TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 1. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Chapter 3. CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION

The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD), proposes the amendment of Subchapter C §3.203 and §3.1205.

The proposed amendment to subsection (b) of §3.203 updates the language of this subsection to reflect the current federal legislation, rules and guidelines applicable to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund.

The proposed amendment to subsection (a) of §3.1205 clarifies that applicants for state discretionary set-aside grants are eligible for funding only under the specific program purpose areas selected by the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Board in accordance with the federal legislation, rules and guidelines applicable to the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program.

Kevin Baisdon, Coordinator of Budget and Finance for CJD, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Baisdon has also determined that for the first five-year period that the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be more efficient processes and procedures and the current rules will be more easily understood. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons or businesses for complying with the proposed rules.

Comments on the proposed amendments, may be submitted to Heather Morgan, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, at hmorgan@governor.state.tx.us; P. O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711; or (512) 463-1919. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

Subchapter C. FUND-SPECIFIC GRANT POLICIES

2. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT FUND

1 TAC §3.203

The amendment of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the Governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of this rule.

§3.203.Project Requirements.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Grant funds can support projects to prevent juvenile delinquency including:

(1) Aftercare/Reentry. Programs to prepare targeted juvenile offenders to successfully return to their communities after serving a period of secure confinement in a training school, juvenile correctional facility, or other secure institution. Aftercare programs focus on preparing juvenile offenders for release and providing a continuum of supervision and services after release. [ Community Based Alternatives to Incarceration. This includes projects that serve youth who need temporary placement such as crisis intervention, shelter, and after-care; and projects that serve youth who need residential placement such as a continuum of foster care or group home alternatives that provide access to a comprehensive array of services. ]

(2) Alternatives to Detention. Alternative services provided to a juvenile offender in the community as an alternative to confinement. [ Strengthening Families. This includes community-based programs and services that work with: ]

[ (A) parents and other family members to strengthen families, including parent self-help groups, so that juveniles may be retained in their homes;]

[ (B) juveniles during their incarceration, and with their families, to ensure the safe return of such juveniles to their homes and to strengthen the families; and]

[ (C) parents with limited English-speaking ability, particularly in areas where there is a large population of families with limited English-speaking ability.]

(3) Child Abuse and Neglect Programs. Programs that provide treatment to juvenile offenders who are victims of child abuse or neglect and to their families to reduce the likelihood that such juvenile offenders will commit subsequent violations of law. [ Collaboration of Local Systems. This includes programs that meet the needs of youth through the collaboration of the many local systems before which a youth may appear, including schools, courts, law enforcement agencies, child protection agencies, mental health agencies, welfare services, health care agencies, and private nonprofit agencies offering youth services. ]

(4) Children of Incarcerated Parents. Services designed to prevent delinquency or treat delinquent juveniles who are the children of incarcerated parents. [ Treatment for Victims. This includes programs that provide treatment to juvenile offenders who are the victims of child abuse or neglect, and to their families, in order to reduce the likelihood that such offenders will commit subsequent violations of law. ]

(5) Community Assessment Centers (CACs). Centers that lead to more integrated and effective cross-system services for juveniles and their families. CACs are designed to positively affect the lives of youth and divert them from a path of serious, violent, and chronic delinquency. Using a collaborative approach, CACs serve the community in a timely, cost-efficient, and comprehensive manner. [ Educational Programs and Supportive Services. This includes programs that: ]

[ (A) encourage juveniles to remain in elementary or secondary schools or in alternative learning situations;]

[ (B) provide services to assist juveniles in making the transition to the world of work and self-sufficiency; and]

[ (C) enhance coordination with the local schools that such juveniles would otherwise attend, to ensure that:]

[ (i) the instruction that juveniles receive outside school is closely aligned with the instruction provided in school; and]

[ (ii) information regarding any learning problems identified in such alternative learning situations are communicated to the schools.]

