TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 21. TEXAS COUNCIL FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Chapter 876. GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) proposes amendments to §§876.1-876.3, the repeal of §876.4 and new §§876.4-876.12 concerning general provisions. The sections are being amended to update rules transferred to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities by the Texas Rehabilitation Commission following passage of HB 1610 by the 76th Texas Legislature that became effective September 1, 1999. The proposed revisions update rules consistent with TCDD policies and procedures and provide the public with information about TCDD processes and procedures.

Roger A. Webb, Executive Officer, TCDD, has determined that the sections will not result in any fiscal implications to the state or to units of local government for the first five year period.

Mr. Webb also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be updated rules that are consistent with TCDD policies and procedures. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the sections may be submitted to: Roger A. Webb, TCDD Executive Director 6201 East Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, Texas 78741.

40 TAC §§876.1 - 876.12

The amendments and new sections are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 7, Chapter 112.020(b)(1), which provides TCDD with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules.

No other statute, article or code is affected by the sections.

§876.1.Definitions.

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

[ (1) Commission--Texas Rehabilitation Commission.]

[ (2) Commissioner--Executive head of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.]

(1) [ (3) ] Council --Texas [ Planning ] Council for Developmental Disabilities.

(2) [ (4) ] Designated State agency -- The State agency designated by the governor to provide administrative support to the Council.

(3) Developmental disability - The term "developmental disability" has the meaning as defined in federal law, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act as amended (42 USC 6000 et seq).

[ (5) Developmental disability--A severe, chronic disability of an individual 5 years of age or older that:]

[ (A) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;]

[ (B) is manifested before the person attains age 22;]

[ (C) is likely to continue indefinitely;]

[ (D) results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:]

[ (i) self-care;]

[ (ii) receptive and expressive language;]

[ (iii) learning;]

[ (iv) mobility;]

[ (v) self-direction;]

[ (vi) capacity for independent living; or ]

[ (vii) economic sufficiency; and ]

[ (E) reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated, except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals from birth to age 5, inclusive, who have a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided.]

(4) [ (6) ] Executive director -- Chief administrative officer of the Texas [ Planning ] Council for Developmental Disabilities.

(5) [ (7) ] Grant - An award of financial assistance, including cooperative agreeements, in the form of money, property provided in lieu of money, or other financial assistance paid or furnished by the Council to an eligible recipient to carry out a program in accordance with the rules, regulations and guidance provided by the Council [ Money or property provided in lieu of money paid or furnished by the commission/council to an eligible recipient under a program that provides financial assistance or provided by contract ].

[ (8) State plan--Plan submitted by the Council and approved by the secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, which sets out the specific objectives to be achieved under the plan, a listing of the programs and resources to be used to meet such objectives, and other related matters.]

§876.2.Legal Authority [ Basis ].

(a) These rules are adopted under provisions of the Texas Human Resources Code, Title 40, Chapter 112.

(b) The following federal laws and [ state laws and ] regulations are adopted by reference into this part:

(1) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act as Amended (U.S.C. 6000 et. seq.); and

[ (1) Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act (Public Law 91-517);]

[ (2) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (Public Law 94-103);]

[ (3) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, as amended (Public Law 97-35);]

[ (4) Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-527);]

[ (5) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987 (Public Law 100-146);]

[ (6) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-496);]

[ (7) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-230);]

[ (8) Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-183);]

(2) [ (9) ] Developmental Disabilities Program, 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1385-1387 . [ ; and ]

[ (10) the Human Resources Code, Texas Civil Statutes, Chapter 112, Developmental Disabilities.]

§876.3.Administration.

(a) The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is a joint state-federal program designed to promote the development of a consumer and family-centered, comprehensive system and a coordinated array of culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance designed to achieve independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community for individuals with developmental disabilities.

(b) The Council performs its responsibilities through staff activities, grants or contracts to public, or nonprofit, or private for-profit organizations and in other ways as determined by the Council to carry out the state plan.

(c) The Council shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the designated state agency which sets forth their respective roles.

(d) The designated state agency carries out the functions set forth in applicable federal and state laws and regulations and the memorandum of understanding with the Council.

[ (a) The Texas Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities involving the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission is a joint state-federal program designed to promote the development of a consumer and family-centered, comprehensive system and a coordinated array of culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance designed to achieve independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community for individuals with developmental disabilities.]

[ (b) The council performs its responsibilities through staff activities, project grants to public, nonprofit, or private for-profit organizations and in other ways as determined within the state plan.]

