The House Committee on Human Services

85th Legislature

November 13, 2018

9:00 a.m.

E2.030

Pursuant to a notice posted on October 30, 2018, revised on November 5, 2018, the House Committee on Human Services met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Raymond, at 9:14 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Raymond; Frank; Klick; Miller; and Rose.

A quorum was present.

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Review the availability of prevention and early intervention programs and their effectiveness in reducing maltreatment of children.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Wu now present.)

(Representative Swanson now present.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Review services available to children aging out of foster care, as well as services available to families post-adoption. Determine if current services are adequately providing for children's and families' needs and meeting the objectives of the programs.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Determine the need for system improvements, especially in the area of Trauma Informed Care, and how it impacts the outcomes for children and families.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Determine what training is necessary to achieve the intended results of a trauma-informed system of care. Evaluate the potential benefits of trauma-informed care training for all individuals who interacts with children in the foster care system.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Analyze the current reimbursement methodology and rates for the assigned levels of care in the foster care system, with a focus on the impact the rates have on those agencies providing services and care for children.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Study the prevalence of mental illness diagnoses on children in the foster care system who have experienced trauma, the impact of these diagnoses on use of psychotropic medication, and the outcomes for these children.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Frank in chair.)

The committee received testimony on the following issue:

Study whether the occurrence of abuse and neglect in nursing facilities has reduced, focusing on the types of abuse and HHSC’s regulatory oversight.  The committee will also study whether existing state and federal laws and regulations provide sufficient deterrent effect, including current requirements for conducting employee criminal background checks.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 7:23 p.m., on the motion of Representative Frank and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Raymond, Chair

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Kyle Mauro, Clerk