CHAPTER 107A. OFFICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES - Texas Statutes

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE

TITLE 2. HEALTH

SUBTITLE E. HEALTH CARE COUNCILS AND RESOURCE CENTERS

CHAPTER 107A. OFFICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES

Sec. 107A.001. OFFICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES.

The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services

Commission shall maintain an office for the elimination of health

disparities in the Health and Human Services Commission to:

(1) assume a leadership role in working or contracting with

state and federal agencies, universities, private interest

groups, communities, foundations, and offices of minority health

to develop health initiatives to decrease or eliminate health and

health access disparities among racial, multicultural,

disadvantaged, ethnic, and regional populations, including

appropriate language services; and

(2) maximize use of existing resources without duplicating

existing efforts.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter

12 and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

222, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 107A.002. POWERS OF OFFICE. The office may:

(1) provide a central information and referral source, including

a clearinghouse for health disparities information, and serve as

the primary state resource in coordinating, planning, and

advocating access to health care services to eliminate health

disparities in this state;

(2) coordinate conferences and other training opportunities to

increase skills among state agencies and government staff in

management and in the appreciation of cultural diversity;

(3) pursue and administer grant funds for innovative projects

for communities, groups, and individuals;

(4) provide recommendations and training in improving minority

recruitment in state agencies;

(5) publicize information regarding health disparities and

minority health issues through the use of the media;

(6) network with existing minority organizations,

community-based health groups, and statewide health coalitions;

(7) solicit, receive, and spend grants, gifts, and donations

from public and private sources; and

(8) contract with public and private entities in the performance

of its responsibilities.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter

12 and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

222, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 107A.003. FUNDING. The Health and Human Services

Commission may distribute to the office unobligated and

unexpended appropriations to be used to carry out its powers.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter

12 and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

222, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.