Resources
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DSHS advisory committees are meeting virtually until further notice.
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 (or links) 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.
Using the Microsoft Teams platform, all DSHS advisory committees are broadcasting open meetings and you can
view the scheduled 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 prior to the meeting or by contacting the point of contact named on the posted
meeting agenda 72-hours prior
to the meeting as required by law. Some committees
also provide opportunities for written comment. Check with the meeting contact listed online for more information.
How do
I apply for membership on an advisory committee?
There are more
than 25 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, 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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Application Solicitation Information
State Child Fatality Review Team Committee (Word)
Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee (Web page)
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
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
512-705-2945
rachel.sanor@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; and makes recommendations to help reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in Texas.
|
Allison Waage
512-776-2907 maternalhealth@dshs.texas.gov Julie Stagg 512-776-7373 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.millangue@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). |
Sandra Nava 512-487-3442 sandra.nava@dshs.texas.gov
Lisette K. Osborne 512-776-7228 lisette.osborne@dshs.texas.gov
|
Promotor(a) Community Health Worker Training and Certification
Advisory Committee |
Advises DSHS on rules concerning training and regulation of promotores or community health workers. |
Beatrice
Smith 512-776-2208 beatrice.smith@dshs.texas.gov Frank
Luera 512-776-2777 frank.luera@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.
|
Rafael Alberti 512-776-2573 rafael.alberti@dshs.texas.gov |
Sickle Cell Task Force
|
Studies and advises the department on implementing the recommendations made in the 2018 Sickle Cell Advisory Committee Report published by the Sickle Cell Advisory Committee, or any other report the Executive Commissioner determines is appropriate.
|
Aimee Millangue
512-776-3386
amee.millangue@dshs.texas.gov |
State Child Fatality Review Committee |
Develops an understanding of the causes and incidences of child deaths. Identifies
procedures within the agencies represented on the committee to reduce the
number of preventable child deaths.
Promotes public awareness and makes recommendations to the Governor and
Legislature for changes in law, policy and practice to reduce the number of
preventable child deaths.
|
Dan
Dao (interim) dan.dao@dshs.texas.gov
Michael Spencer
512-776-6146 michael.spencer@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. |
April Brantley
512-776-3521
april.brantley@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
elaine.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 AdvisoryCommittee |
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 and Trauma Advisory Council |
Provides professional advice to the EMS regulatory and EMS and 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. |
Robert Friedrich 512-484-8113 robert.friedrich@dshs.texas.gov
|
Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and 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 and 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. |
SHCC
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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