(6) Court Services. Programs designed to encourage courts to develop and implement a continuum of pre- and post-adjudication restraints that bridge the gap between traditional probation and confinement in a correctional setting. Services include expanded use of probation, mediation, restitution, community service, treatment, home detention, intensive supervision, electronic monitoring, translation services and similar programs, and secure, community-based treatment facilities linked to other support services. [ Probation. This includes programs that expand the use of probation officers to address the following: ]

[ (A) permitting nonviolent juvenile offenders (including status offenders) to remain at home with their families as an alternative to incarceration or institutionalization; and]

[ (B) ensuring juveniles follow the terms of their probation.]

(7) Delinquency Prevention. Programs or other initiatives designed to reduce the incidence of delinquent acts and directed to the general youth population thought to be at risk of becoming delinquent. This category includes what is commonly referred to as "primary prevention" (e.g., parent education, peer counseling). This program area excludes programs targeted at youth already adjudicated delinquent and those programs designed specifically to prevent gang-related or substance abuse activities undertaken as part of program areas described in paragraphs 10 and 28 of this subsection. [ Counseling, Training, and Mentoring. This includes programs in support of academic tutoring, vocational and technical training, and drug and violence prevention counseling that are designed to link at-risk juveniles, juvenile offenders, or juveniles who have a parent who is or was incarcerated, with responsible individuals who are properly trained. ]

(8) Disproportionate Minority Contact. Programs or other initiatives designed primarily to address the disproportionate number of juvenile members of minority groups who come into contact with the juvenile justice system, pursuant to §223(a)(22) of the JJDPA. [ Learning Disabilities. This includes programs that are designed to develop and implement projects relating to juvenile delinquency and learning disabilities, including on-the-job training programs to assist community services, law enforcement, and juvenile justice personnel to more effectively recognize and provide for learning disabled and other juveniles with disabilities. ]

(9) Diversion. Programs to divert juveniles from entering the juvenile justice system. [ Gangs. This includes programs designed to deter involvement in illegal activities and to promote involvement in lawful activities on the part of gangs whose membership is substantially composed of youth. ]

(10) Gangs. Programs or other initiatives designed primarily to address issues related to juvenile gang activity. This program area includes prevention and intervention efforts directed at reducing gang-related activities. [ Drug Treatment. This includes programs designed to provide for the treatment of youths' dependence on or abuse of alcohol or other addictive or non-addictive drugs. ]

(11) Gender-Specific Services. Services designed to address the needs of female offenders in the juvenile justice system. [ Positive Youth Development. This includes programs that promote positive youth development by assisting delinquent and other at-risk youth in obtaining a sense of safety and structure; a sense of belonging and membership; a sense of self-worth and social contribution; a sense of independence and control over life; and, a sense of closeness in interpersonal relationships. ]

(12) Graduated Sanctions. A system of sanctions that escalate in intensity with each subsequent, more serious delinquent offense. [ Diversion. This includes programs that encourage the courts to develop and implement a continuum of post-adjudication restraints that bridge the gap between traditional probation and confinement in a correctional setting. ]

(13) Gun Programs. Programs (excluding programs to purchase from juveniles) designed to reduce the unlawful acquisition and illegal use of guns by juveniles. [ Language and Other Barriers. This includes programs (including referral to literacy programs and social service programs) to assist families with limited English-speaking ability that include delinquent juveniles to overcome language and other barriers that may prevent the complete treatment of juveniles and the preservation of their families. ]

(14) Hate Crimes. Programs [ This includes programs ] designed to prevent and [ to ] reduce hate crimes committed by juveniles.

