TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES

Chapter 2. MENTAL RETARDATION AUTHORITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Subchapter L. SERVICE COORDINATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), to amend §§2.553 - 2.556, 2.558, and 2.562, concerning service coordination for individuals with mental retardation; and proposes to repeal §§2.563 - 2.565, concerning Subchapter L superseding another subchapter, legal references and documents, and a distribution list, in its Mental Retardation Authority Responsibilities chapter.

The purpose of the amendments is, in part, to update agency names, correct mailing and website addresses, and correct referenced citations that were rendered incorrect upon transfer of the rules from Title 25, Part 2 to Title 40, Part 1 of the Texas Administrative Code. This transfer resulted from the consolidation of several state agencies, including part of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR), to create DADS. The amendment to the definition of "MRA (mental retardation authority)" in §2.553 reflects the transfer of a power of the governing body of TDMHMR to HHSC in accordance with §1.20(d) of House Bill 2292, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, 2003. The amendment to §2.554 corrects the name of the preadmission screening and resident review (PASARR) assessment. The proposal also replaces the provision in §2.556(c) to review an individual's plan of services and supports on a quarterly basis with the provision to revise the individual's plan when the individual's needs change or when the individual, legally authorized representative or actively involved person, service provider, or other person provides relevant information indicating revision of the plan is appropriate. The amendment to §2.556 also requires the plan to be revised using a person-directed planning process that is consistent with DADS' Person Directed Planning and Family Directed Planning Guidelines for Individuals with Mental Retardation . The repeal of §2.563 is proposed because this section refers to 25 TAC Chapter 412, Subchapter J, a subchapter that has been repealed. The repeal of §2.564 and §2.565 are proposed to make this subchapter more consistent with the majority of DADS rules, which do not include sections about references and distribution.

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for each of the first five years the proposed amendments and repeal are in effect, enforcing or administering the amendments and repeal does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Jacquelyn McDonald, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Access and Intake, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendments and repeal are in effect the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendments and repeal is the promulgation of rules that clearly describe the provision of service coordination to individuals in DADS' mental retardation priority population who live in the community; and there is no probable economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments and repeal.

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments and repeal, because the proposal does not affect small businesses or micro-businesses; the amendments and repeal will not affect a local economy; and the proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under §2007.043, Government Code.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Marcia Shultz at (512) 438-3532 in DADS' Office of Mental Retardation Authorities. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-006, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

40 TAC §§2.553 - 2.556, 2.558, 2.562

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the executive commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Texas Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The amendments affect the Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§2.553.Definitions.

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

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) Department--The [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) [ Mental Health and Mental Retardation or its successor ].

(4) - (10) (No change.)

(11) Institution for mental diseases (IMD)--As defined in 25 TAC §419.373 [ of this title (relating to Definitions) ], a hospital of more than 16 beds that is primarily engaged in providing psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with mental diseases, including medical care, nursing care, and related services.

(12) - (15) (No change.)

(16) MRA (mental retardation authority)-- An entity to which the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's authority and responsibility described in THSC, §531.002(11) has been delegated. [ As defined in THSC, §531.002, an entity to which the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board delegates its authority and responsibility within a specified region for planning, policy development, coordination, and resource development and allocation, and for supervising and ensuring the provision of mental retardation services to persons in one or more local service areas. ]

(17) Mental retardation priority population or MR priority population--Those individuals who:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) are children eligible for early childhood intervention (ECI) services provided in accordance with [ 40 TAC ] Chapter 108 of this title (relating to Early Childhood Intervention Services).

(18) - (26) (No change.)

(27) State MH facility (state mental health facility)--A state hospital or state center with an inpatient psychiatric component operated by the Department of State Health Services [ department ].

(28) - (31) (No change.)

§2.554.Eligibility.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Service coordination funded by Medicaid targeted case management:

(1) may be provided only to an individual who is a Medicaid recipient and:

(A) (No change.)

(B) who resides in a nursing facility licensed in accordance with THSC, Chapter 242, and who has been determined through a preadmission screening and [ annual ] resident review (PASARR) assessment to require specialized services; and

(2) (No change.)

§2.555.Assessing an Individual's Need for Service Coordination.

(a) (No change.)

(b) If the designated MRA determines an individual needs service coordination, the MRA must develop a plan of services and supports as described in §2.556(a) [ §412.556(a) ] of this title (relating to MRA's Responsibilities).

(c) A copy of the Service Coordination Assessment--Mental Retardation Services form may be obtained by contacting Access and Intake, Office of Mental Retardation Authorities, [ the Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) W-354, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, or by accessing the DADS website at www.dads.state.tx.us [ Mental Health and Mental Retardation, P.O. Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711 or by accessing the department's website at www.mhmr.state.tx.us ].

§2.556.MRA's Responsibilities.

(a) Developing a plan of services and supports.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The plan of services and supports must include a component that addresses the individual's service coordination needs, which:

(A) is based on the results from the assessment performed in accordance with §2.555(a) [ §412.555(a) ] of this title (relating to Assessing an Individual's Need for Service Coordination);

(B) - (C) (No change.)

(b) (No change.)

(c) Revising the plan of services and supports.

(1) The MRA must ensure that the staff person providing service coordination to the individual revises the individual's plan of services and supports if:

(A) the individual's needs change; or

(B) the individual, LAR or actively involved person, service provider, or other person provides relevant information indicating revision of the plan is appropriate.

(2) The MRA must ensure that the staff person revises the plan using a person-directed planning process that is consistent with the department's Person Directed Planning and Family Directed Planning Guidelines for Individuals with Mental Retardation .

[(c) Reviewing the plan of services and supports. The MRA must ensure that the plan of services and supports of each individual receiving service coordination is reviewed quarterly to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the services and supports provided by all community providers and to ensure that the needs of the individual are being addressed.]

(d) (No change.)

(e) Individuals enrolled in the TxHmL Program. In addition to the requirements in this subchapter, the MRA must ensure service coordination is provided to individuals enrolled in the TxHmL Program in accordance with the requirements contained in Chapter 9 [ 419 ], Subchapter N of this title (relating to Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program).

§2.558.Termination of Service Coordination.

The MRA must terminate service coordination for an individual if:

(1) the individual no longer meets the eligibility criteria for service coordination as set forth in §2.554 [ §412.554 ] of this title (relating to Eligibility); or

(2) (No change.)

§2.562.Review Process.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Non-Medicaid-eligible individuals. If an MRA decides to deny, involuntarily reduce, or terminate service coordination for a non-Medicaid-eligible individual, the MRA must notify the individual or LAR in writing of the decision and provide an explanation of the procedure for the individual or LAR to request a review by the MRA as required by §2.46 [ §401.464 ] of this title (relating to Notification and Appeals 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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501390

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


40 TAC §§2.563 - 2.565

(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 Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the executive commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Texas Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Texas Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The repeal affects the Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§2.563.Subchapter Supersedes Chapter 412, Subchapter J.

§2.564.References.

§2.565.Distribution.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501391

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 48. COMMUNITY CARE FOR AGED AND DISABLED

Subchapter B. INTEREST LISTS

40 TAC §48.1301

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), new §48.1301, concerning interest lists, in new Subchapter B in its Community Care for Aged and Disabled chapter.

The purpose of the new section is to assist an elderly person or a person with a disability to access a DADS community care service as soon as possible after the service becomes available. The proposed new section defines "a DADS community care service" for the purposes of the subchapter as meaning a service provided under the Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Program, the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Program, or the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP). The proposal establishes DADS' procedure for assisting an elderly person or a person with a disability, or another person acting on behalf of an elderly person or a person with a disability, who inquires about a DADS community care service. DADS is proposing this new section to comply with Human Resources Code, §22.040.

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for each of the first five years the proposed new section is in effect, enforcing or administering the new section does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Jacquelyn McDonald, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Access and Intake, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the new section is that elderly persons and persons with disabilities will be able to access community care services as soon as possible after the service becomes available; and there is no probable economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the new section.

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing or administering the new section, because the proposal does not affect small businesses or micro-businesses; the new section will not affect a local economy; and this proposal will not result in a burden on private real property and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Debbie Brookshire at (512) 438-4798 in DADS' Regional and Local Services section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-016, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

The new section is proposed under the Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; the Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; the Human Resources Code, §22.040, which requires DADS to develop and implement a plan to assist elderly persons or persons with disabilities who request community care services to receive those service as quickly as possible when the services become available; and the Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021; and the Human Resources Code, §22.040 and §161.021.

§48.1301.Interest Lists.

(a) The purpose of this section is to assist an elderly person or a person with a disability to access a Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) community care service as soon as possible after the service becomes available. For purposes of this subchapter, a "DADS community care service" or "service" is a service provided under:

(1) the Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Program;

(2) the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Program; or

(3) the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP).

(b) An elderly person or a person with a disability, or another person acting on behalf of an elderly person or a person with a disability, may contact a DADS office or a designated telephone number to inquire about a DADS community care service. DADS assists the person in deciding which service may be appropriate for the elderly person or person with a disability.

(1) If the elderly person or the person with a disability wants to apply for a service that is available at the time of the inquiry, DADS assists the person in making an application, if necessary. DADS processes the application in accordance with the rules governing that service.

(2) If the elderly person or the person with a disability wants to apply for a service that is not available at the time of the inquiry, DADS places the person's name on an interest list for the service. A person's name is placed on the interest list in chronological order by the date DADS received the person's name, address, and contact information.

(c) During each fiscal-year quarter, DADS forecasts whether a service will become available during the next quarter. If DADS forecasts that the service will be available, DADS also estimates the number of persons that DADS will be able to enroll into the service during the next quarter.

(d) DADS contacts a person who, based on the position of the person's name on the interest list, might be enrolled into the service during the next quarter.

(1) If the person wants to apply for the service, DADS begins the service eligibility determination process in accordance with the rules governing that service at least 30 days before the service is forecast to be available.

(2) If the person is no longer interested in applying for the service or is determined ineligible for the service, DADS removes the name of the person from the interest list.

(e) DADS continues to contact persons on the interest list until the number of persons estimated under subsection (c) of this section has been enrolled into the service.

(f) DADS does not provide a DADS community care service to a person until the service is actually available.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501392

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 51. WAIVER PROGRAM FOR MEDICALLY DEPENDENT CHILDREN

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the repeals of §§51.1 - 51.5, 51.7, 51.31, and 51.39, concerning program requirements for the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP); and proposes new Subchapter A, §51.101 and §51.103, concerning purpose and definitions; Subchapter B, §§51.201, 51.203, 51.205, 51.207, 51.211, 51.213, 51.215, 51.217, 51.219, 51.221, 51.231, 51.233, 51.235, 51.237, 51.239, 51.241, 51.243, and 51.251, concerning eligibility, enrollment, services, and appeals; Subchapter C, §§51.301, 51.303, 51.305, 51.307, 51.309, 51.321, 51.323, 51.325, 51.327, 51.329, and 51.331, concerning the individual's responsibilities for procuring adaptive aids and minor home modifications; Subchapter D, §§51.401, 51.403, 51.405, 51.407, 51.411, 51.413, 51.415, 51.417, 51.419, 51.421, 51.431, 51.433, 51.441, 51.451, 51.461, 51.463, 51.465, 51.471, 51.473, 51.475, 51.477, and 51.479, concerning provider contracting and service delivery requirements; and Subchapter E, §§51.501, 51.503, 51.505, 51.507, 51.509, 51.511, 51.513, and 51.515, concerning provider billings and record-keeping requirements, in its Medically Dependent Children Program chapter.

The purpose of the repeals and new sections is to reorganize the rules in Chapter 51 and to rewrite them in plain English that will be easier for the public, including individuals and providers, to locate and understand. The new rules govern the eligibility, enrollment process, individual responsibilities, and provider requirements under MDCP. The new sections also (1) update agency references from the Texas Department of Human Services to DADS or to HHSC, as appropriate; (2) offer additional definitions; (3) incorporate existing provider policy into rule language; (4) provide more flexibility in the use of required forms; and (5) add transition assistance services and the consumer directed services option to the array of MDCP services.

Gordon Taylor, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for each of the first five years the proposed repeals and new sections are in effect, enforcing or administering the repeals and new sections does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Barry Waller, Assistant Commissioner for Provider Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the repeals and new sections are in effect: (1) the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the repeals and new sections is the promulgation of rules that will clearly describe the responsibilities of the individual and the provider in the MDCP program; and (2) there is no probable economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeals and new sections.

DADS has determined that: (1) there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing or administering the repeals and new sections, because the new rules clarify and streamline the program processes without adding requirements that will have an adverse economic effect on the providers; (2) the repeals and new sections will not affect a local economy; and (3) the proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Government Code, §2007.043.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Lori Roberts at (512) 438-5391 in DADS Community Services Policy Development and Support Unit. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-198, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

40 TAC §§51.1 - 51.5, 51.7, 51.31, 51.39

(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 Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeals are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The repeals affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.1.Purpose.

§51.2.Definitions.

§51.3.Participant Eligibility Criteria.

§51.4.Location of Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) Waiver Service Delivery.

§51.5.Waiver Services.

§51.7.Cost Controls and Cost Savings.

§51.31.Deinstitutionalization Due to Closure of Facility.

§51.39.Changes in Medically Dependent Children Program 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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501393

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 51. MEDICALLY DEPENDENT CHILDREN PROGRAM

Subchapter A. INTRODUCTION

40 TAC §51.101, §51.103

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.101.Purpose.

This chapter establishes:

(1) the eligibility requirements for an individual to participate in MDCP; and

(2) the requirements for a provider of MDCP services.

§51.103.Definitions.

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

(1) §1915(c) waiver program--A home or community-based service authorized by §1915(c) of the Social Security Act and approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

(2) Activities of daily living--Activities that are essential to daily self care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, routine hair and skin care, meal preparation, feeding, exercising, toileting, transfer and ambulation, positioning, range of motion, and assistance with self-administered medications.

(3) Adaptive aid--A device that is needed to treat, rehabilitate, prevent, or compensate for a condition that results in a disability or a loss of function and helps an individual perform the activities of daily living or control the environment in which he lives.

(4) Adjunct support services--Direct care services needed because of an individual's disability that:

(A) help an individual participate in:

(i) child care;

(ii) post-secondary education; or

(iii) independent living; or

(B) support an individual's move to an independent living situation.

(5) Appeal--A request for a hearing to challenge a service suspension, service reduction, service denial, or case closure.

(6) Attendant--An employee of a provider or of an individual who has selected the consumer directed services option who provides direct care to the individual.

(7) Basic child care--Watchful attention and supervision of an individual while the individual's primary caregiver is at work, in job training, or at school.

(8) BNE--Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.

(9) Case closure--A DADS action that terminates an individual from MDCP services.

(10) Case manager--A DADS employee who is responsible for case management activities for an individual, including eligibility determination, enrollment, assessment and reassessment of the individual's need, service plan development, and intercession on the individual's behalf.

(11) Consumer directed services--A means of service delivery in which an individual or the individual's parent or guardian is the employer of the attendant.

(12) Contract--A written agreement between DADS and a provider to provide MDCP services to an individual in exchange for payment.

(13) Cost ceiling--The maximum dollar amount available to an individual for MDCP services per IPC year, which is based on 63% of the nursing facility rate associated with the individual's TILE score.

(14) DADS--Department of Aging and Disability Services.

(15) DADS RN--A DADS employee who is an RN and has two years of experience in pediatric nursing.

(16) Day--Any reference to a day means a calendar day, unless otherwise specified in the text. A calendar day includes weekends and holidays.

(17) Delegated task--A task that a practitioner or RN delegates in accordance with state law.

(18) DFPS--Department of Family and Protective Services.

(19) Facility-based respite--Respite services provided to an individual in a licensed hospital or nursing facility.

(20) Family member--A person who is related by blood, by affinity, or by law to an individual.

(21) Foster home--Means a foster home as defined in the Human Resources Code, §42.002.

(22) Guardian--A person appointed as a guardian of the estate or of the person by a court.

(23) HHSC--Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

(24) Host family--A provider with whom an individual lives when the individual's parents are unable to care for him.

(25) Imminent danger--An immediate, real threat to a person's safety.

(26) Individual--A person who has been determined eligible to receive MDCP services.

(27) Interest list--A list of people who have contacted DADS and expressed an interest in MDCP services but have not applied for nor been determined eligible for MDCP services.

(28) IPC--Individual plan of care. A plan that documents the following:

(A) services provided to an individual through both MDCP and third-party resources, and the sources or providers of those services;

(B) medical information about the individual obtained by a DADS RN;

(C) a social assessment of the individual and the individual's family obtained by the case manager;

(D) the projected cost of the MDCP services;

(E) the service initiation date; and

(F) the respite or adjunct support services provider's service schedule.

(29) IPC year--A period not to exceed 365 days that is recorded on the IPC with a beginning and end date.

(30) LVN--Licensed vocational nurse. A person licensed by the BNE or who holds a license from another state recognized by the BNE to practice vocational nursing in Texas.

(31) MDCP--Medically Dependent Children Program. A §1915(c) waiver program that provides community-based services to help the primary caregiver care for an individual in the community.

(32) Medical necessity--The medical criteria a person must meet for admission to a Texas nursing facility.

(33) Minor home modification--A physical change to an individual's residence that is needed to prevent institutionalization or to support the most integrated setting for an individual to remain in the community.

(34) Parent--An individual's natural or adoptive parent or the spouse of the natural or adoptive parent.

(35) Practitioner--A physician currently licensed in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico; a physician assistant currently licensed in Texas; or an RN approved by the BNE to practice as an advanced practice nurse.

