October 1, 2026
Quick recap
The ASAP meeting covered updates on telehealth rules for LCDCs, legislative priorities, and advocacy efforts. Duane discussed proposed HHSC rules that added stringent requirements for telehealth consent, raising concerns about inconsistencies with other professions. The group reviewed legislative priorities and the progress of discussions with HHSC, noting both alignment and areas of disagreement. Anna presented an advocacy toolkit available on the website. Carrie raised questions about the ASAP PAC and its status, with suggestions for revitalization. The group also discussed a proposed 9% budget cut and its potential impact, with Noelle explaining protections due to maintenance of effort requirements. Becky provided an update on the progress of overdose fatality review (OFR) legislation, highlighting the need for legal recognition. Sherri announced plans for ABCs of Advocacy training and Recovery Day at the Capitol, seeking volunteers for leadership roles. Guillermo mentioned an upcoming panel discussion at the Healthy Minds Texas conference.
Next steps
Anna
Becky
Duane
Submit comments on the HHSC proposed telehealth rules for LCDCs on behalf of TAP.
Send the language of the proposed 9% GR cut to Sherri via email.
Guillermo
John
Sherri
Collaboration
Summary
Telehealth Rules for LCDCs Discussion
The group discussed proposed telehealth rules for LCDCs (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors) in private practice settings, which were published by HHSC in the Texas Register. Duane explained that while the rules were intended as a cleanup of telehealth regulations, they included requirements beyond what was specified in the original bill, such as obtaining patient consent for every audio-visual telehealth call. The team plans to submit comments on the proposed rules, and Duane noted that similar rules are being developed for other licensing boards including LPCs and LCSWs, though these may not be uniformly consistent across different professional categories.
Telehealth Rules and Regulations Discussion
Sherri and Duane discussed telehealth rules for IOP, noting similarities to existing telehealth regulations and highlighting concerns about overly strict documentation requirements. Duane mentioned that counselor interns can still perform telehealth services following legislative corrections in 2023, though there are inconsistencies in terminology regarding QCCs. The group discussed upcoming Sunset Commission hearings scheduled for November 18th and 19th, with Duane planning to revise legislation based on feedback from a meeting with HGSE. Carrie emphasized the importance of testifying at the hearings to ensure ASAP's presence in the record.
Bill Breakdown Strategy Discussion
The team discussed breaking up a bill into two parts, with one portion focusing on items likely to draw less opposition from HGSE and the second portion containing other provisions that HHSC might address independently. Noah and Noelle reported positive feedback from HHSC on most legislative priorities, with the agency expressing enthusiasm about aligning with the proposed initiatives. The team is pursuing two tracks simultaneously: cooperation with the agency and a contingency plan if needed, with follow-up expected in the coming weeks regarding data collection challenges.
Agenda and Advocacy Updates
The group discussed moving forward with agenda items and fiscal considerations, with Duane highlighting challenges around collaboration between agencies and IT project moratoriums at HHSC. Anna announced the availability of a new advocacy toolkit on the website, including email and phone call templates to support legislative outreach, and mentioned ongoing work with Healthy Minds of Texas on language for a SUD trust fund similar to the 988 trust fund.
ZED Funding Reduction Concerns
Carrie raised concerns about upcoming elections and a proposed 9% reduction affecting state capacity, particularly a $6 million general revenue cut to ZED funding. Noelle explained that most ZED funds are protected by maintenance of effort requirements, making the proposed cut unlikely to proceed as suggested in the legislative report. The group agreed to seek clarification from HHSC about the feasibility of the proposed cuts and why they were included in the legislative report.
HHSC Budget Cut Concerns
The group discussed concerns about budget cuts that HHSC included in a document but cannot legally implement due to federal grant restrictions. Duane explained that HHSC may have included the cuts knowing they are not allowed, expecting others to explain the legal limitations to legislators. Sherri offered to reach out to federal legislators for support, and Duane agreed to send her the specific language regarding the cuts for her to review. The conversation ended with Carrie bringing up the need to plan PAC meetings for October and November.
ASAP PAC Revitalization Discussion
The group discussed revitalizing ASAP's PAC, which has not been in good standing for over a decade with only about $4,100 in the account. Carrie advised contacting the Ethics Commission, noting they would likely be accommodating given the small balance and recent discovery of the issue. Duane agreed to follow up with Representative Frank's office regarding the abuse, neglect, and exploitation bill, particularly regarding getting it attached to the sunset bill on the House side. Becky provided an update on the overdose fatality review committee legislation, explaining that Tarrant County is the only fully functioning OFR in Texas and that they have drafted legislation to be reviewed by the Texas Legislative Council. Sherri announced plans for ABCs of Advocacy training in the fall and Recovery Day at the Capitol in the spring, requesting committee members to serve as Senate District Captains. Guillermo confirmed he will represent ASAP at a panel discussion on October 8th at the Healthy Minds Texas conference in Austin.