Advisory Committees

Texas Capitol Rotunda

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.


DSHS Commissioner-Appointed Boards, Councils, Committees, and Task Forces

Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)

Committee Name Description Contact
DSHS Comm-Appointed

Antimicrobial Stewardship
Regional Advisory Committees

(ASRAC)

Committees in each of Texas’ eight public health regions promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, thereby improving patient outcomes and slowing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. 

Committee Email: AntibioticStewardship@dshs.texas.gov

Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Medication Advisory Committee
 

(HIV/MAC)

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. 

Sylvia Jimenez
512-917-6928
sylvia.jimenez@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Maternal Mortality and
Morbidity Review Committee
 
(MMMRC)


Studies and reviews cases of pregnancy-related deaths and trends in severe maternal morbidity; determines the feasibility of task force study of several maternal morbidities; and makes recommendations to help reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related deaths and severe maternal morbidity in Texas. 

Committee Email: 
maternalhealth@dshs.texas.gov

Kobi Ajayi
Sarah Beard
512-776-7373

Medical Advisory Board 
(MAB)

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 whether an applicant or holder of a private security commission or a license to carry a concealed handgun is capable of exercising sound judgment concerning the proper use and storage of a handgun. 

Jorie Klein
512-535-8538
jorie.klein@dshs.texas.gov

Newborn Screening
Advisory Committee

(NBS)

Advises DSHS regarding strategic planning, policy, rules, and services related to newborn screening.

Committee Email: 
NewbornAdvisory@dshs.texas.gov

Aimee Millangue
512-776-3386
aimee.millangue@dshs.texas.gov

Preparedness Coordinating Council
(PCC)

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
512-776-7503 
sandra.nava@dshs.texas.gov

Dana Birnberg
dana.birnberg@dshs.texas.gov

 

Promotor(a) Community Health Worker Training and Certification Advisory Committee 
(CHW)

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

(PHFPC)

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

Michael Comfort
michael.comfort@dshs.texas.gov

 

Sickle Cell Task Force 
(SCTF)

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 Team 
(SCFRT)

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.

Committee Email: 
cfrt@dshs.texas.gov

Sarah Blezinger
512-776-4618
sarah.blezinger@dshs.texas.gov

Jia Benno
512-902-0197
Jia.benno@dshs.texas.gov

State Preventive Health
Advisory Committee

(SPHAC)

Works with DSHS in the development and implementation of the state plan for the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.

Laura Bianco
512-963-0389
Laura.bianco@dshs.texas.gov 

Stock Epinephrine
Advisory Committee

(SEAC)

Examines and reviews the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction on a campus of a school district, an open-enrollment charter school, a private school, or an institution of higher education.

Hayden Evans
512-776-3489
hayden.evans@dshs.texas.gov

Texas School Health
Advisory Committee

(TSHAC) 

Advises Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on school health matters as described below:

  1. Establishes a leadership role for DSHS in the support for and delivery of coordinated school health programs and school health services,

  2. Uses the findings of the analysis of the student physical fitness assessment instrument adopted by the Texas Education Agency in:

  3. A. Assessing the effectiveness of coordinated health programs provided by school districts and 
    B. Developing recommendations for modifications to coordinated health program requirements or related curriculum.

Hayden Evans 
512-776-3489
hayden.evans@dshs.texas.gov

Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Administration
Advisory Committee

(TSPTAAAC)

Advises DSHS on program rules and reviews results of any audit conducted or any dispute filed concerning Tobacco Settlement Proceeds.

Committee Email: 
DSHSTobacco@dshs.texas.gov

Elaine Quinn McHard
512-776-6646
elaine.mchard@dshs.texas.gov

Toxic Substances Coordinating Committee
(TSCC)

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
(YCAC)

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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HHS Executive Commissioner, Governor, and Legislative-Appointed Boards, Councils, Committees, and Task Forces

Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)

EC-/Gov-appointed ACs
Committee Name Description Contact

Governor's EMS and Trauma
Advisory Council

(GTAC)

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. 

Jorie Klein
512-535-8538
jorie.klein@dshs.texas.gov

Statewide Health Coordinating Council
(SHCC)
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. 

Committee Email: SHCC@dshs.texas.gov

Lissette Curry
512-776-6541
lissette.curry@dshs.texas.gov

Task Force of
Border Health Officials

TFBHO)
Identifies and raises awareness of health issues impacting border communities and establishes 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.

Guillermo Zenizo Lindsey
512-865-7380
guillermo.zenizolindsey@dshs.texas.gov

Task Force on
Infectious Disease
Preparedness and Response
 
(IDTF)
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. 

Committee Email:
TaskForceID@dshs.texas.gov
Phone: 512-969-0428

Nathan Gauldin
512-960-0774
Nathan.Gauldin@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Center for Nursing
and Workforce Studies

(TCNWS)

Guides in the accuracy of reporting nursing workforce data and research results; Develop priorities and an operations plan for the Center for Nursing and Workforce Studies (CNWS). Provides policy recommendations to assure an adequate nursing workforce for the State of Texas. Identifies other issues concerning nursing professionals in Texas that need further study.

Pamela Lauer
512-776-6723
pamela.lauer@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Council on
Alzheimer's Disease 
and Related Disorders
 

(TCADRD)

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. 

Program Email: alzheimers@dshs.texas.gov

Julie Ketelsen
512-695-3846
Julie.Ketelsen@dshs.texas.gov

Rachel Wiseman
Rachel.Wiseman@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Council on Cardiovascular
Disease and Stroke
 

TCCDS)

Develops a plan to reduce the morbidity, mortality, and 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.