(36) Primary caregiver--A person who:

(A) is legally responsible for an individual's routine daily care, provision of food, shelter, clothing, health care, education, nurturing, and supervision; and

(B) provides daily, uncompensated care for the individual.

(37) Provider--An entity that has a contract with DADS to provide MDCP services.

(38) Reckless behavior--Acting with conscious indifference to the consequences.

(39) Residence--The place where an individual lives.

(40) Respite services--Direct care services needed because of an individual's disability that provide a primary caregiver temporary relief from caregiving activities when the primary caregiver would usually perform such activities.

(41) RN--Registered nurse. A person licensed by the BNE or who holds a license from another state recognized by the BNE to practice professional nursing in Texas.

(42) Service authorization form--Document that shows DADS' approval for a provider to deliver MDCP services.

(43) Service initiation date--The first day an individual begins receiving MDCP services.

(44) Service reduction--A temporary or permanent decrease in the number of service hours delivered to an individual.

(45) Service schedule--A schedule for delivering respite or adjunct support services to an individual that is agreed upon and signed by the individual or the individual's parent or guardian. A fixed service schedule specifies certain days, times of day, or time periods for delivery of the services. A variable service schedule specifies the number of authorized hours of services to be delivered per day, per week, or per month, but does not specify certain days, times of day, or time periods for delivery of the services.

(46) Service suspension--A temporary stoppage of MDCP services without loss of program or Medicaid eligibility.

(47) Texas Accessibility Standards--Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation building standards adopted to meet the provisions of Texas Government Code, Chapter 469, and to meet or exceed the construction and alterations requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §§12181 - 12189).

(48) Third-party resources--Goods and services available to an individual from a source other than MDCP, such as Medicaid home health, Texas Health Steps Comprehensive Care Program, and private insurance.

(49) TILE--Texas Index for Level of Effort. The system used to identify the intensity of the care needs of a person in a Texas nursing facility and in MDCP.

(50) Transition assistance services--One-time service provided to a Medicaid-eligible resident of a nursing facility located in Texas to assist the resident in moving from the nursing facility into the community to receive MDCP services.

(51) Working day--Any day except Saturday, Sunday, a state holiday, or a federal holiday.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501394

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter B. ELIGIBILITY, ENROLLMENT, AND SERVICES

1. ELIGIBILITY

40 TAC §§51.201, 51.203, 51.205, 51.207

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.201.Interest List.

Anyone may contact DADS to inquire about MDCP services. To place a person on the interest list, DADS must have the person's name, address, and contact information. DADS then assigns the person a place on the interest list chronologically by date of receipt of this information.

§51.203.Eligibility Requirements.

To be eligible to participate in MDCP, a person must:

(1) live in Texas;

(2) be:

(A) a citizen of the United States (U.S.);

(B) an alien who entered the U.S. before August 22, 1996, who has lived in the U.S. continuously since entry, and who meets the definition of a qualified alien at 8 U.S.C. §1641(b) or (c); or

(C) an alien who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, who has lived in the U.S. continuously since entry, and who meets the definition of a qualified alien at 8 U.S.C. §1612(b) and §1613;

(3) be under 21 years of age;

(4) meet the financial Medicaid eligibility criteria described in 1 TAC Chapter 358 (relating to Medicaid Eligibility), based on the income and resources of the individual;

(5) for initial enrollment only, meet at least one of the disability criteria described in §51.205(b) of this chapter (relating to Disability Criteria);

(6) meet medical necessity as described in §51.207 of this chapter (relating to Medical Necessity);

(7) have an IPC that a practitioner has signed; and

(8) if the person is under 18 years of age, reside:

(A) with a family member; or

(B) with a foster family that includes no more than four children unrelated to the individual.

§51.205.Disability Criteria.

(a) To be eligible for MDCP, a person must meet the criteria in subsection (b) of this section only upon initial enrollment into MDCP.

(b) A person meets the disability criteria if the person:

(1) receives disability benefits from:

(A) Supplemental Security Income;

(B) federal old-age, survivors, and disability insurance; or

(C) railroad retirement; or

(2) has a disability determination by HHSC.

§51.207.Medical Necessity.

(a) An entity contracted by HHSC determines medical necessity.

(b) A determination that an individual meets medical necessity is valid for one year. An individual must receive a determination of medical necessity annually to remain eligible for MDCP.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501395

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


2. ENROLLMENT

40 TAC §§51.211, 51.213, 51.215, 51.217, 51.219, 51.221

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.211.Enrollment.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, enrollment in MDCP is limited to the number of individuals and the amount of state funding approved by the Texas Legislature.

(b) Enrollment in MDCP under the criteria described in §51.213 of this chapter (relating to Enrollment of Former Nursing Facility Residents) is limited to the number of individuals DADS determines can be enrolled in MDCP under that criteria.

(c) Enrollment in MDCP under the criteria provided in subsection (d)(3) of this section is unlimited.

(d) DADS mails enrollment materials:

(1) to the person whose name is first on the interest list described in §51.201 of this chapter (relating to Interest List) when a place in the program becomes available;

(2) to a person who meets the criteria in §51.213 of this chapter when DADS has a vacancy for a person who formerly lived in a nursing facility; or

(3) to a person who:

(A) is under age 21;

(B) resides in a nursing facility located in Texas;

(C) is enrolled in Medicaid; and

(D) requests MDCP services while residing in a nursing facility located in Texas.

(e) Within 30 days of the date of the letter from DADS that accompanies the enrollment materials, a person or the person's parent or guardian must complete and return the required enrollment materials to DADS.

(f) DADS suspends enrollment into MDCP when DADS determines that the number of individuals and projected costs exceed funded limits in the current state fiscal year.

(g) An individual may be enrolled in only one §1915(c) waiver program at a time.

(h) An individual may receive services through the Medicaid-funded Primary Home Care and Comprehensive Care programs while receiving MDCP services.

§51.213.Enrollment of Former Nursing Facility Residents.

(a) A person may be enrolled in MDCP if:

(1) the person was admitted to a nursing facility located in Texas after September 1, 1995, for long-term care purposes;

(2) the person no longer lives in a nursing facility located in Texas; and

(3) DADS has a vacancy for a person who formerly lived in a nursing facility.

(b) A person who meets the criteria in subsection (a) of this section must also meet the criteria in §51.203 of this chapter (relating to Eligibility Requirements) to be determined eligible for MDCP services.

§51.215.Home Visit.

After DADS mails the enrollment materials as described in §51.211 of this chapter (relating to Enrollment), the case manager and a DADS RN conduct a home visit to:

(1) complete the medical assessment;

(2) complete the social assessment;

(3) develop the IPC as described in §51.217 of this chapter (relating to Individual Plan of Care); and

(4) assist the family in completing the application for Medicaid, if necessary.

§51.217.Individual Plan of Care.

(a) The IPC is developed by:

(1) the individual;

(2) the individual's parent or guardian;

(3) the case manager;

(4) a DADS RN; and

(5) any other person who participates in the individual's care, such as the provider, a representative of the school system, or other third-party resource.

(b) The service initiation date on the IPC is negotiated by:

(1) the individual;

(2) the individual's parent or guardian;

(3) the Medicaid eligibility worker (if applicable);

(4) the provider; and

(5) the case manager.

(c) The individual or the individual's parent or guardian, the individual's practitioner, and the case manager must sign the completed IPC form.

§51.219.Maintaining Enrollment.

(a) To maintain enrollment in MDCP, the individual or the individual's parent or guardian must:

(1) participate in the development and implementation of the IPC;

(2) ensure that there is not a 60-day break in service delivery, unless the 60-day break in service is due to extenuating circumstances and the case manager has approved the 60-day break in service;

(3) use MDCP services as described in the IPC;

(4) select the provider;

(5) provide training, monitor, and supervise the provider; and

(6) keep in the residence the most recent seven days of service delivery documentation as referenced in §51.503 of this chapter (relating to In-Home Record) and make it available to DADS upon request.

(b) An individual may lose eligibility for MDCP if the individual or the individual's parent or guardian fails to comply with the requirements in subsection (a) of this section.

§51.221.Other Responsibilities.

(a) The individual's parent or guardian must be responsible for basic child care.

(b) The individual or the individual's parent or guardian must sign and return the completed IPC to the case manager within 10 days of receipt.

(c) The individual or the individual's parent or guardian must report the following events to the case manager within two working days of the event:

(1) a change in the individual's income, including gain or loss of financial assistance (including Supplemental Security Income);

(2) settlement of a lawsuit;

(3) receipt of services from a third-party resource;

(4) a change in the individual's living arrangement;

(5) a change (improvement or worsening) in the individual's medical condition that is expected to be long term;

(6) a problem with an MDCP service or a provider; or

(7) the stoppage of services by a provider.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501396

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


3. SERVICES

40 TAC §§51.231, 51.233, 51.235, 51.237, 51.239, 51.241, 51.243

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.231.Service Limitations.

(a) General. The individual or the individual's parent or guardian may not ask the provider to provide MDCP services to any other household member while serving the individual in the individual's residence.

(b) Respite and adjunct support services.

(1) Respite services may not be provided in a setting in which identical services are already being provided.

(2) Facility-based respite is limited to 29 days per IPC year. If an individual or the individual's parent or guardian requests an extension of the 29-day limit, the case manager must inform DADS' Access and Intake Division of the number of days requested beyond the 29-day limit and the reason for the request. DADS' Access and Intake Division approves or denies the request.

(3) Adjunct support services may be used only when the primary caregiver is working, attending job training, or attending school.

(c) Adaptive aids.

(1) The cost ceiling for adaptive aids is $4,000 per IPC year.

(2) Adaptive aids costing less than $100 are not reimbursable.

(d) Minor home modifications. The cost ceilings for minor home modifications are:

(1) $7,500 in an individual's lifetime; and

(2) $300 for repairs and maintenance per IPC year.

(e) Transition assistance services.

(1) An individual may access transition assistance services only once in the individual's lifetime.

(2) The cost ceiling for transition assistance services is $2,500.

§51.233.Choosing a Provider.

(a) The individual or the individual's parent or guardian must choose the provider. The case manager gives a list of providers to the individual or the individual's parent or guardian.

(b) If the individual or the individual's parent or guardian chooses an entity that is not on the case manager's list of providers for a particular service, that service may not begin until the entity contracts with DADS to provide that service.

§51.235.Consumer Directed Services Option.

An individual may choose to participate in a payment option that allows the individual or the individual's parent or guardian to direct the recruiting, hiring, management, and firing of the individual's attendant as described in Chapter 41 of this title (relating to Vendor Fiscal Intermediary Payments). The consumer directed services option is available only for respite or adjunct support services provided by an attendant.

§51.237.Service Schedule Changes.

(a) An individual or the individual's parent or guardian may make minor changes in the service schedule for respite and adjunct support services without prior approval if the changes:

(1) do not exceed the individual's cost ceiling; and

(2) do not increase the individual's total monthly hours, unless the individual approves the use of hours not used in a previous month and the use of hours not used in a previous month increases the total monthly hours by less than 50%.

(b) DADS must give prior approval for the use of hours not used in a previous month if the use of those hours increases the total monthly hours by 50% or more.

§51.239.Exceeding the Cost Ceiling.

(a) DADS may not disallow or jeopardize MDCP services for an individual if:

(1) those services are required for the individual to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs;

(2) the cost for the needed services for each six-month period of the IPC year, averaged and excluding the cost of minor home modifications and adaptive aids, does not exceed 133.3% of the cost ceiling; and

(3) DADS continues to comply with the cost-effectiveness requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

(b) If an individual has a change in needs that would cause the cost for needed services, under the IPC, to exceed 100% of the cost ceiling, the case manager may consider the individual's request if there is a change in:

(1) the individual's medical condition, functional needs, or environment;

(2) the caregiver support or third-party resources that have been providing service to the individual; or

(3) the need for a service or support to adequately support the individual living in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs.

(c) If an individual's needs cannot be met within the cost ceiling described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, then the individual is no longer eligible for MDCP services, unless the individual meets the criteria in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) If an individual is receiving MDCP services on September 1, 2003, under the authority of Rider 7 of the Appropriations Act, 77th Texas Legislature, DADS will continue services if they are necessary for the individual to live in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs and DADS continues to comply with CMS cost-effectiveness requirements.

(e) The DADS commissioner will consider a written request for an exemption to this section if an individual's needs cannot be met within the estimated cost ceiling and services cannot be provided through any other setting or program.

§51.241.Service Suspensions.

(a) DADS or a provider must suspend an individual's MDCP services if or when:

(1) the individual is admitted for purposes other than respite services to:

(A) a hospital (if an RN or an LVN provides the services);

(B) a nursing facility (if an RN or an LVN provides the services);

(C) a state mental retardation facility;

(D) a state mental health facility;

(E) a rehabilitation hospital; or

(F) an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions; or

(2) the individual or someone in the individual's residence exhibits reckless behavior that may result in imminent danger to the health and safety of the individual, the provider, or another person in the residence.

(b) DADS or a provider may suspend an individual's MDCP services if the individual or someone in the individual's residence discriminates against a provider or a DADS employee.

(c) The provider resumes services after a suspension:

(1) on a date specified in writing by the case manager;

(2) upon the individual's return home from an institution listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section; or

(3) on the date the provider becomes aware of the individual's return home.

(d) DADS notifies the individual in writing of the process to appeal a service suspension as described in §51.251 of this chapter (relating to Appeals).

§51.243.Service Reductions, Service Denials, and Case Closures.

(a) Service reductions. DADS will reduce services to an individual when:

(1) third-party resources become available to the individual;

(2) the individual's annual cost ceiling decreases; or

(3) budgetary constraints require cost reductions.

(b) Service denials. DADS may deny services to an individual when:

(1) the individual no longer meets the eligibility requirements described in §51.203 of this chapter (relating to Eligibility Requirements);

(2) the individual does not use MDCP services for 60 or more consecutive days without prior approval from the case manager;

(3) the individual's primary caregiver does not participate in the development of the IPC; or

(4) budgetary constraints require cost reductions.

(c) Case closure. DADS closes an individual's case if:

(1) the individual no longer meets the eligibility requirements described in §51.203 of this chapter;

(2) the individual dies;

(3) the individual enters an institution for long-term care purposes;

(4) the individual starts receiving services through another §1915(c) waiver program;

(5) the individual does not use MDCP services for 60 or more consecutive days without prior approval from the case manager;

(6) the individual's primary caregiver does not participate in the development of the individual's IPC; or

(7) the individual requests that services end.

(d) Notifications.

(1) The effective date of the service reduction, service denial, or case closure is 30 days after the date on the individual's notification letter.

(2) DADS notifies the individual in writing of the process to appeal the service reduction, service denial, or case closure as described in §51.251 of this chapter (relating to Appeals).

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501397

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


4. APPEALS

40 TAC §51.251

The new section is proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.251.Appeals.

(a) Appeals and hearings are conducted as described in 1 TAC Chapter 357 (relating to Medical Fair Hearings).

(b) An individual may appeal a DADS action. In this section, a DADS action means a service suspension as described in §51.241 of this chapter (relating to Service Suspensions), or a service reduction, service denial, or case closure as described in §51.243(a), (b), and (c)(1) - (6) of this chapter (relating to Service Reductions, Service Denials, and Case Closures).

(c) To appeal a DADS action, an individual must make a request for a hearing orally or in writing to the case manager within 90 days from the date on the notice of the DADS action.

(d) DADS may continue MDCP services until the hearing is conducted if an individual who is currently receiving services requests a hearing within 30 days from the date on the notice of the DADS action and requests that services continue during the appeal process. An individual must contact the case manager orally or in writing to make these requests. If the hearing officer upholds the DADS action, DADS may require the individual to pay DADS for the cost of services delivered after the effective date of the DADS action.

(e) If a suspension occurs because of the reckless behavior described in §51.241(a)(2) of this chapter, then services must not continue during the appeal 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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501398

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN SECURING ADAPTIVE AIDS AND MINOR HOME MODIFICATIONS

1. ADAPTIVE AIDS

40 TAC §§51.301, 51.303, 51.305, 51.307, 51.309

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.301.Procurement.

(a) Before procuring an adaptive aid costing $100 or more, an individual must submit a request for the adaptive aid, including the written specifications and bids, to the case manager for approval.

(b) The case manager notifies the individual upon approval or disapproval of the request. If the request is approved, the case manager notifies the individual of the approved dollar amount.

(c) In this division, individual means the individual or the individual's parent or guardian, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

§51.303.Specifications for Adaptive Aids.

(a) An individual must obtain written specifications for each adaptive aid from:

(1) a practitioner;

(2) a physical therapist;

(3) an occupational therapist;

(4) a speech pathologist; or

(5) an adaptive aid provider.

(b) The individual must ensure that the written specifications are recorded on a single document that includes:

(1) the name and address of the individual receiving MDCP services;

(2) a description of the adaptive aid being specified;

(3) the written specifications;

(4) the printed name and dated signature of the person preparing the written specifications; and

(5) the individual's dated signature.

§51.305.Bids for Adaptive Aids.

(a) An individual must obtain a minimum of three written bids based on the written specifications described in §51.303 of this chapter (relating to Specifications for Adaptive Aids).

(b) The individual must make the same specifications available to each bidder.

(c) If the individual is unable to obtain three bids, the individual must contact the case manager and explain why the individual could not obtain three bids. The individual must be prepared to provide specific information about his efforts to secure three bids.

§51.307.Enhancements to Adaptive Aids.

