilities, licensure requirements, staff training requirements, general procedures, and the documentation required for court commitments. The repeals are proposed because these rules are being incorporated into the rules for all licensed facilities.

Terry Bleier, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeals are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of the proposed repeals.

Ms. Bleier has also determined that for each year of the first five years the repeals are in effect the anticipated public benefit will be less confusion for court commitment programs. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to current providers.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Tamara Allen, Quality Assurance, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, P.O. Box 80529, Austin, Texas, 78708-0529. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date the proposal is published in the Texas Register .

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Health and Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) and §462 which provide the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse with the authority to adopt rules and standards for approval of chemical dependency treatment facilities to accept court commitments.

The code affected by the proposed repeals is the Texas Health Safety Code, §461.012(a)(15) and §462.

§149.1.Definitions.

§149.11.Authority.

§149.12.Approval.

§149.13.Licensure.

§149.14.Training.

§149.15.General Procedures.

§149.16.Documentation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 14, 1999.

TRD-9903518

Mark Smock

Deputy for Finance and Administration

Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 349-6733