Bill > SB704

This bill aims to establish a statewide deaf-blind support services program in Texas. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will operate the program, under which deaf-blind support services will be provided by specially trained providers, and HHSC will reimburse the providers for the services. 2. HHSC will establish reimbursement rates for the providers using a tiered wage scale based on their level of training in communication modes for persons who are deaf-blind and their fluency in those communication modes. 3. HHSC will ensure the quality of the services by monitoring provider compliance, developing additional funding sources, and providing funding and technical assistance for training programs for both the providers and persons who are deaf-blind. 4. The executive commissioner of HHSC may establish an advisory committee to help develop and operate the program. 5. The executive commissioner must adopt rules to implement the program by September 1, 2020, and HHSC must begin operating the program by that date.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=SB704