If the individual wants to proceed with the purchase of an adaptive aid that exceeds the cost or scope of the approved request, the individual is responsible for all costs associated with the enhancement.

§51.309.Vehicle Modifications and Adaptive Equipment.

(a) For the purpose of this chapter, vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment are considered adaptive aids, and the individual must follow the procurement procedures for adaptive aids in this division in addition to the requirements of this section.

(b) When requesting a vehicle modification, the individual provides the following information to the case manager:

(1) information on the vehicle to be modified, including:

(A) the year and model of the vehicle;

(B) proof of ownership;

(C) current state inspection and tags;

(D) applicable state insurance; and

(E) mileage;

(2) information on the needed modifications; and

(3) if the individual is not the owner of the vehicle, the individual must provide the vehicle owner's signed and dated written approval for the vehicle modification.

(c) When an individual requests a vehicle modification that costs $1,000 or more and the vehicle has been driven more than 100,000 miles or is more than four years old, the individual must submit to the case manager:

(1) a written evaluation by an experienced mechanic who is not the provider of the requested vehicle modification to document the sound mechanical condition of all major components of the vehicle; and

(2) documentation of the experience of the mechanic who performed the evaluation.

(d) Bids for a vehicle modification must include:

(1) an itemized list of parts and accessories, including their prices;

(2) an itemized list of required labor and charges; and

(3) information on warranty coverage.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501399

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


2. MINOR HOME MODIFICATIONS

40 TAC §§51.321, 51.323, 51.325, 51.327, 51.329, 51.331

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.321.Minor Home Modifications.

(a) Before undertaking a minor home modification, an individual must submit a request for the minor home modification to the case manager. For a minor home modification costing $1,000 or more, the request must include written specifications and bids as described in this division.

(b) The case manager notifies the individual upon approval or disapproval of the request. If the request is approved, the case manager notifies the individual of the approved dollar amount.

(c) In this division, individual means the individual or the individual's parent or guardian, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

§51.323.List of Minor Home Modifications.

(a) Minor home modifications covered under MDCP are limited to:

(1) the purchase and installation of permanent and portable ramps;

(2) widening of doorways;

(3) modifications to bathroom facilities; and

(4) modifications related to the approved installation or modification of ramps, doorways, or bathroom facilities.

(b) A minor home modification must not create a new structure or add square footage to the home.

§51.325.Specifications for Minor Home Modifications.

(a) For a minor home modification costing $1,000 or more, an individual must obtain written specifications. The individual may obtain separate written specifications when different contractors will complete different parts of the modification.

(b) A person with home modification experience must prepare the written specifications. The individual must document the experience of the person preparing the specifications and submit the documentation to the case manager with the request for the minor home modification.

(c) The individual must record the specifications on a single document that includes:

(1) the individual's name and address;

(2) a description of the home modification being specified;

(3) the written specifications, including any applicable local regulations, any construction requirements, and any applicable Texas Accessibility Standards;

(4) the printed name and dated signature of the person who prepared the written specifications; and

(5) the individual's dated signature.

§51.327.Owner Approval for Minor Home Modifications.

An individual must obtain written approval for a minor home modification from the property owner (if leasing or renting) before submitting the request to the case manager, unless the individual's lease or rental agreement for the property specifically allows for modifications. Owner approval must be recorded on a single document that includes:

(1) the name and address of the person receiving MDCP services;

(2) a description of the minor home modification;

(3) the individual's approval of the modification;

(4) the individual's dated signature;

(5) the property owner's approval or disapproval of the modification as described in the written specifications; and

(6) the property owner's printed name and dated signature.

§51.329.Bids for Minor Home Modifications.

(a) For a modification costing $1,000 or more, an individual must obtain a minimum of three written bids based on the written specifications described in §51.325 of this chapter (relating to Specifications for Minor Home Modifications).

(b) The individual must make the same specifications available to each bidder. Multiple modifications may be included in one bid if the same contractor will be doing the multiple modifications as one job.

(c) If the individual is unable to obtain three bids, the individual must contact the case manager to provide documentation to support the lack of three bids and explain why the individual could not obtain three bids. The individual must be prepared to provide specific information about all efforts to secure three bids.

§51.331.Enhancements to Minor Home Modifications.

If an individual wants to proceed with a minor home modification that exceeds the cost or scope of the approved request, the individual is responsible for obtaining new written specifications and for all costs associated with the enhancement.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501400

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter D. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS

1. CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS

40 TAC §§51.401, 51.403, 51.405, 51.407

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.401.Contracting Requirements.

(a) General contracting requirements. A provider must:

(1) meet all provisions described in:

(A) this chapter;

(B) Chapter 49 of this title (relating to Contracting for Community Care Services); and

(C) Chapter 69 of this title (relating to Contract Administration);

(2) be contracted with DADS to provide MDCP services;

(3) operate within the scope of its:

(A) licensure;

(B) accreditation;

(C) education; or

(D) experience; and

(4) meet all local, state, and federal regulations.

(b) Specific contracting requirements.

(1) A home and community support services agency must be licensed in the personal assistance services, licensed home health, or licensed and certified home health categories of licensure.

(2) An independently contracted LVN must be licensed by the BNE or hold a license from another state recognized by the BNE to practice vocational nursing in Texas. An independently contracted RN must be licensed by the BNE or hold a license from another state recognized by the BNE to practice professional nursing in the state of Texas.

(3) A host family must be licensed as a foster home by DFPS or verified by a child-placing agency that is licensed by DFPS.

(4) An adaptive aid provider must be:

(A) enrolled with DADS as a provider of durable medical equipment;

(B) an entity that sells its products directly; and

(C) approved by the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services to install van lifts (if applicable).

(5) A minor home modification provider must be a general contractor registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission.

(6) A provider contracted to provide consumer directed services must comply with the requirements in Chapter 41 of this title (relating to Vendor Fiscal Intermediary Payments).

(7) A transition assistance services provider must meet the requirements in Chapter 62 of this title (relating to Contracting to Provide Transition Assistance Services).

(8) A camp must be licensed and accredited by the American Camping Association.

(9) Other entities that contract to provide MDCP services must maintain any applicable license.

§51.403.Use of Third-Party Resources.

A provider must attempt to access services through any third-party resource available to the individual before using MDCP resources. The provider must maintain documentation in the individual's file showing clearly that services were requested correctly and were denied by the third-party resource.

§51.405.Monitoring Medicaid Eligibility.

(a) Each month, the provider must verify the individual's Medicaid eligibility. The provider may verify the individual's Medicaid eligibility by:

(1) viewing the individual's Medicaid Identification form; or

(2) using the current systems available through HHSC to verify eligibility.

(b) DADS does not reimburse the provider for services delivered to someone who was not eligible for Medicaid at the time services were delivered.

§51.407.Written Information.

The provider must send by mail, fax, or hand-delivery any written information that DADS requires of the provider. DADS does not accept e-mail delivery, unless the provider subsequently sends the original document to DADS by mail, fax, or hand-delivery.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501401

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


2. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROVIDERS

40 TAC §§51.411, 51.413, 51.415, 51.417, 51.419

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.411.General Service Delivery Requirements.

(a) A provider must provide services as indicated on the service authorization form.

(b) A respite or adjunct support services provider must provide services as indicated on the service authorization form and according to the service schedule.

(c) A provider must have an alternative service delivery plan in case the provider is unable to deliver services as scheduled.

(d) The provider must ensure that an attendant, RN, or LVN provides MDCP services to only one individual during the time scheduled for the individual.

§51.413.Response to Service Authorization.

(a) A provider must receive the service authorization form from the case manager before delivering services.

(b) Within 14 days after receiving the service authorization form, the provider must send the case manager:

(1) a signed copy of the service authorization form; and

(2) a signed copy of the practitioner's orders. This paragraph applies only to a respite or adjunct support services provider that is:

(A) a home and community support services agency using:

(i) an RN;

(ii) an LVN; or

(iii) an attendant with delegated nursing tasks; or

(B) an independently contracted RN or LVN.

§51.415.Notification to the Individual.

(a) Within 14 days of receiving the service authorization form, a provider must give the following information to the individual:

(1) the provider's alternative service delivery plan in case the provider is unable to deliver services as scheduled;

(2) the individual's right to change providers;

(3) the procedure to file a complaint about the provider, in accordance with §49.17 of this title (relating to Complaint Procedures); and

(4) the procedure to report abuse and neglect.

(b) The provider must notify the individual in writing on or before the service initiation date if the provider is unable to provide services as indicated on the service authorization form or has any limitations in delivery of services.

(c) After the service initiation date, the provider must notify the individual orally or in writing at least five days before suspending services as referenced in §51.419 of this chapter (relating to Service Suspensions). If the provider's first notification is oral, the provider must send written notification to the individual within five working days of the first notification.

§51.417.Notification to the Case Manager.

(a) Required notification. A provider must notify the case manager if:

(1) the individual's primary caregiver refuses to comply with the IPC;

(2) the provider is unable to verify the individual's Medicaid eligibility as required in §51.405 of this chapter (relating to Monitoring Medicaid Eligibility);

(3) the provider is unable to begin services on the service initiation date. This notification must include:

(A) an explanation of why there is a delay in the service initiation date; and

(B) an expected date that services will begin; or

(4) the provider makes any changes in service delivery.

(b) Method and deadline for notification.

(1) The provider must notify the case manager orally or by fax about any circumstance described in subsection (a) of this section no later than one working day after awareness.

(2) If the provider's notification is oral, the provider must speak directly with the case manager. If the provider is unable to speak directly with the case manager, the provider may leave a telephone message. If the provider leaves a telephone message, the provider must document all attempts to meet the deadline and make a follow-up contact with the case manager within one working day.

(3) If the provider's notification is oral, the provider must send written notification to the case manager within five working days of the oral notification.

§51.419.Service Suspensions.

(a) Required service suspensions. A provider must suspend services to an individual if or when the individual:

(1) is admitted for purposes other than respite services to:

(A) a hospital (if the services are provided by an RN or an LVN);

(B) a nursing facility (if the services are provided by an RN or an LVN);

(C) a state mental retardation facility;

(D) a state mental health facility;

(E) a rehabilitation hospital; or

(F) an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions; or

(2) someone in the individual's residence exhibits reckless behavior that may result in imminent danger to the health and safety of the individual, the provider, or another person. If this occurs the provider must make an immediate referral to:

(A) DFPS or other appropriate protective services agency;

(B) local law enforcement; and

(C) the case manager.

(b) Other service suspensions. A provider may suspend services to an individual:

(1) if the individual or someone in the individual's residence discriminates against a provider or a DADS employee; or

(2) if the individual refuses to follow the practitioner's orders as they pertain to MDCP services.

(c) Notification of service suspension. The provider must notify the case manager orally or by fax about a service suspension no later than one working day after services are suspended. If the provider's notification is oral, the provider must send written notification to the case manager within five working days of the first notification.

(d) Notification requirements. The notification must include:

(1) the date of service suspension;

(2) the reason for the suspension;

(3) the duration of the suspension, if known; and

(4) an explanation of the provider's attempts to resolve the problem that caused the suspension, including the reason why the problem was not resolved. This subparagraph applies only to circumstances described in subsections (a)(2) and (b) of this section.

(e) Resuming services after a suspension. The provider must resume services after a suspension:

(1) on the date specified in writing by the case manager;

(2) upon the individual's return home from an institution listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section; or

(3) on the date the provider becomes aware of the individual's return home.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501402

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


3. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR RESPITE AND ADJUNCT SUPPORT SERVICES

40 TAC §51.421

The new section is proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.421.Requirements for Attendants.

(a) When an individual selects his attendant, the home and community support services agency (HCSSA) provider may hire that attendant if the attendant:

(1) meets minimum qualifications of the HCSSA for the service required as specified in Chapter 97 of this title (relating to Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies);

(2) is willing to be employed by the HCSSA; and

(3) is determined by the HCSSA RN to be competent to deliver the service according to the IPC.

(b) A provider must not hire or employ an attendant if that attendant is:

(1) the parent or guardian of the individual; or

(2) a person who lives in the individual's residence.

(c) A provider who employs an attendant for an individual must:

(1) provide the attendant with individual-specific information and training in the individual's residence on all tasks that the attendant will perform;

(2) deliver the training according to the requirements described in §97.245 of this title (relating to Staffing Policies); and

(3) document:

(A) when the training was conducted; and

(B) the tasks covered in the training.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501403

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


4. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR HOST FAMILIES

40 TAC §51.431, §51.433

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.431.Host Family Requirements.

(a) The host family must not provide services in its residence to more than four persons unrelated to the individual at one time.

(b) The host family must ensure that:

(1) the individual participates in age-appropriate community activities; and

(2) the host family home environment is healthy and safe for the individual.

(c) The host family must provide services in a residence that the host family owns or leases. The residence must be a typical residence in the neighborhood and must meet the needs of the individual.

§51.433.Host Family Duties.

(a) The host family must provide services to the individual as authorized on the IPC, including:

(1) direct personal assistance with activities of daily living;

(2) assistance with meal planning and preparation;

(3) assistance with housekeeping;

(4) assistance with communication and mobility;

(5) reinforcement of behavioral, educational, and therapeutic activities;

(6) assistance with medication and the performance of tasks;

(7) supervision for the individual's safety;

(8) transportation related to routine family activities; and

(9) assistance with participation in community activities.

(b) The host family must:

(1) allow the individual's family members and friends access to the individual without arbitrary restrictions, unless exceptional conditions are justified, documented in the IPC, and approved by the case manager;

(2) assist a school-age individual in receiving educational services provided by the local school district in a six-hour-per-day program five days a week, unless the individual's practitioner or the school system justifies a reduced schedule;

(3) ensure that a preschool-age individual receives an early childhood education with appropriate activities and services, including small group and individual play with peers without disabilities, unless justification for not participating in such activities is documented and approved by the case manager;

(4) provide the individual with age-appropriate activities that enhance self-esteem and maximize functional level; and

(5) ensure that the individual receives medical care prescribed by a practitioner, including:

(A) doctors' appointments;

(B) medications;

(C) evaluations, therapies, and treatment; and

(D) laboratory work and other medical tests.

(c) Each month, the host family must provide progress notes to the case manager, including a summary of:

(1) socialization activities;

(2) use of third-party resources;

(3) other services included on the IPC; and

(4) documentation of justification for a reduced school schedule as required in subsection (b)(2) of 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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501404

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


5. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES

40 TAC §51.441

The new section is proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.441.Consumer Directed Services.

(a) This section applies only to a provider serving an individual who chooses service delivery through consumer directed services.

(b) The consumer directed services payment option may only be used for respite or adjunct support services provided by an attendant.

(c) An RN or LVN employed by a provider that is a home and community support services agency is not responsible for supervising any task listed in Government Code, §531.051(h) when an individual enrolled in consumer directed services or the individual's parent or guardian chooses to supervise any of those tasks.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501405

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


6. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSITION ASSISTANCE SERVICES

40 TAC §51.451

The new section is proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.451.Transition Assistance Services.

(a) Provider requirement. A provider must complete transition assistance services at least two days before an individual's discharge from a nursing facility and in accordance with Chapter 62 of this title (relating to Contracting to Provide Transition Assistance Services). Transition assistance services can be delivered only once in a person's lifetime.

(b) Required notification. If a provider cannot complete transition assistance services at least two days before the individual's discharge from the nursing facility, the provider must notify the case manager before the discharge date by speaking directly with the case manager to:

(1) give a description of the pending services;

(2) state the reason for the delay;

(3) give an anticipated date of service delivery or state why the provider cannot anticipate a delivery date; and

(4) give a description of the provider's efforts to deliver the 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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501406

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


7. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADAPTIVE AIDS

40 TAC §§51.461, 51.463, 51.465

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.461.Delivery of Adaptive Aids.

(a) The provider must deliver the adaptive aid that meets the written specifications.

(b) The provider must:

(1) deliver the adaptive aid within 30 working days of one of the following dates, whichever is later:

(A) the effective date of the IPC; or

(B) the date the provider receives and date stamps the service authorization form; or

(2) notify the individual and the case manager in writing of any delay in completing delivery of the adaptive aid, the reason for the delay, and the new proposed date of delivery.

(A) The individual and the case manager must receive the notification on or before the 30th working day described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(B) If DADS determines the documented reason for the delay is outside the provider's control, the provider is considered to be in compliance with this section.

§51.463.Follow-up After Delivery of Adaptive Aids.

(a) Within seven working days from the date the adaptive aid is delivered, the provider must contact the individual to:

(1) verify the delivery of the adaptive aid;

(2) determine and document the individual's satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the adaptive aid; and

(3) orient the individual on the use of the adaptive aid.

(b) The provider must make a home visit if the individual is dissatisfied with the adaptive aid or needs additional training or orientation on its use. If the provider can resolve the dissatisfaction, the provider must do so within seven working days of the home visit. If the provider cannot resolve the dissatisfaction, the provider must contact the case manager within seven working days of the home visit.

(c) Within 14 working days of the initial contact required in subsection (a) of this section, the provider must complete the home visit and document delivery of the adaptive aid as described in §51.505 of this chapter (relating to Purchase Completion Documentation).

§51.465.Reimbursement of Adaptive Aids.