(15) Jail Removal. Programs or other initiatives designed to eliminate or prevent the placement of juveniles in adult jails and lockups, as defined in §223(a)(13) of the JJDPA. [ After-School Programs. This includes after-school programs that provide at-risk juveniles and juveniles in the juvenile justice system with a range of age-appropriate activities, including tutoring, mentoring, and other educational and enrichment activities. ]

(16) Job Training. Programs to enhance the employability of juveniles or prepare them for future employment. Such programs may include job readiness training, apprenticeships, and job referrals. [ Post-Placement Services to Adjudicated Juveniles. This includes community-based programs that provide follow-up and post-placement services to adjudicated juveniles, to promote successful reintegration into the community. ]

(17) Juvenile Justice System Improvement. Programs or other initiatives designed to examine issues or improve practices, policies, or procedures on a system-wide basis (e.g., examining problems affecting decisions from arrest to disposition and detention to corrections). [ Protect the Rights of Juveniles. This includes programs designed to protect the rights of juveniles affected by the juvenile justice system. ]

(18) Mental Health Services [ for Incarcerated Juveniles ]. Services include, but are not limited to, the development and/or enhancement of diagnostic, treatment, and prevention instruments; psychological and psychiatric evaluations; counseling services; and/or family support services. [ This includes programs designed to provide mental health services for incarcerated juveniles suspected to be in need of such services, including assessment, development of individualized treatment plans, and discharge plans. ]

(19) Mentoring. Programs designed to develop and sustain a one-to-one supportive relationship between a responsible adult age 18 or older (mentor) and an at-risk juvenile (mentee) that takes place on a regular basis.

(20) American Indian Programs. Programs designed to address juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

(21) Probation. Programs to permit juvenile offenders to remain in their communities under conditions that the juvenile court prescribes.

(22) Restitution/Community Service. Programs to hold juveniles accountable for their offenses by requiring community service or repayment to the victim.

(23) Rural Area Juvenile Programs. Prevention, intervention, and treatment services in an area located outside a metropolitan statistical area as designated by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

(24) School Programs. Education programs and/or related services designed to prevent truancy, suspension, and expulsion. School safety programs may include support for school resource officers and law-related education.

(25) Separation of Juveniles From Adult Inmates. Programs that ensure that juveniles will not be detained or confined in any institutions where they may come into contact with adult inmates, pursuant to §223(a)(12) of the JJDPA.

(26) Serious Crime. Programs or other initiatives designed to address serious and violent criminal-type behavior by youth. This program area includes intervention, treatment, and reintegration of serious and violent juvenile offenders.

(27) Sex Offender Programs. Programs to support the assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, supervision, and accountability of juvenile sex offenders.

(28) Substance Abuse. Programs or other initiatives designed to address the use and abuse of illegal and other prescription and nonprescription drugs and the use and abuse of alcohol. Programs include control, prevention, and treatment.

(29) Youth Advocacy. Projects designed to develop and implement advocacy activities focused on improving services for and protecting the rights of youth affected by the juvenile justice system.

(30) Youth Courts. Youth courts (also known as teen courts) are juvenile justice programs in which peers play an active role in the disposition of the juvenile offender. Most youth courts are used as a sentencing option for first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor or nonviolent offenses who acknowledge their guilt. The youth court serves as an alternative to the traditional juvenile court.

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 2, 2005.

TRD-200500958

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


12. JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §3.1205

The amendment of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the Governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of this rule.

§3.1205.Eligible Applicants.

(a) Twenty-five percent of this fund is available for state discretionary set-aside grants to state agencies, units of local government (including crime control and prevention districts), Native American tribal governments, COGs, nonprofit corporations, and faith-based organizations. Faith-based organizations must be certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities. Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship. Discretionary projects are eligible for funding only under the specific program purpose areas selected by the Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from the program purpose areas listed in §3.1203 of this chapter [ paragraphs (10), (11), (13), and (15) only of §3.1203 of this chapter ].

(b) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 2, 2005.

TRD-200500959

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Part 3. OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Chapter 61. CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATION

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) proposes amendments to Subchapter C, Application §§61.201, Subchapter E, Pecuniary Loss §§61.402, 61.404, 61.405, and 61.411, and Subchapter F, Medical Care §§61.503, 61.506, and 61.507 relating to the rules for the administration of the Crime Victims' Compensation Program and proposes to revise Subchapter F, Medical Care, by adding new §61.508. The proposed amendments and new rule will better serve victims of crime by improving the administration of the CVC fund.

