Quick recap

The group discussed RFP status and contract awards, including concerns about HHSC's communication and contract alignment issues, particularly regarding de minimis increases and unutilized funds. They reviewed the implementation progress of CCMS for residential programs across different regions, noting various challenges with dropdowns, role definitions, and portal setup. The conversation ended with discussions about funding changes for substance use disorder treatment services, including concerns about new for-profit providers and the impact of funding decisions on existing providers, with an upcoming member meeting planned for November.

Next steps

• Noelle to submit an Open Records request to obtain information about the amounts awarded to treatment providers, including the new provider in Nederland.

• Jennifer to forward the email regarding the denial of the increase from 10% to 15% de minimis to Noelle.

• Jennifer to send Noelle a copy of what HHSC sent for the prevention contracts from their Open Records request.

• Noelle to have a conversation with HHSC about the denial of the increase from 10% to 15% de minimis.

• Brad to share the list of FY26 Treatment Providers with the group.

• ASAP to reach out to new treatment providers to potentially recruit them as members.

  
  

Summary

RFP Status and Contract Challenges

The group discussed the status of RFPs and contract awards, with Jennifer noting that the RFP was officially closed and Noelle explaining that while they received an overall spending figure, detailed contract information was not yet available. Bill shared his experience from a recent HHSC call where he learned that approximately 12% of funds go unutilized each year, though HHSC refused to specify where this unspent money is allocated. The discussion then focused on a significant issue where Jennifer discovered that HHSC would not allow the increase from 10% to 15% de minimis, which would have resulted in a $40,000 loss for their organization, and the group expressed concerns about HHSC's communication and contract alignment issues.

CCMS Implementation Challenges Across Regions

The meeting focused on the implementation of CCMS (Comprehensive Case Management Services) for residential programs, with participants discussing challenges and progress across different regions. While some areas like El Paso have encountered issues with dropdowns and role definitions, others like Dallas are still waiting for their local behavioral health authority to set up portals. Carrie expressed frustration about lack of direction regarding budget justification and clinic setup requirements, which Doug acknowledged and explained was due to their CCMS expert being unavailable. The team discussed that while some regions have received contracts, internal processes and staff designations are still being finalized in others.

HHSC Substance Use Disorder Funding

The group discussed funding challenges and changes in how HHSC awards contracts for substance use disorder treatment services. They learned about a new for-profit provider, Ripple Ranch, receiving $3 million in annual funding, and a single practitioner in Nederland being awarded contracts despite concerns about sustainability and accessibility. The discussion raised questions about why for-profit entities are being funded and whether this represents a shift in HHSC's approach to funding. The group also expressed frustration about the lack of transparency in decision-making and the impact of funding cuts on existing providers. Noelle announced an upcoming member meeting in November where these issues will be discussed further.