To be reimbursed for an adaptive aid, the provider must:

(1) complete purchase documentation as described in §51.505 of this chapter (relating to Purchase Completion Documentation);

(2) submit a claim to the entity designated by HHSC to process claims payments when the adaptive aid is delivered;

(3) maintain complete documentation of services delivered; and

(4) ensure that the claim submitted is for expenses incurred before the death or ineligibility of the individual.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501407

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


8. SERVICE DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS FOR MINOR HOME MODIFICATIONS

40 TAC §§51.471, 51.473, 51.475, 51.477, 51.479

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.471.General Requirements.

(a) The provider must obtain all applicable building permits before starting a minor home modification.

(b) The provider must complete the minor home modification according to:

(1) the written specifications;

(2) Texas Accessibility Standards; and

(3) any other agreement signed by all parties before the job began.

(c) The provider must not hire or reimburse a spouse, parent, or guardian of an individual for work related to the modification, including preparation of the written specifications and the inspection.

§51.473.Time Frames for Completion of Minor Home Modifications.

The provider must:

(1) ensure completion of the minor home modification within 30 working days of one of the following dates, whichever is later:

(A) the effective date of the IPC; or

(B) the date the provider receives and date stamps the service authorization form; or

(2) notify the individual and the case manager in writing of any delay in completion of the modification, the reason for the delay, and the new proposed date of completion.

(A) The notification must be received on or before the 30th working day described in paragraph (1) of this section.

(B) If DADS determines the documented reason for the delay is outside the provider's control, the provider is considered to be in compliance with this section.

§51.475.Inspection and Follow-Up.

(a) The provider must ensure that someone who did not complete the minor home modification inspects the minor home modification.

(b) The inspection must be made on-site within seven working days of the completion date to determine whether the modification:

(1) was completed;

(2) is in compliance with Texas Accessibility Standards and any other applicable standards or codes; and

(3) is in compliance with the written specifications, if applicable.

(c) For requirements concerning reimbursement of the inspection fee, see §51.477 of this chapter (relating to Reimbursement of Minor Home Modifications).

(d) Within seven working days of the date a completed minor home modification is inspected, the provider must contact the individual to:

(1) verify the completion of the minor home modification; and

(2) determine and document the individual's satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the minor home modification.

(e) The provider must make a home visit if the individual is dissatisfied with the minor home modification. If the provider can resolve the dissatisfaction, the provider must do so within seven working days of the home visit. If the provider cannot resolve the dissatisfaction, the provider must contact the case manager within seven working days of the home visit.

(f) Within 14 working days of the initial contact required in subsection (d) of this section, the provider must complete the home visit and document the completion and inspection of the minor home modification as described in §51.505 of this chapter (relating to Purchase Completion Documentation).

§51.477.Reimbursement of Minor Home Modifications.

(a) Reimbursement for inspection. The fee for inspecting a minor home modification, not to exceed $150, is reimbursable as part of the modification. The inspection fee must be approved as part of the bid.

(b) Reimbursement for completed minor home modifications. The provider must:

(1) complete and maintain documentation that the modification, including the inspection, is completed and approved, as described in §51.505 of this chapter (relating to Purchase Completion Documentation);

(2) submit a claim to the entity designated by HHSC to process claims payments when the minor home modification is completed and passes the inspection described in §51.475(a) and (b) of this chapter (relating to Inspection and Follow-Up); and

(3) maintain documentation that:

(A) the claim submitted is for expenses incurred before the death or ineligibility of the individual; and

(B) all subcontractors have been paid.

§51.479.Accountability for Minor Home Modifications.

The provider is responsible for all repairs or replacement of a minor home modification during the first year after completion, unless the individual or the individual's family members caused the need for repair or replacement. If the individual or the individual's family members caused the need for repair or replacement, then the individual or the individual's parent or guardian is responsible for the repair or replacement.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501408

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter E. CLAIMS PAYMENT AND DOCUMENTATION

40 TAC §§51.501, 51.503, 51.505, 51.507, 51.509, 51.511, 51.513, 51.515

The new sections are proposed under Government Code §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including the Department of Aging and Disability Services; Human Resources Code §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by the department; and Government Code §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal medical assistance funds and to plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections affect the Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and the Human Resources Code §161.021.

§51.501.Service Delivery Record.

A respite or adjunct support services provider must maintain a service delivery record that contains the following:

(1) the individual's name;

(2) the individual's Medicaid number;

(3) the IPC year;

(4) the provider's name and vendor number;

(5) the name of the person providing services and any applicable credentials;

(6) the authorized service and description from the IPC;

(7) the tasks assigned;

(8) the dates of service delivery; and

(9) the units of service delivered.

§51.503.In-Home Record.

(a) A respite or adjunct support services provider must maintain an in-home record in the individual's residence that contains:

(1) service delivery records from the last seven days of service;

(2) the individual's practitioner's name and telephone number;

(3) a signed copy of the Client's Rights and Responsibilities form;

(4) a written evacuation plan;

(5) emergency contact numbers;

(6) an alternative service delivery plan for provider coverage;

(7) contact numbers for reporting complaints, abuse, or neglect;

(8) practitioner's orders for any skilled care or tasks, medications, or delegated tasks, signed within the preceding 12 months, if applicable; and

(9) if applicable, signed and dated nursing notes that must include the following information:

(A) medication administration or treatment;

(B) nursing interventions completed according to practitioner's orders; and

(C) the nursing assessment completed at the beginning of each shift.

(b) If a provider delivers services that will be reimbursed by a third-party resource, the in-home record must specify the date and time those services were delivered.

§51.505.Purchase Completion Documentation.

(a) An adaptive aid or minor home modification provider must record the completion of purchase for a minor home modification or an adaptive aid on a single document that includes:

(1) the name of the individual and the individual's parent or guardian, if applicable;

(2) the individual's address;

(3) a description of the modification or adaptive aid;

(4) the date of completion or delivery;

(5) a statement of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the minor home modification or adaptive aid; and

(6) the provider's name and vendor number.

(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, the minor home modification provider must include the following on the purchase completion document:

(1) the name and qualifications of the inspector;

(2) whether the minor home modification was:

(A) completed according to Texas Accessibility Standards; and

(B) completed according to any required written specifications;

(3) the inspector's dated signature; and

(4) the individual's dated signature.

(c) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, the adaptive aid provider must include the following on the purchase completion document:

(1) the name and title of the person completing the orientation on the adaptive aid; and

(2) the date of the orientation on the adaptive aid.

(d) If the provider must make a home visit to the individual due to the individual's dissatisfaction or to provide additional orientation, the provider must send a copy of the purchase completion documentation to the case manager within seven working days of the home visit.

(e) After all purchase completion documentation activities are complete, the provider's representative must sign and date the purchase completion document referenced in subsection (a) of this section and submit it to the case manager within seven working days of the dated signature.

§51.507.Reimbursement.

(a) General billing requirements. The provider must bill DADS for services provided as described in §49.41 of this title (related to Billings and Claims Payment).

(b) Unit rate. The provider must agree to accept and DADS will pay only the unit rate established by HHSC.

(c) Documentation. The provider must maintain the documentation described in this chapter to be eligible for reimbursement.

§51.509.Claims and Service Delivery Records.

(a) The provider must ensure that the claim for reimbursement corresponds to the provider's service authorization form and service delivery records and that the records contain:

(1) the IPC and attachments; and

(2) documentation of services delivered.

(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, the minor home modification provider's records must contain:

(1) receipts from the subcontractor (if applicable) for the completed minor home modification, documenting the date of completion and the cost of the modification;

(2) any applicable building permits;

(3) written specifications, if required;

(4) written approval from the homeowner for the minor home modification made; and

(5) purchase completion documentation, as described in §51.505 of this chapter (relating to Purchase Completion Documentation).

(c) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, an adaptive aid provider's records must contain:

(1) written approval from the vehicle owner for any vehicle modification made; and

(2) purchase completion documentation, as described in §51.505 of this chapter.

§51.511.Billable Time and Activities.

The provider may bill for and DADS will approve payment for:

(1) respite services;

(2) adjunct support services;

(3) minor home modifications, including:

(A) cost of labor;

(B) materials;

(C) sales tax;

(D) actual cost of written specification development up to $200; and

(E) actual cost of the inspection up to $150;

(4) adaptive aids, including:

(A) invoice cost of the item;

(B) actual cost, when the item is purchased through a supplier; and

(C) sales tax; and

(5) transition assistance services.

§51.513.Non-billable Time and Activities.

A provider must not bill for and DADS will not approve payment for:

(1) more than 16 hours of services provided by the same person within a 24-hour period;

(2) services provided to any family member other than the individual;

(3) time spent filing claims for services;

(4) travel to and from the individual's home;

(5) processing paperwork or completing records or reports;

(6) services not approved by authorized DADS staff;

(7) the cost of making a home visit that is not included in the bid (for example, to perform orientation or make adjustments to an adaptive aid);

(8) the delivery charge for an adaptive aid;

(9) office equipment, supplies, and other office expenses, including:

(A) fax machines;

(B) printers and copiers;

(C) scanners; and

(D) Internet and e-mail services;

(10) a repair covered under a warranty;

(11) a minor home modification that does not pass inspection;

(12) interest or other charges on past due expenses;

(13) property or income taxes; or

(14) insurance coverage or benefits payments, such as:

(A) life insurance;

(B) accidental insurance;

(C) death benefits;

(D) burial policies;

(E) funeral expenses; or

(F) home insurance coverage or deductibles.

§51.515.Record Keeping.

(a) General record-keeping requirements. The provider must maintain records according to:

(1) Chapter 49 of this title (relating to Contracting for Community Care Services);

(2) Chapter 69 of this title (relating to Contract Administration); and

(3) the terms of the contract.

(b) Program-specific records. The provider must maintain records that demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

(c) Financial records. The provider must maintain financial records:

(1) to support billing for payment under §51.507 of this chapter (relating to Reimbursement);

(2) to document the receipt of the reimbursement. The documentation must include:

(A) the amount of the reimbursement;

(B) the voucher number;

(C) the warrant number;

(D) the date of receipt; and

(E) any other information necessary to trace deposits of reimbursements and payment made from the reimbursements in the provider's accounting system (if applicable); and

(3) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and DADS procedures. A provider's financial records must include the following, as applicable:

(A) deposit slips, bank statements, cancelled checks, and receipts;

(B) purchase orders;

(C) invoices;

(D) journals and ledgers;

(E) payroll and tax records;

(F) service delivery documentation;

(G) Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor records and other government records and forms;

(H) records of insurance coverage, claims, and payments (for example, medical, liability, fire and casualty, and workers' compensation);

(I) equipment inventory records;

(J) records of the provider's internal accounting procedures;

(K) chart of accounts, as defined by GAAP; and

(L) records of the provider's company policies.

(d) Subcontractor records. The provider must maintain invoices, contracts, and service delivery records on all subcontractors. Maintenance of all records to support claims is the responsibility of the provider.

(e) Failure to maintain records. Failure to maintain records as required in this section may result in:

(1) corrective action plans;

(2) vendor hold as described in §49.61(b) of this title (relating to Sanctions); or

(3) other action that DADS deems necessary or appropriate.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501409

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 95. MEDICATION AIDES--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

40 TAC §§95.101, 95.103, 95.107, 95.109, 95.111, 95.113, 95.115, 95.117, 95.119, 95.121, 95.123, 95.125, 95.127, 95.128

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), to amend §95.101, concerning purpose and definitions; §95.103, concerning requirements for administering medications; §95.107, concerning training requirements, nursing graduates, and reciprocity; §95.109, concerning application procedures; §95.111, concerning examinations; §95.113, concerning determination of eligibility; §95.115, concerning permit renewal; §95.117, concerning notification of changes; §95.119, concerning training program requirements; §95.121, concerning permitting of persons with criminal backgrounds; §95.123, concerning violations, complaints, and disciplinary actions; §95.125, concerning requirements for correctional institutions; §95.127, concerning application processing; and §95.128, concerning home health medication aides, in Chapter 95, Medication Aides--Program Requirements.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is, in part, to implement legislation enacted by the 78th Texas Legislature regarding medication aides in facilities and to reflect current DADS procedures. The amendments also correct references to statutes, other rules, and agency names.

Throughout the proposal, the name of the Texas Department of Human Services is amended to reflect the name of the agency that now administers the medication aide permit program, which is the Department of Aging and Disability Services. The proposal also replaces references to the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, and corrects the statutory citation governing medication aides in facilities from Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter F, to Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N.

The amendments to §95.107 and §95.111 amend the due dates for various actions in the permit application and renewal processes from "within 45 days" to "by the date given" to reflect actual DADS procedures. Proposed §95.109(c)(1)(C) and §95.115(c)(2) - (5) expand the permit renewal fee structure to institute late renewal fees for a permit holder who applies to renew his permit less than one year after his permit has expired or who wishes to reinstate his permit after working as a medication aide in another state. The amendment to §95.111 also establishes DADS' procedures for notifying an applicant of the results of an examination and allows an applicant who fails an exam to request an analysis of his performance on the exam.

The proposed amendment to §95.115: (1) establishes DADS' procedure for a staggered licensing renewal system and removes references to all permits expiring on December 31 of each year; (2) prohibits a person whose permit has expired from working as a medication aide until the permit has been renewed; (3) allows a permit holder to renew an unexpired permit by paying the renewal fee to DADS before the expiration date; (4) provides a time frame and fee structure for assessing late renewal fees; and (5) changes the permissible time period for permit renewal from up to two years after expiration to no more than one year after expiration.

The amendment to §95.123(c) establishes DADS' procedures for revoking, suspending, or refusing to renew a permit for a permit holder who violates Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, or the rules governing medication aides, and for placing on probation a person whose permit is suspended.

The proposed amendments to §95.109 and §95.128(n) require payment of an application fee or a renewal fee by cashier's check or money order only and delete references in §95.128 to procedures to be followed if a personal check is not honored by a financial institution.

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for each of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, there are fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections. There are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of local governments.

The effect on state government for the first five years the sections are in effect is an estimated additional cost of $16,400 in fiscal year (FY) 2006, $0 in FY 2007, $0 in FY 2008, $0 in FY 2009, and $0 in FY 2010; and an estimated increase in revenue of $41,895 in FY 2006, $41,895 in FY 2007, $41,895 in FY 2008, $41,895 in FY 2009, and $41,895 in FY 2010.

Veronda Durden, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect: (1) the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amended sections is the promulgation of rules that reflect current agency names and DADS procedures for permitting medication aides, and that are consistent with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N; and (2) the late renewal fees required in §95.115(c) will impose an economic cost on active medication aides who are eligible for permit renewal but who fail to renew their permits by the expiration date.

DADS has determined that: (1) there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments, because the proposal does not affect small businesses or micro-businesses; (2) the amendments will not affect a local economy; and (3) the proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Lynette Sanders at (512) 231-5810 in DADS' Licensing and Credentialing Section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-013, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the executive commissioner of HHSC shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, which authorizes DADS to regulate the administration of medication by home and community support services agencies, including the regulation of medication aides who are employed by home and community support services agencies; and Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, which authorizes DADS to regulate the administration of medication in nursing and other facilities, including the regulation of medication aides in nursing and other facilities.

The amendments implement the Texas Government Code, §531.0055; the Human Resources Code, §161.021; and the Health and Safety Code, §§142.021 - 142.030 and §§242.601 - 242.614.

§95.101.Introduction.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions of the :

(1) Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], concerning the administration of medications to facility residents ; and

(2) Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, concerning the administration of medication by a home and community support services agency.

(b) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, [ must ] have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) (No change.)

(2) BNE--Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.

(3) DADS--Department of Aging and Disability Services.

(4) [ (2) ] Examination--A written competency evaluation for medication aides administered by DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ].

(5) [ (3) ] Facility--An institution licensed under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242; a state school as defined in the Health and Safety Code, §531.002(17) [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5547-201, §1.02(16) ]; a correctional institution as established under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation operated by a community mental retardation center established under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 534 [ a mental health and mental retardation program that is operated under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) and that meets the criteria in §95.103(b) of this title (relating to Requirements for Administering Medications) ]; or an assisted living facility [ and a personal care facility ] licensed under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247[ , that meets the criteria in §95.103(b) of this title (relating to Requirements for Administering Medications) ].

(6) [ (4) ] Licensed nurse-- A [ An individual licensed as a ] licensed vocational nurse or a licensed registered nurse.

(7) [ (5) ] Licensed vocational nurse--A person licensed by the BNE, or who holds a license from another state recognized by the BNE, to practice vocational nursing in Texas [ nurse who is currently licensed by the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas ].

(8) [ (6) ] Medication aide--A person permitted by DADS [ DHS ] to administer medications to facility residents or to persons served by home and community support services agencies .

(9) [ (7) ] Misappropriation of resident property--The deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful [ , ] temporary or permanent use of a resident's belongings or money without the resident's consent.

(10) [ (8) ] Neglect--The failure to provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness.

(11) [ (9) ] Non-licensed direct care staff--Employees of facilities other than Medicare- skilled nursing facilities or Medicaid nursing facilities who are primarily involved in the delivery of services to assist with residents' activities of daily living or [ and/or ] active treatment programs.

(12) [ (10) ] Nurse aide--An individual who [ certified to provide nursing or nursing-related services to residents in a facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This individual ] has completed a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP) approved by the state as meeting the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter 42, §§483.151 - 483.154, or has been determined competent as provided in 42 CFR, §483.150(a) and (b), and is listed as certified on DADS' [ the ] nurse aide registry [ of DHS ]. [ This definition does not include an individual who is a licensed health professional, a registered dietitian, a non-licensed direct staff person, or who volunteers such services without monetary compensation. ]

(13) [ (11) ] Registered nurse (RN)-- A person licensed by the BNE, or who holds a license from another state recognized by the BNE, [ An individual currently licensed by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners ] to practice professional nursing in Texas .