According to Texas Constitution, art. I, §31, the compensation to victims of crime (CVC) fund may be expended as provided by law only for delivering or funding victim-related compensation, services, or assistance.

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 56.33 provides that the OAG shall adopt rules governing the administration of the CVC fund, including rules relating to the method of filing claims, proof of entitlement to compensation, and review of health care services.

The proposed amendments and new rule accurately implement, interpret, and prescribe the law and minimum standards of practices, procedures, and policies of the OAG relating to the administration of the CVC fund as required by the Administrative Procedures Act, Texas Government Code, Ch. 2001.

Subchapter C (Application, §61.201). The proposed amendment to Section 61.201 adds language to subsection (c) to clarify who is authorized to sign an application for minors.

Subchapter E (Pecuniary Loss, §§61.402, 61.404, 61.405, and 61.411). The proposed amendment to §61.402(a) specifies who is eligible to receive loss of earnings and how to submit forms; subsections (c) and (d) clarify that the OAG will be responsible for scheduling and paying for independent medical evaluations; and subsection (m) limits the hours that will be paid for individual appointments to prevent overpayment of lost earnings. Section 61.404(a) provides for starting points other than a person's residence for travel reimbursements; subsection (b) has been changed to accurately reflect the covered articles; subsection (d) clarifies the employment verification process; subsection (e) makes a technical corrections to a citation; subsections (f) and (g) change the term "compensation" to "reimbursement" for clarity and make technical corrections to a citation; subsection (h) limits the hours that will be paid for individual appointments to prevent overpayment of lost earnings; and subsection (i) limits travel expenses when victims or claimants are receiving free counseling. Section 61.405(b) provides the procedures for child care reimbursements and places a cap on the benefit and (e) makes a technical change to the dollar amount listed for replacement costs. Section 61.411(b) provides the procedures for submitting information when compensation benefits are ongoing.

Subchapter F (Medical Care, §§61.503, 61.506, and 61.507). The proposed amendment to §61.503(d) includes reimbursement provisions for psychiatric medication for patients receiving counseling and subsection (e) adds new language to limit payment of health care services when someone else has been ordered to pay as a means of ensuring collateral sources are used for payment. Section 61.506 adds a provision to establish and define a standard of fair and reasonable for dental care services. Section 61.507(c) provides for the method of payment for out of state health care services, other than acute trauma care; subsection (d) defines fair and reasonable payments for inpatient trauma care; and subsection (e) adds provisions to process bills submitted by service providers for amounts less than $5.00.

The OAG is also proposing new rule §61.508 to outline the review of health care services and standards, to define medically necessary services, and to add provisions for processing bills submitted more than five years after the date of service.

Mr. Herman Millholland, Chief of the Crime Victim Services Division of the OAG, has determined that for the first five year period in which the proposed rule and amendments are in effect, no fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Mr. Millholland has also determined that for the first five-year period in which the proposed rule and amendments are in effect there will not be an adverse effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons in connection with these rules.

Mr. Millholland has determined that for the first five-year period in which the proposed rules are in effect, the anticipated public benefit is the better administration of the CVC fund to compensate innocent victims of violent crime and greater public cooperation in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

Comments on the proposed rule and amendments may be submitted, in writing, no later than 30 days from the date of this publication to Rita Baranowski, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, P.O. Box 12198, Austin, Texas 78711-2198 or by telephone (512) 936-1240 or by e-mail to rita.baranowski.@oag.state.tx.us. All requests for a public hearing on the proposed rule and amendments, submitted under the Administrative Procedure Act, must be received by the OAG not more than 15 days after the notice of proposed changes in the sections that have been published in the Texas Register .

Subchapter C. APPLICATION

1 TAC §61.201

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 56.33, which authorizes the OAG to amend rules pertaining to its administration.

