SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

 

COMMITTEE:    Health & Human Services 

TIME & DATE:  9:00 AM, Friday, August 15, 2014 

PLACE:        E1.016 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:        Senator Charles Schwertner 

 

 

The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will take up the following charges:

 

Charge #2 - Monitor the implementation of programs that were created or expanded by the 83rd Legislature to improve mental health and substance abuse services and assess these efforts' contribution to improved outcomes such as reduced recidivism in state hospitals, diversion from emergency rooms and county jails, and access to permanent supportive housing. Identify and address gaps in the current mental health and substance abuse system and make recommendations to better coordinate services across agencies and programs.

 

Charge #6 - Evaluate the current state of prescription drug abuse and strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse in Texas. Make recommendations on how these policies can be improved or modified to enhance the State of Texas' handling of services, treatments and education related to prescription drug abuse and to reduce the overall prevalence of prescription drug abuse.

 

Charge #5 - Evaluate the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program structure. Make recommendations to improve the program's operations and ensure the program achieves outcomes that allow TANF recipients to find employment and achieve self-sufficiency. Recommendations should seek to ensure Texas is using the most effective work-related requirements and drug testing protocols.

 

Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes.

If submitting written testimony, please provide 15 copies with your name on each.