(14) [ (12) ] Registered pharmacist--An individual currently licensed by the Texas Board of Pharmacy to practice pharmacy.

(15) [ (13) ] Training program--A program approved by DADS [ DHS ] to instruct individuals to act as medication aides.

§95.103.Requirements for Administering Medications.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Supervision and applicable law and rules. A permit holder must function under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse on duty or on call by the facility using the permit holder. A permit holder must:

(1) (No change.)

(2) comply with DADS [ Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] rules applicable to personnel used in a facility.

(c) Governmental employees. Governmental employees may receive a permit to administer medications under this chapter as authorized by Health and Safety Code, §242.610(f) [ §242.154(f) ]:

(1) State school employees and employees of an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation operated by a community mental retardation center established under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 534 [ mental health and mental retardation programs operated under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) ] must comply with subsection (b) of this section and §§95.105, 95.107, 95.109, 95.111, 95.113, 95.115, 95.117, 95.119, 95.121, and 95.123 of this title (relating to Allowable and Prohibited Practices of a Permit Holder; Training Requirements, Nursing Graduates, Reciprocity; Application Procedures; Examination; Determination of Eligibility; Permit Renewal; Changes; Training Program Requirements; Permitting of Persons with Criminal Backgrounds; and Violations, Complaints, and Disciplinary Actions).

(2) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

(e) Exemptions [ Other exemptions ].

(1) A person may administer medication to a resident in a facility without the license or permit as required in subsection (a) of this section, if the person is:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) a graduate vocational nurse holding a temporary permit issued by the BNE [ Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners ];

(D) (No change.)

(E) a trainee in a medication aide training program approved by DADS [ DHS ] under this chapter who is administering medications as part of the trainee's clinical experience.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

§95.107.Training Requirements; Nursing Graduates; Reciprocity.

(a) Each applicant for a permit issued under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], must complete a training program unless the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (c) or (d) of this section.

(b) (No change.)

(c) A person who is attending or has attended an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirement for issuance of a permit under this chapter if the person:

(1) (No change.)

(2) successfully completed courses at the nursing school that [ which ] cover DADS' [ the Texas Department of Human Services' (DHS's) ] curriculum for a medication aide training program;

(3) submits a statement on the form provided by DADS that [ DHS which ] is signed by the nursing school's administrator or other authorized individual and certifies that the person completed the courses specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection. The administrator is responsible for determining that the courses he certifies cover DADS' [ DHS's ] curriculum. The statement must be submitted with the person's application for a permit and permit application fee as provided in §95.109 of this title (relating to Application Procedures); and

(4) (No change.)

(d) A person who is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirement for issuance of a permit under this chapter provided the date of graduation from the nursing school was no earlier than January 1 of the year immediately preceding the year of application for a permit under this chapter.

(1) The graduate must submit an [ An ] official application form [ must be submitted ] to DADS [ DHS by the graduate ]. The applicant must meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1) - (4) of this section.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(4) DADS acknowledges [ DHS must acknowledge ] receipt of the application by sending [ forwarding to ] the applicant a copy of this chapter and DADS' [ DHS's ] open book examination.

(5) The applicant must complete the open book examination and return it to DADS by the date given in the examination notice [ within 45 days to DHS ].

(6) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] written examination. DADS denies the application of an [ Any ] applicant failing to schedule and take the examination by the date given in [ within 45 days of ] the examination notice [ may have his application voided ].

(7) An open-book or written examination may [ must ] not be retaken if the applicant fails.

(8) Upon successful completion of the two examinations, DADS evaluates [ DHS must evaluate ] all application documents submitted by the applicant.

(9) DADS notifies [ DHS must notify ] the applicant in writing of the examination results.

(e) A person who holds a valid license, registration, certificate, or permit as a medication aide issued by another state whose minimum standards or requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements of this chapter in effect at the time of application, may request a waiver of the training program requirement as follows: [ . ]

(1) The applicant must submit an [ An ] official application form [ must be submitted ] to DADS [ DHS by the applicant ]. The applicant must meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1) - (4) of this section.

(2) The application must be accompanied by the permit application fee required [ as set out ] in §95.109(c) of this title [ (relating to Application Procedures) ].

(3) The application must include a current copy of the rules of the other state governing its licensing and regulation of medication aides, a copy of the legal authority (law, act, code, or other) for the state's licensing program, and a certified copy of the license or certificate for [ by ] which the reciprocal permit is requested.

(4) DADS acknowledges [ DHS must acknowledge ] receipt of the application by sending [ forwarding to ] the applicant a copy of this chapter and DADS' [ DHS's ] open book examination.

(5) DADS [ DHS ] may contact the issuing agency to verify the applicant's status with the agency.

(6) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] open-book examination and return it to DADS by the date given in the examination notice [ within 45 days to DHS ].

(7) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] written examination. The site of the examination is [ will be ] determined by DADS [ DHS ]. DADS denies the application of an [ Any ] applicant failing to schedule and take the examination by the date given in [ within 45 days of ] the examination notice [ may have his application voided ].

(8) An open-book or written examination may [ must ] not be retaken if the applicant fails.

(9) Upon successful completion of the two examinations, DADS evaluates [ DHS must evaluate ] all application documents submitted by the applicant.

(10) DADS notifies [ DHS must notify ] the applicant in writing of the examination results.

§95.109.Application Procedures.

(a) An applicant under §95.107(a) of this title (relating to Training Requirements; Nursing Graduates; Reciprocity) must submit to DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ], no later than 30 days after enrollment in a training program, an application, including all required information and documentation on DADS [ official DHS ] forms.

(b) DADS considers [ DHS will consider ] an application under subsection (a) of this section as officially submitted when DADS receives [ the applicant submits ] the permit application and examination fee.

(c) Payment of fees must be by cashier's check or money order made payable to the [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services. All fees are nonrefundable, except as provided by Government Code, Chapter 2005 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13(b)(1) ].

(1) The fee schedule is as follows:

(A) (No change.)

(B) renewal fee - $15; [ and ]

(C) late renewal fees for permit renewals made after the permit expires:

(i) $22.50 for an expired permit renewed from one to 90 days after expiration;

(ii) $30 for an expired permit renewed from 91 days to one year after expiration;

(iii) $30 for a former permit holder who meets the criteria in §95.115(c)(5) of this title (relating to Permit Renewal); and

(D) [ (C) ] permit replacement fee - $5.00.

(2) (No change.)

(d) All applicants must submit the following application materials.

(1) The general statement enrollment form must contain:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) a statement that the applicant understands that it is a misdemeanor to falsify any information submitted to DADS [ DHS ]; and

(F) (No change.)

(2) (No change.)

(e) DADS sends [ DHS will send ] a notice listing the additional materials required to an applicant who does not complete the application [ in a timely manner ]. An application not completed by the day of the medication aide final exam must be voided.

(f) DADS sends notice [ Notice ] of application acceptance or ineligibility, disapproval, or deficiency [ must be ] in accordance with §95.127 of this title (relating to Application Processing).

§95.111.Examination.

(a) DADS gives a [ A ] written examination [ must be given by the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] to each applicant at a site determined by DADS [ DHS ].

(1) The [ A final examination may not be given to an applicant until the ] applicant must meet [ has met ] the requirements of §95.107 of this title (relating to Training Requirements; Nursing Graduates; Reciprocity) and §95.109 of this title (relating to Application Procedures) before taking the written examination .

(2) The applicant is [ must be ] tested on the subjects taught in the training program curricula and clinical experience. The examination covers [ must cover ] an applicant's knowledge of accurate and safe drug therapy that will [ as it is to ] be administered to a facility's residents.

(3) (No change.)

(4) Staff of a training program must notify DADS [ DHS ] at least four weeks prior to its requested examination date.

(5) DADS determines [ DHS must determine ] the passing grade on the examination.

(6) If DADS grades or reviews the examination, DADS notifies the applicant of the results of the examination not later than the 30th day after the date the applicant took the examination.

(7) If a testing service grades or reviews the examination:

(A) DADS notifies the applicant of the results of the examination not later than the 14th day after the date DADS receives the results from the testing service; and

(B) if notice of the examination results will be delayed for longer than 90 days after the examination date, DADS notifies the applicant of the reasons for the delay before the 90th day.

(8) DADS may require a testing service to notify an applicant of the results of the applicant's examination.

(9) [ (6) ] DADS notifies in writing an [ An ] applicant who fails the examination [ must be notified in writing by DHS ].

(A) DADS may give an [ An ] applicant under §95.107(a) of this title one [ (relating to Training Requirements, Nursing Graduates; Reciprocity) may be given a ] subsequent examination, without additional payment of a fee, upon the applicant's written request to DADS [ DHS ].

(B) A subsequent examination must be completed by [ within 45 days from ] the date given in [ of ] the failure notification. The site of the examination is [ must be ] determined by DADS [ DHS ].

(C) DADS gives no further examinations [ Another examination must not be permitted ] if the student fails the subsequent examination, unless the student enrolls in and successfully completes another training program.

(D) If requested in writing by an applicant who fails the examination, DADS furnishes the applicant with an analysis of the applicant's performance on the examination.

(b) An applicant who is unable to attend the applicant's scheduled examination due to unforeseen circumstances may be given an examination at another time without payment of an additional fee upon the applicant's written request to DADS [ DHS ]. The examination must be completed within 45 days from the date of the originally scheduled examination. The rescheduled examination must be at a site determined by DADS [ DHS ].

(c) An applicant[ , ] whose application for a permit must be denied under §95.113 of this title (relating to Determination of Eligibility) [ , ] is ineligible to take the examination.

§95.113.Determination of Eligibility.

(a) DADS approves or denies each application for a permit [ The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) must receive and approve or deny all applications ].

(b) (No change.)

(c) DADS denies an [ An ] application for a permit [ must be denied ] if the person has:

(1) (No change.)

(2) failed to pass the examination prescribed by DADS [ DHS ], as set out in §95.111 of this chapter (relating to Examination);

(3) failed to or refused to properly complete or submit any application form or fee or deliberately presented false information on any form or document required by DADS [ DHS ];

(4) violated or conspired to violate the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], or any provision of this chapter; or

(5) (No change.)

(d) If , after review, DADS [ DHS ] determines that the application should not be approved, DADS gives [ DHS must give ] the applicant written notice of the reason for the proposed decision and of the opportunity for a formal hearing in accordance with §95.123(c)(3) [ §95.123(e) ] of this title (relating to Violations, Complaints, and Disciplinary Actions).

§95.115.Permit Renewal.

(a) General.

(1) When issued, an initial permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue [ until the end of the calendar year (December 31st) ].

(2) (No change.)

(3) Each permit holder is responsible for renewing the permit before the expiration date[ , the last day of December ]. Failure to receive notification from DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] prior to the expiration date of the permit does [ must ] not excuse the permit holder's failure to file for timely renewal.

(4) A permit holder must complete a seven-clock-hour continuing education program approved by DADS [ DHS ] prior to expiration of the permit in order to renew the permit. Continuing education hours are not required for the first renewal. After a permit is renewed for the first time, the permit holder must earn [ begin earning ] approved continuing education hours to have the permit renewed again .

(5) DADS denies [ DHS must deny ] renewal of the permit of a permit holder who is in violation of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], or this chapter at the time of application for renewal.

(6) A person whose permit has expired may not engage in activities that require a permit until the permit has been renewed.

(b) Permit renewal procedures.

(1) After receiving proof of the successful completion of the seven-clock-hour continuing education requirement, DADS sends [ DHS will send ] to the permit holder, at the address listed in DADS' [ DHS's ] records, notice of the expiration date of the permit and the amount of the renewal fee due and a renewal form that [ which ] the permit holder must complete and return with the required renewal fee. If DADS [ DHS ] does not receive proof of the successful completion of the continuing education requirement, DADS sends [ DHS will send ] the permit holder a reminder notice about the required continuing education hours.

(2) The renewal form includes [ must include ] the preferred mailing address of the permit holder and information on certain misdemeanor and felony convictions. It must be signed by the permit holder.

(3) DADS issues [ DHS must issue ] a renewal permit to a permit holder who has met all requirements for renewal.

(4) A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a permit may renew an unexpired permit by paying the required renewal fee to DADS before the expiration date of the permit [ A permit must not be renewed if the permit holder does not complete the required seven-clock-hour continuing education requirement. Successful completion must be determined by the student's instructor. An individual who does not meet the continuing education requirement must complete a new program, application, and examination in accordance with the requirements of this chapter ].

(c) Late renewal procedures.

(1) A person whose permit has been expired for less than one year [ two years ] may renew the permit by submitting to DADS [ DHS ]:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) proof of having earned, during the expired period, seven hours in an approved continuing education program for each year, or part of a year, since the permit [ was last renewed or ] expired; and

(D) (No change.)

(2) A person whose permit has been expired for 90 days or less must pay DADS the late renewal fee stated in §95.109(c)(1)(C)(i) of this title (relating to Permit Renewal) [ A permit that is not renewed during the two years after expiration may not be renewed ].

(3) A person whose permit has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year must pay DADS the late renewal fee stated in §95.109(c)(1)(C)(ii) of this title.

(4) A person whose permit has been expired for one year or more may not renew the permit. The person may obtain a new permit by complying with the requirements and procedures, including the examination requirements, for obtaining an original permit.

(5) A person who previously held a permit in Texas may obtain a new permit without reexamination if the person holds a permit from another state, practiced in that state for at least the two years preceding the application date, and pays to DADS the late renewal fee stated in §95.109(c)(1)(C)(iii) of this title.

(d) (No change.)

§95.117.Changes.

(a) A permit holder must notify DADS [ Notification of changes must be reported to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] within 30 days after changing his or her [ a change of ] address or name.

(b) DADS replaces [ DHS must replace ] a lost, damaged, or destroyed permit upon receipt of a completed duplicate permit request form and permit replacement fee as set out in §95.109(c) of this title (relating to Application Procedures).

§95.119.Training Program Requirements.

(a) Application. An educational institution accredited by the Texas Workforce Commission [ Education Agency ] or Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that [ which ] desires to offer a training program must file an application for approval on a DADS [ an official ] form. Programs sponsored by state agencies for the training and preparation of their own employees are exempt from the accreditation requirement. An approved institution may offer the training program and a continuing education program.

(1) All signatures on DADS [ official ] forms and supporting documentation must be originals.

(2) The application must include:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) an outline of the program content and curriculum if the curriculum covers more than DADS' [ the Texas Department of Human Services' (DHS's) ] established curricula.

(3) DADS [ DHS ] may conduct an inspection of the classroom site.

(4) DADS sends notice [ Notice ] of approval or proposed denial of the application [ must be given ] to the program within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application. If DADS proposes to deny the application [ is proposed to be denied ] due to noncompliance with the requirements of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], or this chapter, the reasons for denial are [ must be ] given in the notice.

(5) An applicant may request in writing a hearing on a proposed denial within 10 days of receipt of the notice of the proposed denial. The hearing is conducted [ must be ] in accordance with 1 TAC §§357.481 - 357.490 [ DHS's formal hearing procedures under §§79.1601 - 79.1614 of this title (relating to Formal Hearings) ] and [ the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), Title 10 of the ] Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001 [ §§2001.051 et seq ]. If no request is made, the applicant has [ is deemed to have ] waived the opportunity for a hearing, and the proposed action may be taken.

(b) Basic training program.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The program must consist of 140 hours in the following sequence : 100 hours of classroom instruction and training, 20 hours of return skills demonstration laboratory, 10 hours of clinical experience including clinical observation and skills demonstration under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in a facility, and 10 more hours in the return skills demonstration laboratory [ in the preceding order ]. A classroom or laboratory hour must include [ constitute ] 50 clock minutes of actual classroom or laboratory time.

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(3) Each program must follow the curricula established by DADS [ DHS ].

(4) At least seven days prior to the beginning of each program, the coordinator must notify DADS [ DHS ] in writing of the dates and daily hours of the program, and the projected number of students.

(5) A change in any information presented by the program in an approved application including, but not limited to, location, instructorship, and content must be approved by DADS [ DHS ] prior to the program's effective date of the change.

(6) The program instructors of the classroom hours must be a registered nurse and registered pharmacist.

(A) The nurse instructor must have a minimum of two years of experience in caring for individuals [ the elderly, chronically ill, mentally retarded, and/or other persons ] in a long-term care setting or be an [ . An ] instructor in a school of nursing [ may request a waiver of the experience requirement ].

(B) (No change.)

(7) - (8) (No change.)

(9) Each program must inform DADS on the DADS class roster form [ DHS ] of the final grade results for each student within 15 days after [ of ] completion of the course. [ The official DHS class roster form must be used and signed by the coordinator. ]

(c) Continuing education training program.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The instructors must meet the requirements in subsection (b)(6) of this section [ §95.119(b)(6) of this title (relating to Training Program Requirements) ].

(3) Each program must follow the curricula established by DADS [ DHS ].

(4) Within 15 days after completion of the course, each [ Each ] program must inform DADS on the DADS class roster form [ DHS ] of the name of each permit holder who has completed [ completes ] the course [ within 15 days. The official DHS class roster form must be used and signed by the coordinator ].

§95.121.Permitting of Persons with Criminal Backgrounds.

DADS [ The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] may suspend or revoke an existing permit, disqualify a person from receiving a permit, or deny to a person the opportunity to be examined for a permit because of a person's conviction of a felony or misdemeanor if the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of a medication aide.

