LEGISLATORS LOOK INTO TEXAS LONG-TERM CARE SYSTEMS

AUSTIN - The Long-Term Care Legislative Oversight subcommittee on the Continuum of Long-Term Care Services met in a public hearing at the state capitol on Monday, May 4. The joint subcommittee is under the Health and Human Services committee which is chaired by Senator Judith Zaffirini of Laredo. The hearing consisted of invited testimony that briefed the members on the design and implementation of a Texas Department of Human services proposal to pilot a new system for purchasing long-term care services.

The committee members include Senator Jane Nelson of Flower Mound, Representatives Elliott Naishtat and Jim McReynolds, and public members Ken Kramer and Pat Karrh.

A series of three panels provided testimony before the subcommittee during the hearing. The first panel consisted of representatives from the Texas Department of Human Services. Testifying on the second panel included representatives from the Texas Health Care Association, the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and Texas Association of Home Care. Finally, representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons, the Texas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents, and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities Personal Assistance Services Task Force provided testimony.

The committee will gather its findings and recommendations in a report that will be presented to the 76th Legislature that will convene in January of next year.

###