Advisory committees provide valuable input regarding programs, policies, and rules as the agency seeks to become more responsive and effective in addressing needs.
DSHS works together with advisory committees to ensure that Texans have access to effective public health services and that all Texans live and work in safe, healthy communities.
Advisory committees may be called committees, councils, boards, or task forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are advisory committee meetings open to the public?
In most instances, advisory committee meetings are open to the public and subject to the Open Meetings Act (
Government Code, Chapter 551). Some advisory committees hold closed sessions to discuss cases or activities of a confidential nature. Open meeting notices are posted on the
Secretary of State website. You may also find advisory committee meeting dates, times, and locations by viewing the opening meetings schedule. You can sign up to receive notifications about open meetings as well.
Are advisory committee meetings broadcast live?
HB 630, 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017, directs each health and human services agency to broadcast live video and audio of open meetings and to provide access to archived video and audio of meetings on the agency's website by 2023.
Not all DSHS advisory committees are broadcasting open meetings yet but you can view the live and archived webcast meetings for those advisory committees that are already meeting this requirement.
View Live and Archived Webcast Meetings
How can I provide feedback to an advisory committee?
You can make a public comment at an advisory committee meeting. There is time on the agenda for public comment at each open meeting. Please note there may be a time limit for comments. Instructions for public comment will be provided at the meeting or by contacting the point of contact named on the posted meeting agenda. Some committees also provide opportunities for written comment; check with the meeting contact for more information.
How do I apply for membership on an advisory committee?
There are over 20 advisory committees that provide advice on agency rules, policies, and programs. Member appointments are made by the DSHS Commissioner, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Executive Commissioner, or the Governor or other legislative officers and varies by committee.
You can find open positions, how to apply, and applications for membership below, at
HHS Advisory Committees, and on individual advisory committee pages.
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Advisory Committee Solicitation of Applications
Food Allergy Ad Hoc Committee (Word)
Information about solicitation of applications for additional advisory committees is available at
HHS Advisory Committees.
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Advisory Committees and Councils
Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)
| Committee Name |
Description |
Contact |
Advisory Committees and Councils
Healthcare Safety Advisory Committee
|
Makes recommendations to guide implementation, development, maintenance, and evaluation of HAI and PAE reporting system.
|
Enyinnaya Merengwa
512-776-6878
HAItexas@dshs.texas.gov
|
|
HIV Medication Advisory Committee |
Advises in the development of procedures and guidelines for the Texas HIV Medication Program. Reviews program's goals and aims, evaluates ongoing efforts, and recommends short-range and long-range goals and objectives. |
Rachel Sanor
512-533-3002
Rachel.Sanor@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Interagency Obesity Council |
Monitors and evaluates obesity prevention efforts in the state for both children and adults. |
Brett Spencer
512-776-6161
Brett.Spencer@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee |
Studies and reviews cases of pregnancy-related deaths and trends in severe maternal morbidity; determines feasibility of task force study of several maternal morbidity; makes recommendations to help reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in Texas. |
Julie Stagg
512-776-6917
Julie.Stagg@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Medical Advisory Board |
Assists the Department of Public Safety in determining whether an applicant for a driver's license or a license holder is capable of safely operating a motor vehicle; or an applicant or holder of a private security commission or a license to carry a concealed handgun is capable of exercising sound judgment with respect to the proper use and storage of a handgun. |
Indra Hernandez
512-834-6669
Indra.Hernandez@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Newborn Screening Advisory Committee |
Advises DSHS regarding strategic planning, policy, rules, and services related to newborn screening. |
Aimee Millangue
512-776-3386
Aimee.Millague@dshs.texas.gov |
| Preparedness Coordinating Council |
Advises and assists the Department of State Health Services as a multidisciplinary strategic review forum concerning topics related to preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities in Texas at the state-level as they pertain to Emergency Support Function (ESF)-8 (Public Health and Medical). |
Kari Younger
512-776-7503
Kari.Younger@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Promotor(a) Community Health Worker Training & Certification Advisory Committee |
Advises DSHS on rules concerning training and regulation of promotores/community health workers. |
Beatrice Smith
512-776-2208
Beatrice.Smith@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Public Health Funding and Policy Committee |
Defines core public health services a local health entity should provide in a county or municipality; evaluates public health in the state and identifies initiatives for areas that need improvement; identifies funding sources available to local health entities; establishes public health policy priorities; and makes recommendations to DSHS annually.