(1) In considering whether a criminal conviction directly relates to the occupation of a medication aide, DADS considers [ DHS must consider ]:

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of a medication aide. In determining the present fitness of a person, DADS considers [ DHS must consider ] the evidence described in the Occupations Code, §53.023 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13c, §4(c) ].

(2) DADS gives [ DHS must give ] written notice to the person that DADS [ DHS ] proposes to deny the application or suspend or revoke the permit after a hearing in accordance with the provisions of §95.123(c)(3) [ §95.123(e) ] of this title (relating to Violations, Complaints, and Disciplinary Actions). If DADS [ DHS ] denies, suspends, or revokes an application or permit under this chapter, DADS gives [ DHS must give ] the person written notice:

(A) (No change.)

(B) that the person, after exhausting administrative appeals, may file an action in a district court of Travis County for review of the evidence presented to DADS [ DHS ] and its decision; and

(C) that the person must begin the judicial review by filing a petition with the court within 30 days after DADS' [ DHS's ] action is final and appealable . [ ; and ]

[ (D) of the earliest date that the person may appeal.]

§95.123.Violations, Complaints, and Disciplinary Actions.

(a) Filing of complaints. Any person may complain to DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ] alleging that a person or program has violated the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, [ code ] or this chapter.

(1) Persons who want to file a complaint against a permit holder, training program, or another person, must notify DADS by calling 1-800-458-9858 or by [ DHS in ] writing the [ . The mailing address is ] Medication Aide Permit Program, [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services, P.O. Box 149030, Mail Code Y-979, Austin, Texas 78714-9030.

[ (2) Upon receipt of a complaint, DHS must send to the complainant DHS's complaint form, which the complainant must complete and return to DHS before further action can be taken.]

(2) [ (3) ] Anonymous complaints may be investigated by DADS [ DHS ] if the complainant provides sufficient information.

(b) Investigation of complaints. If DADS' [ DHS's ] initial investigation determines:

(1) the complaint does not come within DADS' [ DHS's ] jurisdiction, DADS advises [ DHS must advise ] the complainant and, if possible, refers [ refer ] the complainant to the appropriate governmental agency for handling the complaint;

(2) there are insufficient grounds to support the complaint, DADS dismisses [ DHS must dismiss ] the complaint and gives [ give ] written notice of the dismissal to the permit holder or person against whom the complaint has been filed and the complainant; or [ and ]

(3) there are sufficient grounds to support the complaint, DADS [ DHS ] may propose to deny, suspend, emergency suspend, revoke, or not renew a permit or to rescind program approval.

(c) Disciplinary actions. DADS revokes, suspends, or refuses to renew a permit or reprimands a permit holder for a violation of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, or this chapter. In addition, DADS may suspend a permit in an emergency or rescind training program approval [ DHS may deny an application or permit renewal, suspend or revoke a permit, or rescind program approval for any violation of the code or this chapter ].

(1) DADS may place on probation a person whose permit is suspended. DADS may require the person on probation:

(A) to report regularly to DADS on matters that are the basis of the probation;

(B) to limit practice to the areas prescribed by DADS; or

(C) to continue or pursue professional education until the person attains a degree of skill satisfactory to DADS in those areas that are the basis of the probation.

(2) [ (1) ] Prior to institution of formal proceedings to revoke or suspend a permit or rescind program approval, DADS gives [ DHS must give ] written notice to the permit holder or program of the facts or conduct alleged to warrant revocation, suspension, or rescission, and the permit holder or program must be given an opportunity, as described in the notice, to show compliance with all requirements of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, and this chapter. When there is a finding of an alleged act of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property by a permit holder employed at a Medicaid-certified nursing facility or a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility, DADS complies [ DHS must comply ] with the hearings process as provided in 42 Code of Federal Regulations §488.335 [ 488.335 ].

(3) [ (2) ] If denial, revocation, or suspension of a permit or rescission of program approval is proposed, DADS gives [ DHS must give ] written notice that the permit holder or program must request, in writing, a formal hearing within 30 days of receipt of the notice, or the right to a hearing is [ must be ] waived and the permit is [ must be ] denied, revoked, or suspended or the program approval is [ must be ] rescinded.

(4) [ (3) ] The formal hearing is [ must be ] conducted according to [ DHS's ] formal hearing procedures at 1 TAC §§357.481 - 357.490 [ under §§79.1601 - 1614 of this title (relating to Formal Hearings) and §§76.101 - 76.108 of this title (relating to Criminal History Check of Employees in Facilities for Care of the Aged and Persons with Disabilities), if applicable ].

(5) [ (4) ] If an alleged act of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation by a medication aide who also is a certified nurse aide under the provisions of Chapter 94 of this title (relating to Nurse Aides) violates the rules in this chapter and Chapter 94, DADS complies [ DHS must comply ] with the formal hearing process described [ as required ] in paragraph (4) [ (3) ] of this subsection. Through the formal hearing, determinations will be made on both the permit for medication aide practice and the certificate for nurse aide practice.

(d) Suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal. If DADS [ DHS ] suspends a permit, the suspension remains [ must remain ] in effect until DADS [ DHS ] determines that the reason for suspension no longer exists or DADS revokes or determines not to renew the permit . DADS investigates [ DHS must investigate ] prior to making a determination, and:

(1) during the time of suspension, the suspended permit holder must return his permit to DADS [ DHS ];

(2) if a suspension overlaps a permit renewal date, the suspended permit holder may comply with the renewal procedures in §95.115 of this title (relating to Permit Renewal); however, DADS does [ DHS may ] not renew the permit until DADS [ DHS ] determines that the reason for suspension no longer exists;

(3) if DADS [ DHS ] revokes or does not renew a permit, a person may reapply for a permit by complying with the requirements and procedures in this chapter at the time of reapplication. DADS [ DHS ] may refuse to issue a permit if the reason for revocation or nonrenewal continues to exist; and

(4) if a permit is revoked or not renewed [ upon revocation or nonrenewal ], a permit holder must immediately return the permit to DADS [ DHS ].

§95.125.Requirements for Correctional Institutions.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Allowable and prohibited practices of a permit holder.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Permit holders must not:

(A) - (H) (No change.)

(I) violate any provision of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N [ F ], or this chapter;

(J) - (L) (No change.)

(d) Application. An employee of a correctional institution or an employee of a medical services contractor for a correctional institution must submit an official application form to DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ]. An application for a permit must be made in accordance with §95.109(b) and (c) of this title (relating to Application Procedures).

(e) Examination procedures. DADS gives a [ A ] written examination [ must be given by DHS ] to each applicant at a site determined by DADS [ DHS ]. Examination provisions for employees of correctional institutions must comply with §95.111 of this title (relating to Examination).

(f) Determination of eligibility. DADS determines [ DHS must determine ] eligibility according to §95.113(a), (b), (c)(3) - (5), and (d) of this title (relating to Determination of Eligibility) and subsections (d) [ (d)(2) ] and (e) [ (e)(2) ] of this section.

(g) - (j) (No change.)

§95.127.Application Processing.

(a) Time periods. DADS complies [ The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) must comply ] with the following procedures in processing applications for a permit and renewal.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(b) Reimbursement of fees.

(1) In the event an application is not processed in the time periods stated in subsection (a) of this section, the applicant has the right to request reimbursement of all fees paid in that particular application process. Application for reimbursement must be made to the program administrator for DADS' [ DHS's ] Medication Aide Permit Program. If the program administrator does not agree that the time period has been violated or finds that good cause existed for exceeding the time period, the request must be denied.

(2) Good cause for exceeding the time period exists [ is considered to exist ] if the number of applications for a permit and permit renewal exceeds by 15% or more the number of applications processed in the same calendar quarter the preceding year; another public or private entity relied upon by DADS [ DHS ] in the application process caused the delay; or any other condition exists giving DADS [ DHS ] good cause for exceeding the time period.

(c) Appeal. If a request for reimbursement under subsection (b) of this section is denied by the program administrator, the applicant may appeal in writing to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's [ DHS's ] hearings section to request a fair hearing on the reimbursement denial. The hearing will be held pursuant to applicable provisions of the [ DHS's ] formal hearing procedures at 1 TAC §§357.481 - 357.490 [ as provided in §§79.1601 - 79.1614 of this title (relating to Formal Hearings). The program administrator must submit a written report of the facts related to the processing of the application and of any good cause for exceeding the applicable time period to DHS. DHS must provide written notice of the decision to the applicant and the program administrator. If the appeal is decided in favor of the applicant, full reimbursement of all fees paid in that particular application process must be made ].

[ (d) Contested cases. The time periods for contested cases related to the denial of a permit or permit renewals are not included within the time periods stated in subsection (a) of this section. The time period for conducting a contested case hearing runs from the date DHS receives a written request for a hearing and ends when DHS's decision is final and appealable. A hearing may be completed within one to four months, but may extend for a longer period of time depending on the particular circumstances of the hearing.]

§95.128.Home Health Medication Aides.

(a) General.

(1) A person may not administer medication to a client unless the person:

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) administers noninjectable medication under circumstances authorized by the memorandum of understanding between the Board of Nurse Examiners and DADS [ the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ].

(2) (No change.)

(3) Exemptions [ Other exemptions ] are as follows.

(A) A person may administer medication to a client of an agency without the license or permit as required in paragraph (1) of this subsection if the person is:

(i) (No change.)

(ii) a student enrolled in an accredited school of nursing or program for the education of RNs [ Rns ] who is administering medications as part of the student's clinical experience;

(iii) a graduate vocational nurse holding a temporary permit issued by the BNE [ Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners ];

(iv) (No change.)

(v) a trainee in a medication aide training program approved by DADS [ DHS ] under this chapter who is administering medications as part of the trainee's clinical experience.

(B) - (C) (No change.)

(b) Required actions.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) The RN must be knowledgeable of [ regarding ] the rules of DADS [ DHS ] governing home health medication aides and must assure that the home health medication aide is in compliance with the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B [ statute ].

(4) A permit holder must:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) comply with DADS [ DHS ] rules applicable to personnel used in an agency; and

(D) comply with this section and §97.701 [ §97.61 ] of this title (relating to Home Health Aides) if the person will be used as a home health aide and a home health medication aide.

(5) (No change.)

(c) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Applicant qualifications. Each applicant for a permit issued under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B [ the statute ] must complete a training program. Prior to enrollment in a training program and prior to application for a permit under this section, all persons:

(1) - (4) (No change.)

(5) must have satisfactorily completed a home health aide training and competency evaluation program or a competency evaluation program under §97.701 of this title [ Chapter §97.61 (relating Home Health Aides) ].

(f) Nursing graduates. A person who is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirements for issuance of a permit under this section [ ; ] if the date of graduation from the nursing school was no earlier than January 1 of the year immediately preceding the year of application for a permit under this section.

(1) The applicant must submit a DADS [ an official ] application form to DADS [ DHS ]. The applicant must meet the requirements of subsection (e)(1) - (4) of this section.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(4) DADS [ DHS ] acknowledges receipt of the application by sending [ forwarding to ] the applicant a copy of this chapter and DADS' [ DHS's ] open book examination.

(5) The applicant must complete the open book examination and return it to DADS by the date given in the examination notice [ within 45 calendar days to DHS ].

(6) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] written examination. DADS [ DHS ] determines the site of the examination. DADS denies the application of an [ Any ] applicant failing to schedule and take the examination by the date given in [ within 45 calendar days of ] the examination notice [ may have his or her application voided ].

(7) (No change.)

(8) Upon successful completion of the two examinations, DADS [ DHS ] evaluates all application documents submitted by the applicant.

(9) DADS [ DHS ] notifies the applicant in writing of the examination results.

(g) Nursing students. A person who is attending or has attended an accredited school of nursing and who does not hold a license to practice professional or vocational nursing meets the training requirements for issuance of a permit under this section if the person:

(1) (No change.)

(2) successfully completed courses at the nursing school that cover DADS' [ DHS's ] curriculum for a home health medication aide training program;

(3) submits a statement that is signed by the nursing school's administrator or other authorized individual and certifies that the person completed the courses specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection. The administrator is responsible for determining that the courses that [ to which ] he or she certifies cover DADS' [ DHS's ] curriculum. The statement must be submitted with the person's application for a permit under this section; and

(4) (No change.)

(h) Reciprocity. A person who holds a valid license, registration, certificate, or permit as a home health medication aide issued by another state whose minimum standards or requirements are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements of this section in effect at the time of application may request a waiver of the training program requirement as follows: [ . ]

(1) The applicant [ graduate ] must submit a DADS [ an official ] application form to DADS [ DHS ]. The applicant must meet the requirements of subsection (e)(1) - (4) of this section.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(4) DADS [ DHS ] acknowledges receipt of the application by sending [ forwarding to ] the applicant a copy of this chapter and of DADS' [ DHS's ] open book examination.

(5) DADS [ DHS ] may contact the issuing agency to verify the applicant's status with the agency.

(6) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] open book examination and return it to DADS by the date given in the examination notice [ within 45 calendar days to DHS ].

(7) The applicant must complete DADS' [ DHS's ] written examination. The site of the examination is [ shall be ] determined by DADS [ DHS ]. DADS denies the application of an [ Any ] applicant failing to schedule and take the examination by the date given in [ within 45 calendar days of ] the examination notice [ may have his or her application voided ].

(8) (No change.)

(9) Upon successful completion of the two examinations, DADS [ DHS ] evaluates all application documents submitted by the applicant.

(10) DADS [ DHS ] notifies the applicant in writing of the examination results.

(i) Application by trainees. An applicant under subsection (e) of this section must submit to DADS [ DHS ], no later than 30 calendar days after enrollment in a training program, an application, including all required information and documentation on DADS [ official DHS ] forms.

(1) DADS considers [ DHS does not consider ] an application as officially submitted when DADS receives [ until the applicant submits ] the nonrefundable combined permit application and examination fee payable to the [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services. The fee required by subsection (n) of this section must accompany the application form.

(2) The general statement enrollment form must contain the following application material that is required of all applicants:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) a statement that the applicant understands that it is a misdemeanor to falsify any information submitted to DADS [ DHS ]; and

(F) (No change.)

(3) (No change.)

(4) DADS [ DHS ] sends a notice listing the additional materials required to an applicant who does not complete the application [ in a timely manner ]. An application not completed within 30 calendar days after the date of the notice will be void.

(5) DADS sends notice [ Notice ] of application acceptance, disapproval, or deficiency [ must be ] in accordance with subsection (q) of this section.

(j) Examination. DADS [ DHS ] gives a written examination to each applicant at a site DADS determines [ determined DHS ].

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) A training program must notify DADS [ DHS ] at least four weeks prior to its requested examination date.

(4) DADS [ DHS ] determines the passing grade on the examination.

(5) DADS [ DHS ] notifies in writing an applicant who fails the examination.

(A) DADS may give an [ An ] applicant under subsection (e) of this section one [ may be given a ] subsequent examination, without additional payment of a fee, upon the applicant's written request to DADS [ DHS ].

(B) A subsequent examination must be completed by the date given on [ within 45 calendar days from the date of ] the failure notification. DADS [ DHS ] determines the site of the examination.

(C) (No change.)

(6) An applicant who is unable to attend the applicant's scheduled examination due to unforeseen circumstances may be given an examination at another time without payment of an additional fee upon the applicant's written request to DADS [ DHS ]. The examination must be completed within 45 calendar days from the date of the originally scheduled examination. DADS [ DHS ] determines the site for the rescheduled examination.

(7) (No change.)

(k) Determination of eligibility. DADS [ DHS receives and ] approves or disapproves all applications. DADS sends notices [ Notices ] of application approval, disapproval, or deficiency [ must be ] in accordance with subsection (q) of this section.

(1) DADS denies an [ An ] application for a permit [ is disapproved ] if the person has:

(A) (No change.)

(B) failed to pass the examination prescribed by DADS [ DHS ] as set out in subsection (j) of this section;

(C) failed to or refused to properly complete or submit any application form, endorsement, or fee, or deliberately presented false information on any form or document required by DADS [ DHS ];

(D) violated or conspired to violate the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, [ statute ] or any provision of this chapter; or

(E) (No change.)

(2) If, after review, DADS [ DHS ] determines that the application should not be approved, DADS [ the director ] gives the applicant written notice of the reason for the proposed decision and of the opportunity for a formal hearing in accordance with subsection (r) of this section.

(l) Permit renewal. Home health medication aides must comply with the following permit renewal requirements.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) Each permit holder is responsible for renewing the permit before the expiration date. Failure to receive notification from DADS [ DHS ] before the expiration date of the permit does not excuse the permit holder's failure to file for timely renewal.

(5) A permit holder must complete a seven clock-hour continuing education program approved by DADS [ DHS ] prior to expiration of the permit in order to renew the permit. Continuing education hours are not required for the first renewal. After a permit is renewed for the first time, the permit holder must earn approved continuing education hours to have the permit renewed again.

(6) DADS [ DHS ] denies renewal of the permit of a permit holder who is in violation of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, [ statute ] or this chapter at the time of application for renewal.

(7) Home health medication aide permit renewal procedures are as follows.

(A) At least 30 calendar days before the expiration date of a permit, DADS [ DHS ] sends to the permit holder at the address in DADS' [ DHS's ] records notice of the expiration date of the permit and the amount of the renewal fee due and a renewal form that the permit holder must complete and return with the required renewal fee.

(B) (No change.)

(C) DADS [ DHS ] issues a renewal permit to a permit holder who has met all requirements for renewal.