The amendments effect Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56.

§61.201.Application for Compensation.

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

(c) Under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(2)(E), to be an authorized individual entitled to file a claim and act on behalf of a child (a minor under the age of 18), an individual must:

(1) have legal guardianship; or

(2) have the legal authority to act on behalf of the child (i.e., an individual authorized to represent the Department of Family and Protective Services); or

(3) be the parent, spouse, or the child if the child has been emancipated.

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 3, 2005.

TRD-200500980

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2110


Subchapter E. PECUNIARY LOSS

1 TAC §§61.402, 61.404, 61.405, 61.411

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 56.33, which authorizes the OAG to amend rules pertaining to its administration.

The amendments effect Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56.

§61.402.Loss of Earnings.

(a) Pursuant to Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(B) and 56.32(a)(9)(I), the OAG shall determine an award for actual loss of past earnings and the anticipated loss of future earnings. Loss of earnings may be paid to victims who suffer a disability period as outlined in (b) of this rule, or to victims or claimants attending individual appointments, executions, or funerals as outlined in (e), (i) and (j) of this rule. The victim or claimant must submit information to the OAG in the manner prescribed in Rule 61.404 of this subsection.

(b) (No change.)

(c) If a victim lost past earnings as a result of mental trauma directly caused by the criminally injurious conduct, the mental health professional that regularly treats the victim may submit a written statement to the OAG verifying loss of past earnings for the victim for a maximum period of six months. In order to continue receiving benefits after six months, a victim must submit to an independent medical evaluation and a disability determination by an M.D. or a D.O. with a psychiatric specialty. The evaluation will be scheduled and paid for [ provided ] by the OAG.

(d) If a victim was unemployed at the time of the criminally injurious conduct and claims a loss of anticipated earnings, the victim or claimant must provide the OAG with a sufficient showing that the victim would have had earnings had the victim not suffered injury or death as a direct result of the criminally injurious conduct. "Sufficient showing" includes an affidavit from the employer, including the employer's identification number, affirming that the victim was offered employment, but was unable to begin employment as a direct result of a disability caused by the crime, or any other information deemed appropriate by the OAG. In order to continue receiving benefits after six months, a victim must submit to an evaluation and a disability determination from an M.D. or a D.O. with a similar practice specialty. The evaluation will be scheduled and paid for [ provided ] by the OAG.

(e) - (l) (No change.)

(m) To ensure reimbursements for lost earnings are paid at a reasonable amount, the OAG may limit reimbursement for earnings lost due to individual medical, investigative, or court appointments to four hours, unless evidence presented by the victim or claimant or an investigation by the OAG indicates that the appointment exceeded four hours.

§61.404.Travel Expenses.

(a) Pursuant to Tex. Code [ of ] Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(B), Art. 56.32(a)(9)(D), and Art. 56.32(a)(9)(I), the OAG may reimburse a victim or claimant for reasonable and necessary travel expenses resulting from the crime. Reasonable and necessary travel expenses include transportation provided by a commercial transportation company, or for mileage for the use of the victim's or claimant's personally owned motor vehicle, including reimbursement to a claimant transporting a victim who is physically or legally unable to operate a motor vehicle. The OAG may [ will ] reimburse [ only ] transportation expenses only from the victim's residence, unless the applicant demonstrates that extenuating circumstances exist for another starting destination. The [ and the ] travel distance must exceed 20 miles one-way.

(b) Meals and lodging expenses are considered reasonable and necessary travel expenses under Tex. Code [ of ] Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(B)(i), (ii), and (iii), Art. 56.32(a)(9)(D), and Art. 56.32(a)(9)(I). The OAG may reimburse a victim or claimant for meals and lodging when the travel distance , one-way from the victim's residence, exceeds 60 miles. Only lodging provided by a commercial lodging establishment shall be reimbursed. The term "commercial lodging establishment" means a hotel, motel, inn, apartment, or similar entity that offers lodging to the public in exchange for compensation.

