Heidi Bojes

This document provides an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, 'Rural Texas Strong,' detailing its funding, allowable uses, and six key initiatives aimed at improving healthcare in rural Texas. The initiatives focus on enhancing community-based prevention and wellness programs, empowering patients through technology, integrating advanced AI and telehealth solutions, developing and retaining the rural healthcare workforce, strengthening cybersecurity for patient data, and investing in infrastructure and capital improvements for healthcare facilities.

The meeting included updates on the Public Health Provider - Charity Care Program (PHP-CCP), detailing FFY 2025 and 2026 cost reporting periods, settlement amounts, and the proportionate reduction applied to align with the CMS cap. Discussions addressed discrepancies between claims, caps, and disbursements, as well as recoupment of funds due to an appeal. The committee also reviewed the implementation status of recent legislation impacting Local Health Departments (LHDs), including funding allocations from House Bill 500 for vehicle/boat purchases, data center services, facility maintenance, and expanded laboratory capacity. Specific bills discussed included Senate Bill 1008 concerning food service permitting mandates and Senate Bill 541 broadening cottage food operations, alongside updates on a state-funded spay and neuter program. Updates on the Congenital Syphilis Initiative detailed surveillance, prevention efforts like the CS Quality Improvement Toolkit pilot scheduled for Spring 2026, and the launch of the CS Provider Consultation Hotline. Discussions covered challenges LHDs face in managing syphilis cases and proposed improvements, including extended hotline support and medication provision by DSHS. The Emerging and Infectious Diseases update covered respiratory virus surveillance showing increased influenza and RSV visits, the first US human case of avian influenza, seasonal influenza vaccine recommendations, RSV immunization guidance, and a significant rise in Texas pertussis cases. Updates on Monkeypox and New World Screwworm were provided, along with information regarding a Marburg virus disease outbreak in Ethiopia. The committee also received an update on federal funding changes, including the maintenance of level funding due to a continuing resolution, and confirmation that the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) was received as a five-year upfront lump sum. Finally, the committee addressed recommendations from the previous annual report, concerning LHD assessment surveys, Medicare/Medicaid billing optimization, the 60/40 funding split, and data modernization. The meeting concluded with the election of a new committee Chair, Dr. Katherine Wells.

This state plan, developed by the Texas Diabetes Council, outlines strategies to prevent and treat diabetes and obesity in Texas. Its primary objectives are increasing access to diabetes treatments and education, and addressing co-morbidities and reducing complications in diabetes care. Key focus areas include improving eye health, reducing cardiometabolic conditions, and preventing diabetes-related limb amputations. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare expenditures, and enhance the quality of life for Texans affected by diabetes.

This document provides an update to the Texas State Health Plan, building on previous iterations and focusing on a population health approach to address critical health issues and improve the state's healthcare system. Key strategic areas include enhancing vaccination rates, improving maternal health, combating vaping, promoting nutrition and physical activity, strengthening rural health services, addressing mental health workforce shortages, and supporting health professions education.

The Texas Diabetes Council meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics. These included an overview of limb preservation, a review of the Rulemaking Notification Form for proposed amendments to the Texas Administrative Code, updates from workgroups regarding the 2025 TDC State Plan, and updates from state agency representatives. The council also discussed the 2025 State Plan Priorities and reviewed action items for the next meeting.