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

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DSHS Advisory Committees Web List January 2025

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

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DSHS Advisory Committees Web List January 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

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. Advisory committee meeting dates, times, and locations (or links) can be found on the open meetings schedule. Sign up at delivery.gov 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
 

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. 

• Module One: Overview of the Agency
• Module Two: Texas Legislature, Rules, and Advisory Committees
• Module Three: Open Meeting Participation
• Module Four: Administrative Information on Travel and Expenses
• Module Five: DSHS Divisions and Sections

^{*Webinar training modules are currently being revised.}

Additional Training and Resources

• Office of Attorney General (OAG) Open Meetings Act (OMA) and Public Information Act (PIA)
• OAG OMA Training
• OAG OMA Handbook
• OAG PIA Training
• OAG PIA Handbook 
• HHS Ethics Policy
• HHS Policy Manual and Guidance Handbook
• Legislative Information and Resources

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