(D) DADS does [ DHS will ] not renew a permit if the permit holder does not complete the required seven-hour continuing education requirement. Successful completion is determined by the student's instructor. An individual who does not meet the continuing education requirement must complete a new program, application, and examination in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(E) DADS does [ DHS will ] not renew a permit if renewal is prohibited by the Texas Education Code, §57.491, concerning defaults on guaranteed student loans.

(F) If a permit holder fails to timely renew his or her permit because the permit holder is or was on active duty with the armed forces of the United States of America serving outside the State of Texas, the permit holder may renew the permit pursuant to this subparagraph [ subsection ].

(i) - (ii) (No change.)

(iii) A copy of the official orders or other official military documentation showing that the permit holder is or was on active military duty serving outside the State of Texas must [ should ] be filed with DADS [ DHS ] along with the renewal form.

(iv) A copy of the power of attorney from the permit holder must be filed with DADS [ DHS ] along with the renewal form if the individual having the power of attorney executes any of the documents required in this subparagraph [ subsection ].

(v) A permit holder renewing under this subparagraph [ subsection ] must pay the applicable renewal fee.

(vi) (No change.)

(vii) A permit holder renewing under this subparagraph [ subsection ] is not required to submit any continuing education hours.

(8) A person whose permit has expired for not more than two years may renew the permit by submitting to DADS [ DHS ]:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(9) - (10) (No change.)

(m) Changes.

(1) A permit holder must notify DADS [ Notification of changes shall be reported to DHS ] within 30 calendar days after changing his or her [ a change of ] address or name.

(2) DADS [ DHS ] replaces a lost, damaged, or destroyed permit upon receipt of a completed duplicate permit request form and permit replacement fee.

(n) Fees.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) An applicant or permit holder must pay the required fee by cashier's check or money order made payable to the Department of Aging and Disability Services. All fees are nonrefundable, except as provided by Government Code, Chapter 2005 [ An applicant whose personal check for the combined permit application and examination fee is not honored by the financial institution may reinstate the application by remitting to DHS a money order or cashier's check for the amount within 30 calendar days of the date of the applicant's receipt of DHS's notice. An application will be considered incomplete until the fee has been received and cleared through the appropriate financial institution ].

[ (4) A permit holder whose personal check for the renewal fee is not honored by the financial institution must remit to DHS a money order or cashier's check within 30 calendar days of the date of the licensee's receipt of DHS's notice. If proper payment is not received, the permit will not be renewed. If a renewal card has already been issued, it will be void.]

(o) Training program requirements.

(1) An educational institution accredited by the Texas Workforce Commission [ Education Agency ] or Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that desires to offer a training program must file an application for approval on a DADS [ an official ] form. Programs sponsored by state agencies for the training and preparation of its own employees are exempt from the accreditation requirement. An approved institution may offer the training program and a continuing education program.

(A) All signatures on DADS [ official ] forms and supporting documentation must be originals.

(B) The application includes:

(i) - (iv) (No change.)

(v) an outline of the program content and curriculum if the curriculum covers more than DADS' [ DHS's ] established curricula.

(C) DADS [ DHS ] may conduct an inspection of the classroom site.

(D) DADS sends notice [ Notice ] of approval or proposed disapproval of the application [ will be given ] to the program within 30 calendar days of the receipt of a complete application. If the application is proposed to be disapproved due to noncompliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, [ statute ] or of this chapter, the reasons for disapproval are [ must be ] given in the notice.

(E) (No change.)

(2) (No change.)

(3) The program consists of 140 hours in the following order : 100 hours of classroom instruction and training, 20 hours of return skills demonstration laboratory, ten hours of clinical experience including clinical observation and skills demonstration under the supervision of a RN in an agency, and ten more hours in the return skills demonstration laboratory [ in the preceding order ]. A classroom or laboratory hour is [ constitutes ] 50 clock-minutes of actual classroom or laboratory time.

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) Each program must follow the curricula established by DADS [ DHS ].

(4) At least seven calendar days prior to the commencement of each program, the coordinator must notify DADS [ DHS ] in writing of the starting date, the ending date, the daily hours of the program, and the projected number of students.

(5) A change in any information presented by the program in an approved application including, but not limited to, location, instructorship, and content must be approved by DADS [ DHS ] prior to the program's effective date of the change.

(6) - (8) (No change.)

(9) Within 15 calendar days after completion of the course, each [ Each ] program must inform DADS on the DADS class roster form [ DHS ] of the satisfactory completion for each student [ within 15 calendar days of completion of the course. The official department class roster form must be used and signed by the coordinator ].

(p) Continuing education. The continuing education training program is as follows.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) Each program must follow the curricula established by DADS [ DHS ].

(4) Within 15 days after completion of the course, each [ Each ] program must inform DADS on the DADS class roster form [ DHS ] of the name of each permit holder who has completed [ completes ] the course [ within 15 calendar days. The official department class roster form must be used and signed by the coordinator ].

(q) Processing procedures. DADS [ DHS ] complies with the following procedures in processing applications of home health medication aide permits and renewal of permits.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) Good cause for exceeding the time period exists [ is considered to exist ] if the number of applications for initial home health medication aide permits and renewal permits exceeds by 15% or more the number of applications processed in the same calendar quarter of the preceding year; another public or private entity relied upon by DADS [ DHS ] in the application process caused the delay; or any other condition exists giving DADS [ DHS ] good cause for exceeding the time period.

(5) If a request for reimbursement under paragraph (3) of this subsection is denied by the director of the Home Health Medication Aide Permit Program, the applicant may appeal to the commissioner of DADS [ DHS ] for a timely resolution of any dispute arising from a violation of the time periods. The applicant must give written notice to the commissioner at the address of DADS [ DHS ] that he or she requests full reimbursement of all fees paid because his or her application was not processed within the applicable time period. The director of the Home Health Medication Aide Permit Program must submit a written report of the facts related to the processing of the application and of any good cause for exceeding the applicable time period. The commissioner provides written notice of the commissioner's decision to the applicant and the director of the Home Health Medication Aide Permit Program. An appeal is decided in the applicant's favor if the applicable time period was exceeded and good cause was not established. If the appeal is decided in favor of the applicant, full reimbursement of all fees paid in that particular application process are made.

[ (6) The time periods for contested cases related to the denial of initial home health medication aide permits or renewal permits are not included within the time periods stated in this subsection. The time period for conducting a contested case hearing runs from the date DHS receives a written request for a hearing and ends when the decision of DHS is final and appealable. A hearing may be completed within one to four months but may extend for a longer period of time depending on the particular circumstances of the hearing.]

(r) Denial, suspension, or revocation.

(1) DADS [ DHS ] may deny, suspend, emergency suspend, or revoke a permit or program approval if the permit holder or program fails to comply with any provision of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, [ statute ] or this chapter.

(2) DADS [ DHS ] may also take action under paragraph (1) of this subsection for fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of material fact on any documents required to be submitted to DADS [ DHS ] or required to be maintained or complied by the permit holder or program pursuant to this chapter.

(3) DADS [ DHS ] may suspend or revoke an existing permit or program approval or disqualify a person from receiving a permit or program approval because of a person's conviction of a felony or misdemeanor if the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of a home health medication aide or training program. In determining whether a conviction directly relates, DADS considers [ DHS must consider ] the elements set forth in §97.601 [ §97.52(c) ] of this title (relating to License Denial, Suspension or Revocation [ Enforcement Action ]).

(4) If DADS [ DHS ] proposes to deny, suspend, or revoke a home health medication aide permit or to rescind a home health medication aide program approval, DADS [ the director ] notifies the permit holder or home health medication aide program by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the reasons for the proposed action and offers [ offer ] the permit holder or home health medication aide program an opportunity for a hearing.

(A) The permit holder or home health medication aide program must request a hearing within 15 calendar days of receipt of the notice. Receipt of notice is presumed to occur on the tenth calendar day after the notice is mailed to the last address known to DADS [ DHS ] unless another date is reflected on a United States Postal Service return receipt.

(B) The request must be in writing and submitted to the [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services, Medication Aide Permit Program, Mail Code Y-979 [ 979 ], P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030.

(C) (No change.)

(5) DADS [ DHS ] may suspend a permit to be effective immediately when the health and safety of persons are threatened. DADS [ DHS ] notifies the permit holder of the emergency action by certified mail, return receipt requested, or personal delivery of the notice and of the effective date of the suspension and the opportunity for the permit holder to request a hearing.

(6) All hearings are [ must be ] conducted pursuant to [ the Administrative Procedure Act, ] Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001, and the [ DHS's ] formal hearing procedures at 1 TAC §§357.481 - 357.490 [ in Chapter 79 of this title (relating to Legal Services) ].

(7) (No change.)

(8) If DADS [ DHS ] suspends a home health medication aide permit, the suspension remains in effect until DADS [ DHS ] determines that the reason for suspension no longer exists , revokes the permit, or determines not to renew the permit . DADS [ DHS ] investigates prior to making a determination.

(A) During the time of suspension, the suspended permit holder must return his or her permit to DADS [ DHS ].

(B) If a suspension overlaps a renewal date, the suspended permit holder may comply with the renewal procedures in this chapter; however, DADS does [ DHS may ] not renew the permit until DADS [ DHS ] determines that the reason for suspension no longer exists.

(9) If DADS [ DHS ] revokes or does not renew a permit, a person may reapply for a permit by complying with the requirements and procedures in this chapter at the time of reapplication.

(A) DADS [ DHS ] may refuse to issue a permit if the reason for revocation or nonrenewal continues to exist.

(B) When a permit is revoked or not renewed [ Upon revocation or nonrenewal ], a permit holder must immediately return the license or permit to DADS [ DHS ].

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501410

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Part 20. TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

Chapter 802. TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Texas Workforce Commission (Commission) proposes new Chapter 802, relating to the Texas Workforce Commission Local Workforce Development Board Advisory Committee (TWC Advisory Committee), comprising the following subchapters:

Subchapter A. General Provisions

Subchapter B. Requirements for TWC Advisory Committee Members

Subchapter C. Requirements for TWC Advisory Committee Meetings

Subchapter D. Reporting to the Commission

Subchapter E. Agency Evaluation of the TWC Advisory Committee and Report to the Legislative Budget Board

PART I. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS

PART III. IMPACT STATEMENTS

PART IV. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES

PART V. PROPOSED RULES

PART I. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

Purpose

Senate Bill 280 (SB 280), enacted by the 78th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, (2003), added §302.013 to the Texas Labor Code. This new provision requires the creation of a Local Workforce Development Board (Board) advisory committee at the Texas Workforce Commission to "advise the commission and commission staff regarding the programs, policies, and rules of the commission that affect the operations of local workforce development boards and the local workforce delivery system."

Background

Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110 governs state agency advisory committees that are either created by state or federal law or established by a state agency pursuant to state or federal law. Chapter 2110 requires a state agency that establishes an advisory committee to develop rules that state the purpose and tasks of the advisory committee and describe the manner in which the advisory committee will report to the agency. Moreover, it permits the agency to designate the date on which the advisory committee will automatically be abolished unless the agency by rule establishes a different date.

Additionally, Chapter 2110 establishes minimum requirements for state agency advisory committees regarding the composition of the advisory committee, the selection of a presiding officer, the reimbursement of members' expenses, the agency evaluation of the advisory committee's cost and effectiveness, and the state agency report to the Legislative Budget Board regarding the effectiveness of the advisory committee.

The Commission proposes adoption of a new Chapter 802 to its rules to incorporate the requirements of Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

PART II. EXPLANATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§802.1. Requirements for the Texas Workforce Commission Local Workforce Development Board Advisory Committee

Proposed §802.1 describes the statutory authority for the establishment of the TWC Advisory Committee. The TWC Advisory Committee shall be governed by Chapter 802 and is established under Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and is subject to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.2. Purpose and Tasks

The Commission proposes in §802.2(a) that the purpose of the TWC Advisory Committee will be to serve as the Commission's primary point of contact for Board chairs, Board members, and Board executive directors for the discussion of policy issues that affect the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system that may serve as a basis for rulemaking and policy development by the Commission.

Even though the TWC Advisory Committee will be the primary entity for discussion of policy affecting Board operations and the workforce delivery system, the Commission will continue to welcome and encourage input from Board chairs, Board members, Board executive directors, and the public.

Texas Government Code, §2110.005(1) requires state agencies to provide by rule the purpose and tasks of an advisory committee. The Commission proposes that the required tasks of the TWC Advisory Committee mirror the tasks stipulated in Texas Labor Code, §302.013(e)(3). Therefore, §802.2(b) states that the TWC Advisory Committee shall meet at least quarterly; report to the Commission at least annually; and advise the Commission and Commission staff regarding the programs, policies, and rules of the Commission that affect the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system.

Further, the Commission proposes in §802.2(c) the tasks that the TWC Advisory Committee may perform, which include providing a statewide perspective of the workforce system to the Commission; advising the Commission on policy or rule concept papers; recommending to the Commission items for improving the operations of the local workforce delivery system; and requesting information from the Commission regarding existing rules, policies, or other topics the TWC Advisory Committee wants to study.

§802.3. Duration of the TWC Advisory Committee

Texas Government Code, §2110.008(a) provides that a state agency may designate the date on which its advisory committee will automatically be abolished. The advisory committee may continue in existence after the abolishment date if the state agency amends its rule to establish a different date. For advisory committees established by law, the date of creation is the effective date of the law. In the case of the TWC Advisory Committee, the effective date of the law (SB 280) was September 1, 2003. Therefore, unless the Commission establishes a different date, the automatic abolishment date of the TWC Advisory Committee is September 1, 2007.

The Commission proposes in §802.3 that the TWC Advisory Committee be abolished on September 1, 2007, unless the Commission by rule determines a different abolishment date.

§802.4. Agency Contact

To facilitate effective and efficient communication, the Commission proposes to designate in §802.4 the Agency's executive director as the single point of contact for the TWC Advisory Committee.

SUBCHAPTER B. REQUIREMENTS FOR TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

§802.11. Appointment and Composition

Texas Labor Code, §302.013(b) provides that the executive officers of "the organization composed of a member of and the staff director of each local workforce development board" appoint the TWC Advisory Committee members. The statute does not specifically identify the organization whose executive officers are required, pursuant to §302.013(b), to appoint the TWC Advisory Committee members.

The Commission reviewed the legislative history of SB 280, including legislative bill analyses and committee meeting hearings and notes. No version of the bill specified the name of the organization. However, every version of the bill analysis-from the introduced version to the enrolled version-stated that the bill "requires the executive committee of the Workforce Leadership of Texas (WLT) to appoint the committee members, consisting of nine representatives from WLT."

Additionally, the Commission reviewed the testimony at the April 9, 2003, Senate Government Organization Committee hearing on SB 280. At the hearing, a member of WLT (now named the Texas Association of Workforce Boards or TAWB) testified that it is in a position to appoint the members of the TWC Advisory Committee. Therefore, the Commission proposes that §802.11(a) of this subchapter specifically designate the Executive Committee of TAWB, or its successor organization, as the entity to appoint TWC Advisory Committee members. Section 802.11(a) further requires that the Executive Committee of TAWB, or its successor organization, provide due notice of the meeting at which appointments to the TWC Advisory Committee will be made to the Agency executive director in time for the Agency to provide a seven-day public notice of the meeting.

Texas Labor Code, §302.013 requires that the TWC Advisory Committee be composed of six Board members and three Board executive directors. The Commission proposes to mirror this requirement in §802.11(b). To align with the principle in Texas Government Code, §2308.256(a) that Boards shall have a majority of their members represent the private sector, the Commission proposes a requirement in §802.11(b) that the six Board members be private sector employers.

Further, Texas Labor Code, §302.013(b) provides that members of the TWC Advisory Committee shall represent different geographic areas of the state. The Commission proposes to mirror this requirement in §802.11(c).

The Commission also proposes §802.11(d) to prohibit a member of the TAWB Executive Committee, or its successor organization, from serving as a member of the TWC Advisory Committee. Texas Labor Code, §302.013(b) provides that the organization representing Boards appoint the TWC Advisory Committee. The statute reflects the premise that the TWC Advisory Committee should present a variety of ideas and membership. Consequently, the Commission finds that those members of the Executive Committee of TAWB appointing the TWC Advisory Committee should not also serve on the TWC Advisory Committee. Drawing from differing geographic regions and different TAWB membership for the TWC Advisory Committee offers the best opportunity for diverse voices and ideas to reach the Commission for consideration. Having greater a number of participants from the Boards offering recommendations is in the best interest of the workforce system as a whole. It is the Commission's desire that the TWC Advisory Committee will bring consensus recommendations and innovative ideas for improvements to the workforce system. One way to achieve that goal is to have a variety of members presenting information to the Commission.

The Commission also takes notice of a longstanding common-law doctrine generally prohibiting public self-appointment ( Ehlinger v. Clark, 8 S.W.2d 666, 674 (Tex. 1928)). While this doctrine is not directly applicable, the Commission finds its premise useful. As generally stated by the Texas Supreme Court, this doctrine holds that a member of a body making an appointment should not also serve as a member of the appointed body (Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. LO-93-070 at 3 (1993)). Because the TAWB Executive Committee has the power of appointment, the Commission believes that members of the TAWB Executive Committee should not also appoint themselves to the TWC Advisory Committee.

§802.12. Vacancies

In §802.12(a), the Commission proposes that if a vacancy occurs, the TAWB Executive Committee, or its successor organization, shall have 90 days following the date on which the vacancy occurred to appoint a person to serve the unexpired portion of that term. Section 802.12(a) further requires that the TAWB Executive Committee, or its successor organization, provide due notice of meetings at which vacancies on the TWC Advisory Committee will filled to the Agency executive director in time for the Agency to provide a seven-day public notice of the meeting.