(c) (No change.)

(d) A victim or claimant seeking reimbursement shall submit a verified statement on a form prescribed by the OAG setting forth the transportation, meals, lodging and lost earnings [ work hours ] necessitated by travel under this section. The form shall reflect the number of hours or days of travel and attendance that made the victim or claimant absent from work, if any, and the mileage using the shortest route between the victim's residence [ home ] and the travel destination if a personal vehicle is used. The victim or claimant shall submit all receipts of transportation and lodging with the claim form. An employment verification form is required to verify time lost from work. The forms [ form ] shall contain all [ one ] of the signatures of the appropriate officials [ official ] in the following manner:

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

(5) for loss of earnings, the signature of the victim, the victim's or claimant's employer , or any other person deemed appropriate by the OAG to verify how much time was missed [ lost ] from work and the rate of pay;

(6) for attendance at the funeral or memorial service of a victim, the signature of the person officiating the service or a representative of the funeral home , or any other person deemed appropriate by the OAG ; or

(7) (No change.)

(e) A non-resident victim or claimant who is a witness may not be reimbursed for travel expenses, pursuant to Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(B)(iii), for attendance at or participation in the prosecution, judicial, post conviction or post adjudication proceedings to the extent the non-resident victim or claimant witness is eligible for reimbursement pursuant to Tex. Code [ of ] Crim. Proc. Articles 56.32 and 35.27.

(f) Reimbursement [ Compensation ] for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred by a claimant on or after June 21, 2003, is available for the purpose of witnessing an execution, as provided by Tex. Code [ of ] Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(I).

(g) Reimbursement [ Compensation ] for reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred by an immediate family member or household member of a deceased victim to attend the funeral or memorial service of the victim, as provided by Tex. Code [ of ] Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(D), is available for one funeral or memorial service per immediate family member or household member, for criminally injurious conduct occurring on or after September 1, 2003.

(h) To ensure reimbursements for lost earnings are paid at a reasonable amount, the OAG may limit reimbursement for earnings lost due to individual medical, investigative, or court appointments to four hours, unless evidence presented by the victim or claimant or an investigation by the OAG indicates that the appointment exceeded four hours.

(i) Travel expenses for counseling appointments will not be paid once counseling limits have been reached. The OAG may limit reimbursements for travel expenses to 30 sessions when counseling is provided by another agency.

§61.405.Other Limits on Compensation.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(c), the cost of care for a dependent of a victim or a minor child of a victim may be awarded if the criminally injurious conduct occurred on or after September 1, 1997, and the care is a new expense resulting from the crime. This benefit is subject to the following provisions: [ limited to care provided by a licensed care provider at a rate of $100 per week per dependent or minor child. ]

(1) Care must be provided by a certified, registered, or licensed care provider.

(2) The OAG will provide reimbursement for the care at a maximum rate of $100 per week per dependent or minor child or the actual cost of child care, whichever is less. A minor child for purposes of this benefit may be limited to children 14 years of age or younger. The age requirement may be removed by the OAG upon review of extenuating circumstances.

(3) The OAG may limit child care benefits for the dependent(s) of a surviving victim to a maximum of 90 days. Under extenuating circumstances, child care benefits may be extended upon review by the OAG.

(4) Child care benefits for the dependent(s) of a deceased victim may be paid on an ongoing basis up to a maximum of $100 per week based on the pecuniary loss. This benefit is subject to the award cap determined by the date of the criminally injurious conduct, up to the maximum amount of the claim or until the dependent(s) no longer qualifies for this benefit by age, marital status, or emancipation.

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

(e) Under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.32(a)(9)(G), if the criminally injurious conduct occurred on or after September 1, 1995, the OAG may pay for the reasonable replacement costs, not to exceed $750[ .00 ] in the aggregate, for property seized as evidence, rendered unusable as a result of the criminal investigation, or that is not returned to the victim or claimant by law enforcement within a reasonable period of time.

