DSHS Advisory Committees

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)

Youth Camp Advisory Committee

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)

Advisory Committees and Councils
Committee Name	Description	Contact
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 Dana Birnberg dana.birnberg@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.	Sarah Blezinger sarah.blezinger@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 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)

Governor-Appointed Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
Committee Name	Description	Contact
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 Center for Nursing and Workforce Studies	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	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.	Yassiel Caballero 512-554-5442 yassiel.caballero@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@dshs.texas.gov Ashlee Bledsoe 512-815-8487 ashlee.bledsoe@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.	TaskForceID@dshs.texas.gov William Ayres 512-461-8956 william.ayres@dshs.texas.gov Adesuwa Ebomwonyi adesuwa.ebomwonyi@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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