Patrick Smith

The committee meeting covered several key programmatic and technical updates. Discussion topics included updates on new member solicitation and the appointment process, as well as progress reports from the subcommittees on Interoperability, Telemedicine, Telehealth, and Telemonitoring, and Behavioral Health. Technical presentations focused on Fast Health Interoperability Resources and reimbursement for telemonitoring, a strategic roadmap for Single Sign On transformation, and Zero Trust security models. Additionally, the committee received updates on telemonitoring activities at Federally Qualified Health Centers, health information exchange connectivity projects, and the Patient Unified Lookup System for Emergencies.

This strategic plan for the Health and Human Services Commission outlines its direction for Fiscal Years 2027-2031, with a vision to make a positive difference in the lives of the people it serves. The plan focuses on four primary operational goals: improving and supporting health outcomes and well-being for individuals and families, ensuring efficient access to appropriate services, protecting the health and safety of vulnerable Texans, and continuously enhancing efficiency and accountability. It also addresses various legislative and operational impediments to streamline processes and maximize resource effectiveness.

This strategic plan for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission outlines its direction for fiscal years 2027-2031, focusing on improving health outcomes, ensuring efficient access to services, and protecting vulnerable Texans. Key priorities include administering Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs, providing specialized health-related and behavioral health services, encouraging family self-sufficiency and independent living, overseeing state facilities, and maintaining robust regulatory, licensing, and consumer protection services. The plan also emphasizes enhancing operational efficiency and accountability across all enterprise functions.

This document outlines the strategic direction for the Safe Riders program, aiming to reduce motor vehicle crash injuries and fatalities among children in Texas. Key goals include educating families and distributing car seats to low-income families, ensuring sustainability and retention of child passenger safety technicians, and building capacity for child passenger safety resources. Future initiatives focus on expanding geographical mapping, implementing a national digital checklist for statewide data analysis, and incorporating hybrid training models to enhance workforce access and capacity.

The Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (SBHCC) is updating the five-year statewide behavioral health strategic plan for fiscal years 2027-2031. This plan, the 3rd Edition, focuses on systemic issues such as infrastructure, policy, procedures, and access to care within the mental health and substance use disorder continuum. It will recognize special populations, cross-reference existing reports, and include state agency-implementable strategies, developed through comprehensive stakeholder engagement including surveys and policy roundtables.