[ (c) The council:]

[ (1) develops and submits the state plan consistent with requirements of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act as amended;]

[ (2) promotes the development of a consumer and family-centered, comprehensive system and a coordinated array of culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance designed to achieve independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community for individuals with developmental disabilities and plans, coordinates, and evaluates those services, supports and assistance;]

[ (3) assures that all programs funded on behalf of the Council meet standards which are designed to assure the most favorable outcome for those served;]

[ (4) assures compliance with appropriate federal and state law;]

[ (5) enters into a management agreement with the commission, as designated state agency, which sets forth their respective roles;]

[ (6) initiates activities subject to the availability of funds and in accordance with the state plan as prescribed by federal law;]

[ (7) reviews and comments, to the maximum extent feasible, on all state plans in the state which relate to programs affecting individuals with developmental disabilities; and]

[ (8) advocates for state and federal legislation, appropriations, and policies on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.]

[ (d) The commission, as the designated state agency, carries out the functions set forth in applicable federal and state laws and regulations and the management agreement with the Council.]

§876.4.Responsibilities of the Council.

The Council is an agency within the executive branch, but functions independently within its statutory authority to serve the long-term public interest. The Council is responsible for establishing the policy framework through which the agency carries out its statutory responsibilities. Specifically, the Council shall:

(1) exercise the authority provided by law to adopt policies and rules governing Council activities;

(2) develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policymaking authority of the Council and the management responsibilities of the executive director and staff of the Council;

(3) approve the state plan and amendments;

(4) serve as an advocate for state and federal legislation, appropriations and policies on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities as authorized by federal law;

(5) oversee operations of the Council for integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency;

(6) approve personnel policies that provide for the selection, supervision, and evaluation of the executive director and staff;

(7) ensure projects and activities comply with all applicable federal and state requirements; and

(8) other responsibilities as provided by Council policies.

§876.5.TCDD State Plan.

The Council develops and submits the "TCDD State Plan for Texans with Developmental Disabilities" in a manner consistent with federal law and regulations. The state plan may be revised and updated after public review and comment as provided by the federal requirements. The plan is available from the offices of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

§876.6.Powers and Duties of the Executive Director.

The executive director is responsible for the effective and efficient administration of the affairs of the Council subject to applicable laws and this chapter and under the general direction of the Council. The director shall select, supervise and evaluate staff to implement Council approved activities consistent with policies approved by the Council. The director may delegate responsibilities to Council staff as appropriate.

§876.7.Committees of the Council.

The Council may establish standing and special committees of Council members to expedite the work of the Council. Members shall be appointed to Committees in the manner provided by Council policies.

§876.8.Standards of Conduct.

(a) Standards of conduct of members and employees of the council are governed by Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 572, and by Human Resources Code Chapter 112.0161.

(b) Council members and staff shall adhere to the conflict of interest policy approved by the Council.

§876.9.Charges for Access to Public Records.

(a) The charge to any person requesting copies of any public record of the Council will be the charge established by the Buildings and Procurements Commission at 1 TAC §§111.61-111.70.

(b) The Council may reduce or waive these charges at the discretion of the executive director if there is a public benefit.

§876.10.Petition for Rules or Changes to Rules.

Any interested person may petition the Council for a rule or rule change by submitting a request to the executive director in a manner and form as directed by the Council, consistent with state law.

§876.11.Applicability of Open Meetings Act.

(a) The official minutes of all Council and committee meetings are kept in TCDD staff offices, are posted on the TCDD website, and are available for public review as authorized by the Open Meetings Act.

(b) Opportunities to provide public comments are provided at each Council and committee meeting. The chair of the Council or committee may limit each person presenting public comments or public testimony on any agenda item to a certain number of minutes by announcing the period when comments or testimony are given.

§876.12.Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The dispute resolution process provided for in Chapter 2260 of the Government Code shall be used by the State and any other party to attempt to resolve any claim for breach of contract made by any party against the State as applicable.

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 July 28, 2003.

TRD-200304538

Roger A. Webb

Executive Director

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 7, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 437-5432


40 TAC §876.4

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

The repeal is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 7, Chapter 112.020(b)(1), which provides TCDD with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules.

No other statute, article or code is affected by the repeal.

§876.4.Organization.

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 July 28, 2003.

TRD-200304539

Roger A. Webb

Executive Director

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 7, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 437-5432


Chapter 877. GRANT AWARDS

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) proposes to repeal §877.1 and §877.2 and new §§877.1-877.5, concerning grant awards. The sections are being revised to update rules transferred to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities by the Texas Rehabilitation Commission following passage of HB 1610 by the 76th Texas Legislature that became effective September 1, 1999. The proposed revisions update rules consistent with TCDD policies and procedures and provide the public with information about TCDD processes and procedures.

