PART 1. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
CHAPTER 280. PEDIATRIC TELECONNECTIVITY RESOURCE PROGRAM FOR RURAL TEXAS
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts new §280.1, concerning Purpose; §280.3, concerning Definitions; and §280.5, concerning Grant Program Administration. New §§280.1, 280.3, and 280.5 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 18, 2020, issue of the Texas Register (45 TexReg 8998), and therefore will not be republished.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The new sections implement Texas Government Code, Chapter 541, added by House Bill (H.B.) 1697, 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. Chapter 541 directs HHSC to establish a pediatric tele-connectivity resource program for rural Texas to award grants to nonurban health care facilities to connect the facilities with pediatric specialists and pediatric subspecialists who provide telemedicine services. Rider 94 of the 2020-21 General Appropriations Act (H.B. 1, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, Article II, Special Provisions) appropriates funds to HHSC to implement Chapter 541.
The Pediatric Tele-Connectivity Resource Program for Rural Texas allows HHSC to provide financial assistance to enable eligible, nonurban health care facilities to connect with pediatric specialists and pediatric subspecialists who provide telemedicine services and to cover related expenses, including necessary equipment.
COMMENTS
The 31-day comment period ended January 19, 2021.
During this period, HHSC did not receive any comments regarding the proposed rules.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The new sections are adopted under 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, Texas Government Code §531.0055, which directs the Executive Commissioner to adopt rules and policies for the operation of and provision of health and human services; and Texas Government Code §541.008, which provides that the Executive Commissioner may adopt rules necessary to help implement the pediatric tele-connectivity resource program for rural Texas.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 23, 2021.
TRD-202100732
Karen Ray
Chief Counsel
Health and Human Services Commission
Effective date: March 15, 2021
Proposal publication date: December 18, 2020
For further information, please call: (512) 239-8300