Quick recap

The legislative networking group met to discuss updates and upcoming issues, with Duane reporting on recent Capitol meetings and a upcoming Senate hearing on THC product consumption and mental health services. Sherry provided detailed analysis of federal policy issues, including inconsistencies in President Trump's drug control strategy and proposed changes to 2 CFR regulations that could restrict federal funding for prevention programs and give administration officials broad discretion to cancel grants. The group discussed challenges with THC vaping among youth, including severe mental health impacts and combination with other substances, while Guillermo emphasized the importance of considering both federal and state perspectives in advocacy efforts. Additional topics included concerns about managed care organization communication practices and rate changes that affect providers, with Duane offering to help address these issues through legislative or regulatory channels.

Next steps

Anna

• Submit comments for the HHS RFI by the weekend and include…

Meeting summary

Quick recap

This meeting focused on updates and discussions regarding behavioral health and substance use disorder policy in Texas. The group discussed legislative developments, including upcoming Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearings on homelessness and substance use disorder, and concerns about ketamine clinic regulations. Sherri reported on conversations with Dr. Carlos Tirado regarding telehealth restrictions for history and physical examinations in detox programs, with Duane offering to connect with Nora Cox from Texas eHealth Alliance about potential advocacy efforts. Anna provided updates on the coalition's participation in the Texas Impaired Driving Task Force and submission of comments to the Public Health Committee. The group also discussed challenges with the OSARs (Opioid Screening Assessment and Referral) system, including inconsistent performance across regions and breakdowns in transition points throughout the treatment continuum. Noelle announced plans to develop a legislative strategy list for the upcoming session and requested input from…

Quick recap

The meeting focused on reviewing and discussing recommendations for the HHSC contract administration and procurement process as part of the Sunset review. Noelle presented the current recommendations, which included enhancing transparency, streamlining processes, and maintaining multi-year contracts, while participants provided feedback and suggested specific additions. Jennifer emphasized the need for clearer language around transparency and highlighted the importance of diversity in service providers, particularly for specialized services like substance use disorder treatment. The group discussed concerns about administrative costs and inefficiencies introduced by intermediary vendors, with specific examples shared about reduced funding availability due to overhead costs. Participants also reviewed recommendations regarding CMBHS system improvements and legislative changes that need to be reflected in licensing rules, with Duane and Sherri providing guidance on relevant statutes and bill citations. The conversation ended with updates on ongoing conversations with HHSC about the Be Well subcontracting situation and potential changes to…

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing the upcoming Texas state legislative session and the HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) sunset review process. Duane provided an overview of recent election results, including Trump's expected endorsement of John Cornyn over Ken Paxton in the Senate race. The group extensively discussed the HHSC sunset review, with Duane explaining the process and emphasizing the need to identify key issues for stakeholder input. Major topics included contract administration problems, CMBHS (Community Mental Health Services) issues, and the disconnect between HHSC's regulatory and program divisions. The discussion highlighted specific concerns about Medicaid procurement processes, including examples of arbitrary scoring and technical issues with the enrollment system. Participants also touched on differences between treatment and prevention providers' experiences with regulatory structures and the need to align HHSC's levels of care with industry standards.

Next steps

• Duane: Request a meeting with Sunset Commission staff this week…

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing legislative challenges and strategies for the upcoming session, including interim charges and a special election analysis that suggested shifting political trends. The group explored various issues related to DWI and drug courts, including treatment options and funding challenges, while also discussing the possibility of increasing alcohol taxes and addressing reduced funding for state-funded treatment beds. The conversation ended with discussions about funding consolidation issues, recent changes in treatment and prevention strategies, and a new funding opportunity from the Trump administration for medication-assisted treatment.

Next steps

• Duane: Draft and share with the group a document regarding the point person for prevention programs in the education committee, likely Senator Paxton, by the next meeting.

• Guillermo: Arrange time with Judge Robert Achundo to provide information and/or a general overview on DWI courts and potential statutory challenges, if specific questions arise from the group.

• Jennifer: Try to…

Quick recap

Duane reported on the state's special session and proposed transitioning the meeting to a legislative planning committee to prepare for the next session by developing priorities in key areas including treatment access, HHSC rules revision, and sunset review. The committee will focus on gathering member feedback, encouraging direct engagement with legislators, and organizing work into categories to facilitate participation and track progress. Noelle will invite members to participate in the newly structured meetings while Guillermo suggested bringing additional staff to help with advocacy efforts and shared plans for an October trip to DC to advocate against federal funding changes.

Next steps

• Duane to prepare and send out meeting agenda at least one week in advance

• Duane to locate and share previous ASP rule comments/submissions

• Sherry to be contacted regarding locating previous ASP rule comments

Quick recap

The meeting focused on discussing the ongoing government shutdown and its potential impacts on federal funding and operations, with participants sharing updates on how different agencies might be affected. The group reviewed current federal budget negotiations and congressional activities, including discussions about proposed restructuring of HHS and the status of key funding programs. The conversation ended with conversations about upcoming advocacy efforts, regulatory changes, and implementation of SB12, along with plans for future stakeholder meetings and briefings.

Next steps

• Noelle to RSVP for the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting on October 20th on behalf of the association.

• Vaughan to forward the HHSC regulatory reform stakeholder meeting information to Sherri and Duane.

• Sherri to forward Philip Sharp's contact information to Duane.

Quick recap

The meeting began with introductions and updates on legislative advocacy efforts, including the importance of federal funding and rule changes. The group discussed various challenges facing substance use disorder services, including budget cycles, parental consent requirements, and credentialing issues for community behavioral health centers. The conversation ended with discussions on developing a legislative strategy, focusing on identifying organizational strengths and addressing potential threats, while emphasizing the need to finalize priorities by early next year.

Next steps

• Noelle: collect feedback on chemical dependency treatment facility regulation rules by today

• Noelle: set up notification to track when parental consent rule clarifications will be discussed on the education side

• Noelle: send the December 11th Health and Human Services executive committee meeting agenda regarding Texas Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics rule changes