** REVISION **
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF FORMAL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

COMMITTEE:    Appropriations - S/C on Article II 

TIME & DATE:  N/A
Monday, July 27, 2020 

PLACE:       N/A 
CHAIR:       Rep. Sarah Davis 

REVISED: The deadline has been moved to Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in scheduling public hearings at this time, the House Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Article II is conducting necessary oversight functions through an information gathering process under Section 301.014, Government Code.  This is notice that the committee is seeking information and input from the public. Submissions received in response to this request will be transmitted to members of the committee and posted on the House website at https://house.texas.gov/committees/committee/?committee=C010.

Submission Guidelines

·                Submissions must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.

·                Submissions are requested to be limited to 5 pages in length. Submissions in a foreign language may be accompanied by an English translation, not to exceed 5 pages in length.  The subcommittee does not provide language translation services for submissions.

·                Please submit a separate document for each topic to which you are responding.

·                Submissions must be submitted via e-mail to Appropriations@house.texas.gov and are requested to include “ART2” in the first part of the Subject for quick identification.

·                Please include the following information in the submission e-mail: submitter name, organization or entity (if applicable and an authorized representative), mailing address, email, and telephone number.

·                The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

·                Comments received in response to this Request for Information will be publicly posted on TLO, TLIS, and the House website.  When submitting comments, please remove any personal identifying information, such as your personal phone number, residence address, or e-mail address.

Topics:

Interim Charge #1: Monitor the agencies and programs under Article II and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation and riders passed by the 86th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the Subcommittee will also specifically monitor:

·                implementation of new funding and full-time equivalent positions for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit;

·                implementation of DSHS Rider 29; evaluate the capacity of immunization programs to prevent, reduce, and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases in adults and children;

·                fulfillment of requirements in Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Rider 114, including HHSC Office of Inspector General alignment of oversight of managed care organizations;

·                impact of funding and implementation of legislation related to post-permanency services for children exiting the Texas foster care system;

·                progress on construction of state hospitals and the capacity of the state hospital system to provide mental health support in all regions across Texas;

·                impact of funding to increase the base wage for attendant services and additional investments in the wage enhancement programs; and

·                Medicaid cost containment efforts.

Interim Charge #2: Review how Texas is preparing for state and federal budgetary changes that impact the state's health programs, including: the Family First Prevention Services Act; the next phase of the 1115 Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program Waiver; Texas’ Targeted Opioid Response Grant; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed Medicaid Fiscal Accountability rule, and the Healthy Texas Women Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver.

Interim Charge #3: Review the ability of hospital finance methods, including trauma funding, graduate medical education payments, and supplemental payment programs, to support all hospitals in Texas (including rural and children's hospitals), and the potential impact from state and federal budgetary changes.

Interim Charge #4: Monitor the implementation and expansion of Community-Based Care by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Interim Charge #5: Examine state investments in the health and brain development of babies and toddlers, including Early Childhood Intervention and other early childhood programs for children in the first three years. Evaluate opportunities to boost child outcomes and achieve longer-term savings.

Interim Charge #6: Examine the financial impact of the multi-state opioid settlements to the state of Texas. Review the amount of money the state may receive to the state treasury under the settlements and any restrictions placed on the use of funds. Determine which programs and services provide the best opportunities for reducing opioid dependence and abuse in the state.

Interim Charge #7: Monitor the use of funding for the Alternatives to Abortion program to ensure it is achieving the intended goals and providing access to all eligible recipients in a cost effective manner. Evaluate the use of additional funding provided under HHSC Rider 80, and ensure that awards to the program are made competitively, consistent with all applicable state contracting regulations, and in a manner that provides the greatest access to services. Evaluate HHSC benchmarks used to monitor performance and contract oversight of program providers.

In the event it becomes feasible to safely conduct a public meeting, the Committee reserves the right to hold an in-person hearing on these charges.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE IN SUBMITTING A RESPONSE

Persons with disabilities who may need assistance submitting a response to this request for information are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, seven (7) days prior to the deadline for submissions so that appropriate arrangements can be made.