§61.411.Evidence of a Pecuniary Loss.

(a) (No change.)

(b) To receive an ongoing compensation benefit [ benefits ], the victim or claimant must submit bills, records or evidence of the continuing pecuniary loss to the OAG within six months after the date the services were provided or the cost was incurred . The OAG may close the claim for failure to comply with the six-month limitation period.

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 3, 2005.

TRD-200500981

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2110


Subchapter F. MEDICAL CARE

1 TAC §§61.503, 61.506, 61.507

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 56.33, which authorizes the OAG to amend rules pertaining to its administration.

The amendments effect Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56.

§61.503.Mental Health Counseling Expenses.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Reimbursement for related psychiatric medication for victims or claimants may be limited to one year from the date of crime, or when counseling limits are reached. The victim or claimant must be in counseling during the time frame that psychiatric medications are being reimbursed . Medical management under this provision must be performed by a psychiatrist .

(e) When counseling or other mental health services have been ordered by the court, the OAG may deny payment if another party has been ordered to make payments or if a victim or if a victim receiving counseling has been ordered to undergo counseling as an offender.

§61.506.Reimbursement of Expenses for Dental Services.

Pre-treatment plans for dental services are required and written authorization for dental services is recommended. Examinations and x-rays do not require authorization and may be paid upon approval of the OAG. Pursuant to Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.34(d), after investigation, the OAG has determined that there is a reasonable health care justification for deviation from the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission Medical Fee Guidelines, and that reimbursement [ Reimbursement ] for dental services shall be [ is ] subject to fair and reasonable guidelines. For dental services normally associated with criminally injurious conduct, the OAG has determined that fair and reasonable reimbursements will be paid at the amount billed or the mean amount published in the current American Dental Association Survey of Dental Fees, whichever is less.

§61.507.Payments to Service Providers.

(a) Any of the following acts by a service provider constitutes a violation for which the service provider is subject to subsection (b) of this section:

(1) submitting charges for services that were not rendered [ furnished ];

(2) - (6) (No change.)

(b) (No change.)

(c) The OAG shall award compensation for out of state health care services , except for acute trauma care as provided in subsection (d) of this section, according to the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission medical fee guidelines.

(d) Under the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission medical fee guidelines, reimbursements for acute trauma care shall be paid at a fair and reasonable amount. The OAG has determined that a fair and reasonable amount under this provision is the maximum allowable reimbursement under the Medicare program or the amount billed, whichever is less.

(e) To maximize efficiency, bills submitted by service providers for $5.00 or less will not be processed. Service providers are encouraged to combine bills of $5.00 or less to ensure payment can be made.

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 3, 2005.

TRD-200500982

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2110


1 TAC §61.508

The new rule is proposed under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 56.33, which authorizes the OAG to adopt rules pertaining to its administration.

The new rule effects Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56.

§61.508.Review of Health Care Services.

Pursuant to Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 56.385, the OAG may review all bills and requests for reimbursements for health care services before making a compensation payment to determine if the services were medically necessary subject to the following provisions:

(1) Medically necessary services are those that cure or relieve the effects naturally resulting from the injury; that promote recovery; and that enhance the victim's or claimant's ability to return to pre-crime health status.

(2) Health care services provided as maintenance for wellness and prevention of disease or to maintain or prevent deterioration of a chronic condition will be considered maintenance health care services that are not eligible for reimbursement. Clinical improvement must be documented and care must be corrective, not supportive as reflected by the treatment plan.

(3) The OAG must be able to properly verify information as submitted to determine if the health care services were medically necessary. Unless the OAG has made a determination that extenuating circumstances exist, the OAG will not process bills and requests for reimbursements for health care services that are received five years after the date of service. For child victim treatment reimbursement up to the patient's 21st birthday, medical records will need to be secured and submitted by the requestor for consideration of payment.

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 3, 2005.

TRD-200500983

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 17, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2110