Roger A. Webb, Executive Officer, TCDD, has determined that the sections will not result in any fiscal implications to the state or to units of local government for the first five year period.

Mr. Webb also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be updated rules that are consistent with TCDD policies and procedures. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the sections may be submitted to: Roger A. Webb, TCDD Executive Director 6201 East Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, Texas 78741.

40 TAC §877.1, §877.2

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

The repeals are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 7, Chapter 112.020(b)(1), which provides TCDD with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules.

No other statute, article or code is affected by the repeals.

§877.1.Grant Awards.

§877.2.Appeal of Grant Awards.

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 July 28, 2003.

TRD-200304540

Roger A. Webb

Executive Director

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 7, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 437-5432


40 TAC §§877.1 - 877.5

The new sections are proposed under the Human Resources Code, Title 7, Chapter 112.020(b)(1), which provides TCDD with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules.

No other statute, article or code is affected by the new sections.

§877.1.General.

(a) As authorized by Human Resources Code Title 40, Chapter 112.020 (a)(3), the Council may contract or provide grants to public or private organizations to implement the TCDD State Plan for Texans with Developmental Disabilities, if funds are available.

(b) The Council may solicit proposals from state agencies, non-profit organizations, or private for profit organizations that have organizational expertise related to the requirements of the proposal.

(c) Unsolicited proposals may be submitted by organizations and will be considered consistent with Council policies and procedures.

(d) The Council may develop projects with organizations without competitive proposals as allowed by state and federal requirements and Council policies.

(e) All grantees shall comply with applicable state and federal requirements including the Texas Uniform Grant Management Standards. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, and Council grants procedures.

(f) Independent audits of grantees are required for each year of funding in accordance with the requirements of OMB Circulars and Texas Uniform Grant Management Standards. The Council shall reimburse the grantees for the reasonable cost of the required audit. The Council may require project specific independent audits of grantees receiving less than $300,000 annually of council funds.

(g) Grant awards shall contain appropriate provisions for program and fiscal monitoring and for collection and submission of evaluation data and related reports.

(h) The Council may limit by policy the amount of Council funds allowed to reimburse indirect costs of projects. Any indirect costs of a grantee above those amounts may be allowed as part of the required non-federal participant share.

(i) Donated time and services may be included as a financial match contribution unless otherwise restricted by a specific request for proposals or by state or federal requirements.

(j) No organization shall receive more than three (3) direct grants from the Council at any time.

§877.2.Application and Review Process.

(a) All requests for proposals will be published in the Texas Register and posted on the Council's website, and a notice will be provided to interested parties.

(b) Proposal information for each request for proposal shall be available upon request from Council offices and will be made available at the Council's website.

(c) Proposals received after the closing date will not be considered unless an exception is approved in a manner consistent with Council policies.

(d) Projects seeking continuation funding may have separate application forms, instructions, and procedures, as determined by Council staff.

(e) Grants shall be awarded based on guidelines that reflect state and federal mandates. Selection criteria shall be designed to select applications that provide best overall value to the state and to the Council and meet the requirements and intent of the Council as provided in the request for proposals.

(f) Final approval of organizations to receive grant funding shall be determined by the Council consistent with Council policies.

(g) Council staff may negotiate with selected applicants to determine the final terms of the award.

§877.3.Suspension or Termination of Funding.

(a) If a grantee fails to comply with the terms of the grant, the Council may suspend authority to obligate or receive grant funding pending the result of corrective measures.

(b) The Council, in its complete discretion, may terminate authority to obligate or receive grant funding prior to the end of the funding period if corrective actions are not taken during the suspension period, or if the deficiency is serious enough to warrant immediate termination.

(c) A grant, or portion thereof, may also be terminated at the grantee's request by approval of the Council executive director.

§877.4.Appeal of Funding Decisions.

Appeals may be submitted from applicants for grants who did not receive funding, from grantees whose grants have not been awarded continuation funding, or from grantees whose grants have been suspended or terminated prior to the end of a funding period. The appeals process adopted by the Council shall be included in grant application and grant award materials.

§877.5.Confidentiality of Records.

A grantee that provides direct services to individuals under a Council grant must have a system to protect client records from inappropriate disclosure. Disclosure of confidential information must be in accordance with applicable law.

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 July 28, 2003.

TRD-200304541

Roger A. Webb

Executive Director

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 7, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 437-5432