Program Email: cardio@dshs.texas.gov

Julie Ketelsen  
512-695-3846
Julie.Ketelsen@dshs.texas.gov

Rachel Wiseman
Rachel.Wiseman@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Diabetes Council
(TDC)

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.

Program Email: diabetes@dshs.texas.gov

Julie Ketelsen
512-695-3846
Julie.Ketelsen@dshs.texas.gov

Rachel Wiseman
Rachel.Wiseman@dshs.texas.gov

Texas Radiation Advisory Board
(TRAB)

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.

Gem Naivar
512-942-9238
Gem.Naivar@dshs.texas.gov 

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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's 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.  The public may also join any open meeting by telephone in person or remotely with the phone number and location provided in the meeting notice.

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 before the meeting or by contacting the point of contact named on the posted meeting agenda 72 hours before 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 vary 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.


Current Advisory Committee Openings

Members Sought for the DSHS Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee

If you are interested in addressing antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities and improving antimicrobial stewardship through collaborative action, you may be interested in joining the Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee (ASRAC). We are accepting new member applications for the following position(s): 

  • Public Health Region 1 Director of Nursing position

About the Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee

The DSHS Antimicrobial Stewardship Program’s mission is to provide direction for the development of a collaborative statewide program that empowers healthcare providers and the public with evidence-based information, education, and tools necessary to use antimicrobials judiciously and limit the emergence and spread of resistance in Texas.

The Department of State Health Services defines “antimicrobial stewardship” as a coordinated approach to promoting and monitoring the appropriate use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness. Antimicrobial stewardship serves to improve patient outcomes, slow the increase in antimicrobial resistance, and decrease adverse drug reactions, antibiotic-associated disease, and healthcare costs.

Texas Health and Safety Code § 81.015 requires the establishment of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee in each of Texas’ eight public health regions to address antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities and to improve antimicrobial stewardship through collaborative action. The Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committees are governed by House Bill 1848 (86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019).

The DSHS Commissioner will appoint members to the committee to serve 1-year or complete the term of current vacancy. Terms may be shortened or lengthened in compliance with statute.

DSHS will consider each applicant’s qualifications, background, and interest in serving on the committee. DSHS also tries to choose committee members who represent Texas diversity. For this reason, DSHS also considers each applicant’s ethnicity, gender, and geographic location. 
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024.

Submit applications by email to: antibioticstewardship@dshs.texas.gov, or 

Mail to:
Department of State Health Services
Attn: Antimicrobial Stewardship Team
PO Box 149347
Mail Code 4559
Austin, TX 78714-9347

DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected once the agency solicitation process is complete.


Members Sought for Texas School Health Advisory Committee

If you are interested in issues surrounding school health, you may be interested in joining the Texas School Health Advisory Committee (TSHAC). The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner is currently accepting applications for membership on the committee for the following positions:

● Parent of a school-age child currently enrolled in a Texas school.
● Representative from an organization or agency involved with the health of school children.
● Medical professional (currently practicing physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) that provides health services to school-age children.
● Person working in a school as a certified health educator.

About the Texas School Health Advisory Committee

The Texas School Health Advisory Committee was created by Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 1001.0711. The committee advises DSHS in its support for and delivery of coordinated school health programs and school health services. The committee seeks relevant stakeholder input on these issues and produces recommendations to the DSHS on school health best practices and resources for school policy makers.
A committee member must regularly participate in committee meetings and may also have to participate in subcommittee meetings, projects, and presentations. Committee meetings will be held in Austin at least twice a year or at the call of the presiding officer. Virtual attendance at advisory committee meetings is allowed. To the extent permitted by the current state budget, a member of the Texas School Health Advisory Committee who is in the parent category may be repaid for their travel expenses to and from meetings. Other committee members are not paid to attend or travel to and from committee meetings. For more information about the committee, visit Texas School Health Advisory Committee, call 512-776-7279, or contact Dianna Pierson at Schoolhealth@dshs.texas.gov.

The DSHS Commissioner will appoint members to the committee to serve a term expiring July 31, 2028, unless otherwise noted above.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., March 15, 2024.

• Please review the linked application letter to find out who the committee is seeking as representatives and if you qualify.
• After reviewing the application letter, and verifying you meet the qualifications for at least one category, click on the application linked here to apply to be on the committee. 

DSHS will consider the applicants' qualifications, background, and interest in serving on the committee. DSHS also tries to choose committee members who, as a whole, represent the diversity of all Texans. For that reason, DSHS considers applicants' ethnicity, gender, and geographic location. If you would like to apply to serve on the committee, you may submit the application by completing the Qualtrics survey. A paper copy is available upon request. It is preferred that you submit your application electronically, but you may submit the paper application by email, mail, or fax.

Email: Dianna Pierson at SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov, Attn: TSHAC.
Mail: Texas School Health Program
Texas Department of State Health Services P.O. Box 149347, Mail Code 1945, Attn: Dianna Pierson, Austin, TX 78714-9347
Fax: 512-776-7555 Attn: Dianna Pierson – TSHAC

DSHS will notify applicants of their application status by August 2024.


    New Advisory Committee Member Training Modules

    New DSHS Advisory Committee Members are required to complete training within 90 days of appointment to a committee. Below are five PowerPoint Training Modules* for new member orientation. 

    *Webinar training modules are currently being revised.

    Additional Training and Resources

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    Advisory Committee Updates

    To sign up for updates, enter your email address. Under Subscription Topics, click the [+/-] next to DSHS and select DSHS Advisory Committees.