Additionally, proposed §802.12(b) states that a vacancy shall occur if, during the member's term, the TWC Advisory Committee member is no longer a Board member of or an executive director for the Board represented when the person was initially appointed to the TWC Advisory Committee. The Commission proposes this provision in order to maintain the geographical representation as required by Texas Labor Code, §302.13(b) and provided in proposed §802.11(c). For example, the geographical representation of the TWC Advisory Committee membership could change should an executive director of a Board located in one area of the state be appointed to the TWC Advisory Committee and during the member's term resigns as that Board's executive director to become the executive director of a Board in a different area of the state. In order to avoid this situation, proposed §802.12(b) would require the executive director to resign from the TWC Advisory Committee and the TAWB Executive Committee would have 90 days to fill the vacancy. When appointing new members to fill vacancies, the TAWB Executive Committee must adhere to the geographical requirements in §802.11(c).

§802.13. Terms of Office

The Commission proposes in §802.13(a) that the term of a TWC Advisory Committee member shall be two years. Because, it is important to have experienced TWC Advisory Committee members as well as to allow for new perspective through rotation of membership, §802.13(b) provides that a member may serve multiple terms, but shall serve no more than two consecutive terms. The ability to have TWC Advisory members serve multiple terms allows for experienced members to continue to participate on the TWC Advisory Committee. However, the provision also requires a break in membership after two consecutive terms, to afford new and fresh perspectives on the TWC Advisory Committee.

The Commission proposes that TWC Advisory Committee members serve staggered terms. It is important that the terms of office allow for new TWC Advisory Committee members to serve along with experienced members. It is also important not to have all terms expire at the same time, which would require the entire TWC Advisory Committee to reconstitute every two years. Section 802.13(c) provides that in order to establish the staggered terms, TAWB shall initially appoint three Board members and one executive director for a one-year term and three Board members and two executive directors for a two-year term. Following the expiration of the initial four members' one-year term, TAWB or its successor organization shall appoint four members to two-year terms. Subsequent appointments for all members shall be for two-year terms. In this manner, TWC Advisory Committee members' terms will expire every year. Four terms will expire in one year, then five terms will expire the next year. The four members appointed for a one-year term will fulfill a one-time, one-year appointment that will occur during the first year the TWC Advisory Committee is in existence.

§802.14. Selection and Role of a Presiding Officer

Texas Government Code, §2110.003 states that an advisory committee shall select from among its members a presiding officer to preside over the advisory committee. The Commission proposes to mirror this language in §802.14, which states that the TWC Advisory Committee shall elect a presiding officer from among its members. The Commission proposes that the presiding officer be a Board member in order to emphasize the importance of the private sector perspective in the work of the TWC Advisory Committee. The Commission also proposes that the presiding officer be designated to report to the Commission, as required in §2110.003(b) of the Texas Government Code.

§802.15. Legislative Activity

The provisions of Texas Government Code, Chapter 556 regarding the use of state appropriations for political activities apply to officers and employees of Boards. By extension, the TWC Advisory Committee members are also covered by Chapter 556. Therefore, the Commission proposes to include in §802.15(a) that TWC Advisory Committee members are subject to the lobbying provisions of Texas Government Code, Chapter 556. Individual members are not restricted from representing themselves, their Boards, their businesses, or any other entities to the Texas Legislature, subject to state law restrictions on lobbying.

SUBCHAPTER C. REQUIREMENTS FOR TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

§802.21. Open Meetings

The TWC Advisory Committee is not a "governmental body" as defined in the Open Meetings Act in Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. However, research on various Texas state agencies' advisory committees shows that several state agencies, such as the Texas Department of State Health Services, require their advisory committees to conduct meetings in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Therefore, in order to promote public participation, the Commission proposes in §802.21(a) that meetings of the TWC Advisory Committee be conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act requirements in Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Subsection 802.21(b) proposes that the Agency's executive director, as the central point of contact for the TWC Advisory Committee, shall be responsible for posting the meetings, in accordance with §551.044 of the Texas Government Code, which requires a seven-day posting for meetings with statewide jurisdiction. The Commission anticipates and expects that the TWC Advisory Committee will notify the Agency's executive director about its meetings and agendas in a timely manner so that statewide Open Meetings Act requirements are met. Subsection 802.21(c) proposes that the Agency's executive director also be responsible for preparing and keeping the meeting minutes, as set forth in Chapter 551, Subchapter B of the Texas Government Code. This subchapter requires that minutes or a tape recording of each open meeting be kept and available to the public upon request. To implement this requirement, the Agency will record each meeting and transcribe the minutes of the TWC Advisory Committee to serve as the approved minutes, and will maintain a file of all meeting minutes.

Additionally, the Commission proposes in §802.21(d) that a quorum shall be present for TWC Advisory Committee meetings. In keeping with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act in the Texas Government Code, §551.001(6), a quorum is defined as six members of the TWC Advisory Committee. In order to conduct business, a quorum must be present. In §802.21(e), the Commission proposes that the approval of five members of the TWC Advisory Committee be required on any advice, recommendations, or reports. The Commission proposes these two provisions in order to emphasize the importance of soliciting input and achieving consensus from a majority of the members of the TWC Advisory Committee.

§802.22. Open Records

The TWC Advisory Committee is not a "governmental body" for purposes of the Open Meetings Act; however, the TWC Advisory Committee does meet the definition of a governmental body in §552.003 of the Public Information Act. Therefore, the Commission proposes in §802.22(a) that TWC Advisory Committee records be subject to the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. In order to implement the requirements of the Public Information Act, the Commission proposes in §802.22(b) that the Agency's executive director be responsible for responding to requests for information filed under the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.

SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING TO THE COMMISSION

§802.31. Annual Report

Texas Government Code, §2110.005(2) requires state agencies with advisory committees to adopt rules that "describe the manner in which the committee will report to the agency." Texas Labor Code, §302.013(e)(2) states that the TWC Advisory Committee shall "report to the commission at least annually."

In §802.31(a), the Commission proposes that the presiding officer of the TWC Advisory Committee submit an annual report to the Commission on or before July 1 of each year in order for the Agency to complete its annual evaluation of the TWC Advisory Committee, as required by Texas Government Code, §2110.006, by the end of a fiscal year. The Commission proposes in §802.31(b) that the annual report shall delineate the TWC Advisory Committee's activities over the previous 12 months, specifically from June 1 of the previous year to May 31, and include, at a minimum:

(1) a description of how the TWC Advisory Committee has accomplished its purpose and tasks;

(2) a brief description of advice, recommendations, and reports made by the TWC Advisory Committee;

(3) the costs related to the TWC Advisory Committee's existence and the source of funds used to support its activities;

(4) a list of the meeting dates, including subcommittee meetings;

(5) the attendance records of its members; and

(6) the TWC Advisory Committee bylaws.

SUBCHAPTER E. AGENCY EVALUATION OF THE TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

§802.41. Agency Annual Evaluation

Texas Government Code, §2110.006 provides that a state agency that has established an advisory committee shall evaluate annually the advisory committee's work and usefulness, and the costs related to the advisory committee's existence, including the cost of agency staff time spent in support of the committee's activities. The Commission proposes to mirror this language in §802.41.

§802.42. Commission Report to the Legislative Budget Board

Texas Government Code, §2110.007 requires that the Commission report to the Legislative Budget Board the information developed in the evaluation required by §2110.006 and file the report biennially in connection with the Commission's request for appropriations. The Commission proposes language in §802.42 to fulfill this requirement.

PART III. IMPACT STATEMENTS

Randy Townsend, Chief Financial Officer of the Texas Workforce Commission, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules will be in effect, the following statements will apply:

There are no additional estimated costs to the state and to local governments expected as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

There are no estimated reductions in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

There are no estimated losses or increases in revenue to the state or to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

There are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenue of the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Mr. Townsend has also determined that there is no anticipated adverse impact on small businesses or microbusinesses as a result of enforcing or administering the rules because the proposed rules do not add new regulatory requirements or change existing regulatory requirements on small businesses or microbusinesses.

Mark Hughes, Director of Labor Market Information of the Texas Workforce Commission, has determined that there is no significant negative impact on employment conditions in this state as a result of the proposed rules. Mr. Hughes does not expect any significant impact on overall employment conditions in the state as a result of the proposed rules.

Luis M. Macias, Director of Workforce Development Division of the Texas Workforce Commission, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the proposed rules will be to facilitate Board input and provide a statewide perspective on policies of the Texas Workforce Commission that affect the operations of Boards and the local workforce development system.

Mr. Macias has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, there will be no economic cost to persons required to comply with these rules as a result of enforcing the proposed rules.

PART IV. COORDINATION ACTIVITIES

In the development of these rules for publication and public comment, the Commission sought the involvement of Texas' twenty-eight Boards and the Texas Association of Workforce Boards. The Commission provided a policy concept paper to the Boards for consideration and review pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §302.064 and the Commission's Resolution Regarding Board Coordination in Policy Development, which was adopted on September 24, 2002. During the development of these proposed rules, the Commission considered the information gathered in order to develop rules that provide clear and concise direction to the parties involved.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to TWC Policy Comments, Policy and Development, 101 East 15th Street, Room 440T, Austin, Texas 78778; fax 512-475-3577; or e-mailed to TWCPolicyComments@twc.state.tx.us. The Commission must receive comments no later than 30 days from the date this proposal is published in the Texas Register .

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

40 TAC §§802.1 - 802.4

These rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide the Commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Commission's policies in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001; Texas Labor Code, §302.013, which provides specific authority regarding establishment of an advisory committee to the Commission; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, relating to state agency advisory committees.

The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, Title 4, particularly Chapters 301 and 302, as well as Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

PART V. PROPOSED RULES

§802.1.Requirements for the Texas Workforce Commission Local Workforce Development Board Advisory Committee.

(a) The Texas Workforce Commission Local Workforce Development Board Advisory Committee (TWC Advisory Committee) shall be appointed pursuant to and governed by this chapter.

(b) The TWC Advisory Committee is established under Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and is subject to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.2.Purpose and Tasks.

(a) The purpose of the TWC Advisory Committee is to serve as the Commission's primary point of contact for Local Workforce Development Board (Board) chairs, Board members, and Board executive directors in the discussion of policy issues affecting the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system that may serve as a basis for rulemaking and policy development by the Commission.

(b) The TWC Advisory Committee shall:

(1) meet at least quarterly;

(2) report to the Commission at least annually; and

(3) advise the Commission and Commission staff regarding the programs, policies, and rules of the Commission that affect the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system.

(c) The TWC Advisory Committee may:

(1) provide a statewide perspective of the workforce system;

(2) advise the Commission on policy or rule concept papers that affect the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system;

(3) make recommendations to the Commission to improve the operations of Boards and the local workforce delivery system; and

(4) request information from the Commission regarding existing rules or policies, or other topics the TWC Advisory Committee wants to study.

§802.3.Duration of the TWC Advisory Committee.

The TWC Advisory Committee shall be abolished on September 1, 2007, unless the Commission by rule determines a different abolishment date.

§802.4.Agency Contact.

The Agency's executive director shall serve as the single point of contact for the TWC Advisory Committee.

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 March 30, 2005.

TRD-200501361

Donna Garrett

Deputy Director for Policy and Development

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829


Subchapter B. REQUIREMENTS FOR TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

40 TAC §§802.11 - 802.15

These rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide the Commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Commission's policies in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001; Texas Labor Code, §302.013, which provides specific authority regarding establishment of an advisory committee to the Commission; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, relating to state agency advisory committees.

The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, Title 4, particularly Chapters 301 and 302, as well as Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.11.Appointment and Composition.

(a) The executive committee of the Texas Association of Workforce Boards (TAWB), or its successor organization, shall appoint members of the TWC Advisory Committee in a meeting for which notice is given to the Agency's executive director in time for a seven-day public meeting notification.

(b) The TWC Advisory Committee shall be composed of:

(1) six Board members who are private sector employers that serve as members of the organization described in subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) three Board executive directors who serve as members of the organization described in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The TWC Advisory Committee members shall represent different geographic areas of the state.

(d) A member of the executive committee of the organization described in subsection (a) of this section shall not serve as a member of the TWC Advisory Committee.

§802.12.Vacancies.

(a) In 90 days or less following the date on which a vacancy occurs, the executive committee of the organization, as described in §802.11(a) of this subchapter, shall, in a meeting for which notice is given to the Agency's executive director in time for a seven-day public meeting notification, appoint a person to serve the unexpired portion of that member's term.

(b) A vacancy shall occur if during the member's term, the TWC Advisory Committee member is no longer a Board member of or an executive director for the Board represented when the person was initially appointed to the TWC Advisory Committee.

§802.13.Terms of Office.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions in subsection (c) of this section, a term of a TWC Advisory Committee member shall be two years.

(b) A member may serve multiple terms, but shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

(c) TWC Advisory Committee members shall serve staggered terms. In order to establish the staggered terms, the executive committee of the organization, as described in §802.11(a) of this subchapter, shall initially appoint three Board members and one executive director for a one-year term and three Board members and two executive directors for a two-year term. Following the expiration of the initial four members' one-year term, the organization shall appoint four members to two-year terms. Subsequent appointments for all members shall be for two-year terms.

§802.14.Selection and Role of a Presiding Officer.

The TWC Advisory Committee shall elect a presiding officer who is a Board member and shall preside over the TWC Advisory Committee and report to the Commission.

§802.15.Legislative Activity.

(a) The TWC Advisory Committee and its members are subject to the lobbying provisions in Texas Government Code, Chapter 556.

(b) Individual TWC Advisory Committee members are not restricted from representing themselves, their Boards, their businesses, or any other entities to the Texas Legislature.

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 March 30, 2005.

TRD-200501362

Donna Garrett

Deputy Director for Policy and Development

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829


Subchapter C. REQUIREMENTS FOR TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

40 TAC §802.21, §802.22

These rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide the Commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Commission's policies in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001; Texas Labor Code, §302.013, which provides specific authority regarding establishment of an advisory committee to the Commission; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, relating to state agency advisory committees.

The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, Title 4, particularly Chapters 301 and 302, as well as Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.21.Open Meetings.

(a) TWC Advisory Committee meetings shall be conducted in accordance with open meetings requirements pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.

(b) The responsibility for posting the meetings pursuant to the open meetings requirements of Texas Government Code, §551.044, will be carried out by the Agency's executive director.

(c) The responsibility for preparing and keeping the minutes pursuant to the open meetings requirements of Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, Subchapter B, will be carried out by the Agency's executive director.

(d) Six members of the TWC Advisory Committee shall be present to constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.

(e) Any advice, recommendations, or reports made by the TWC Advisory Committee must be approved by five members of the TWC Advisory Committee.

§802.22.Open Records.

(a) TWC Advisory Committee records are subject to the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.

(b) The responsibility for responding to requests for information under the Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, will be carried out by the Agency's executive director.

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 March 30, 2005.

TRD-200501363

Donna Garrett

Deputy Director for Policy and Development

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829


Subchapter D. REPORTING TO THE COMMISSION

40 TAC §802.31

These rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide the Commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Commission's policies in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001; Texas Labor Code, §302.013, which provides specific authority regarding establishment of an advisory committee to the Commission; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, relating to state agency advisory committees.

The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, Title 4, particularly Chapters 301 and 302, as well as Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.31.Annual Report.

(a) The TWC Advisory Committee presiding officer shall submit an annual report to the Commission on or before July 1 of each year.

(b) The annual report shall describe the activities of the TWC Advisory Committee from June 1 of the previous year to May 31 of the reporting year and include, at a minimum:

(1) a description of how the TWC Advisory Committee has accomplished its purpose and tasks;

(2) a brief description of advice, recommendations, and reports made by the TWC Advisory Committee;

(3) the costs related to the TWC Advisory Committee's existence and the source of funds used to support its activities;

(4) a list of the meeting dates, including subcommittee meetings;

(5) the attendance records of its members; and

(6) the TWC Advisory Committee bylaws.

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 March 30, 2005.

TRD-200501364

Donna Garrett

Deputy Director for Policy and Development

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829


Subchapter E. AGENCY EVALUATION OF THE TWC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

40 TAC §802.41, §802.42

These rules are proposed pursuant to Texas Labor Code, §301.0015 and §302.002(d), which provide the Commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to administer the Commission's policies in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001; Texas Labor Code, §302.013, which provides specific authority regarding establishment of an advisory committee to the Commission; and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110, relating to state agency advisory committees.

The proposed rules will affect Texas Labor Code, Title 4, particularly Chapters 301 and 302, as well as Texas Labor Code, §302.013 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110.

§802.41.Agency Annual Evaluation.

The Agency shall evaluate annually:

(1) the TWC Advisory Committee's work;

(2) the TWC Advisory Committee's usefulness; and

(3) the costs related to the TWC Advisory Committee's existence, including the cost of Agency staff time spent in support of the TWC Advisory Committee's activities.

§802.42.Commission Report to the Legislative Budget Board.

(a) The Commission shall report the information developed in the evaluation required in §802.41 of this subchapter to the Legislative Budget Board.

(b) The Commission shall file the Legislative Budget Board report, described in subsection (a) of this section, biennially in connection with the Commission's request for appropriations.

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 March 30, 2005.

TRD-200501365

Donna Garrett

Deputy Director for Policy and Development

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 15, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0829