|
Glenna Laughlin
512-776-6323
Glenna.Laughlin@dshs.texas.gov |
Residency Advisory Committee
|
Assists the preventive medicine residency program director with developing educational experiences for residents.
|
Amanda Cernovich
512-776-3686
Amanda.Cernovich@dshs.texas.gov |
| State Preventive Health Advisory Committee |
Works with DSHS in development and implementation of state plan for the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant. |
Lesley Brannan
512-776-3690
Lesley.Brannan@dshs.texas.gov |
Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee
|
Examines and reviews the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction on a campus of a school district or an open-enrollment charter school.
|
Anita Wheeler
512-776-2909
Anita.Wheeler@dshs.texas.gov
|
|
Texas School Health Advisory Committee |
Provides assistance to DSHS and the Executive Council in supporting and delivering coordinated school health programs.
|
Anita Wheeler
512-776-2909
Anita.Wheeler@dshs.texas.gov
|
|
Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Administration Advisory Committee |
Advises DSHS on program rules and reviews results of any audit conducted or any dispute filed concerning Tobacco Settlement Proceeds. |
Elaine Quinn McHard
512-776-6646
Ellen.McHard@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee |
Protects and promotes the health and environment of Texas through the prevention and control of adverse health and environmental effects related to toxic substances and harmful agents. |
Heidi Bojes
512-776-6351
Heidi.Bojes@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Youth Camp Advisory Committee |
Provides advice on the development of standards, procedures, and rules to implement the Youth Camp Act. |
Jeff Mantia
512-231-5753
Jeffrey.Mantia@dshs.texas.gov |
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Governor-Appointed Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)
| Committee Name |
Description |
Contact |
Governor-Appointed Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
|
Governor's EMS & Trauma Advisory Council |
Provides professional advice to the EMS regulatory and EMS/Trauma systems programs. Serves as a forum for stakeholder input. Reviews and recommends changes to rules, assesses the need for EMS in the rural areas of the state, and develops a strategic plan for refining the educational requirements for certification and maintaining certification as EMS personnel. |
Indra Hernandez
512-834-6669
Indra.Hernandez@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease & Related Disorders |
Advises and recommends needed actions for the benefit of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorder and their caregivers; disseminates information on services and related activities; coordinates services and activities of state agencies, associations and other service providers; and encourages statewide coordinated research. |
Lynda Taylor
512-776-6618
Lynda.Taylor@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke |
Develops a plan to reduce the morbidity, mortality, economic burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke in Texas. Conducts health education, public awareness, and community outreach. Coordinates activities among agencies to improve access to treatment. Develops a database of recommendations for treatment and care. Collects and analyzes information related to cardiovascular disease and stroke. |
Heather Bertero
512-776-3434
heather.bertero@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Texas Diabetes Council |
Addresses issues affecting people with diabetes. Advises the Legislature on legislation that is needed to develop and maintain a statewide system of quality education services for all people with diabetes and health care professionals who offer diabetes treatment and education. |
Ashley Doyle
512-776-2883
Ashley.Doyle@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Texas Radiation Advisory Board |
Provides technical guidance and advice on radiation programs to DSHS, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Railroad Commission of Texas, and Texas Board of Medical Examiners. |
Liz Speights
512-231-5605
Liz.Speights@dshs.texas.gov
|
|
Statewide Health Coordinating Council |
Ensures that health care services and facilities are available to all citizens in an orderly and economical manner. Based on these planning activities, makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature through the Texas State Health Plan. |
Matt Turner
512-776-6541
SHCC@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response |
The Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response is an advisory panel the governor created to provide expert, evidence-based assessments, protocols, and recommendations related to state responses to infectious diseases, including Ebola, and serve as a reliable and transparent source of information and education for Texas leadership and citizens. |
Jodie Vanyo
512-776-2194
TaskForceID@dshs.texas.gov |
|
Task Force of Border Health Officials |
Identifies and raises awareness of health issues impacting border communities and establish policy priorities to enhance border public health, creating a healthy binational community. Makes recommendations to the commissioner for short-term and long-term border health improvement plans. |
John Simo Villarreal
512-776-7436
John.Villarreal@dshs.texas.gov |
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