Sec. 131.003. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The office, with assistance from the commissioner, shall:
(1) collect data on health and human services client transportation needs, services, and expenditures;
(2) create a statewide coordination plan regarding a system of transportation for clients of health and human services agencies that provides for coordinated, community-based services, including the designation of local transportation coordinators;
(3) establish a standardized system of reporting and accounting to be used by all health and human services agencies providing client transportation, and ensure that information reported under that system is available through the Texas Information and Referral Network;
(4) maximize federal funds for client transportation through the use of available state funds for matching purposes and the possible use of oil overcharge money and planning funds available through the federal department of transportation;
(5) evaluate the effectiveness of pooling client transportation resources for capital acquisition and the joint purchase of liability insurance;
(6) assist state agencies in coordinating transportation resources;
(7) ensure coordination between the office and the Texas Department of Transportation with regard to the use of funds received by the department under 49 U.S.C. Section 1612(b)(1);
(8) examine the feasibility of consolidating all funding for health and human services client transportation and creating a transportation system through which clients of a state or local agency or program could be matched with the most cost-effective and appropriate transportation services for their needs, including, to the extent practicable, use of private, nonprofit entities that provide services at little or no cost beyond reimbursement for insurance, fuel, mileage, or other expenses that might deter the entities from otherwise providing services;
(9) evaluate the use of existing computer software for use at the local level in client transportation services; and
(10) review the feasibility of taking medical care to those in need, including the use of mobile clinics, and review the possibility of using federal highway funds for those transportation needs.
(b) The office shall coordinate with the Health and Human Services Commission and health and human services agencies in implementing the goals listed in Section 531.022(c), Government Code. The office shall report its findings and proposals to the governor, the Legislative Budget Board, the secretary of state, and the commissioner not later than September 1 of each even-numbered year.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 7.01(a), eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 526, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 693, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Renumbered from Sec. 131.002 and amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1460, Sec. 6.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
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