Advisory Committees
Resources
- Advisory Committees and Governor-Appointed Councils
- Open Meetings Schedule and Live and Archived Webcasts
- Application Solicitations
- FAQs
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. 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 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.
Advisory Committees and Councils
Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)
| Committee Name | Description | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committees | 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. | Michael Fischer
Vanessa Pierce |
| 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 |
| Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee |
|
Allison Waage Julie Stagg |
| 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 |
| Newborn Screening Advisory Committee | Advises DSHS regarding strategic planning, policy, rules, and services related to newborn screening. |
Aimee Millangue |
| 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 Dana Birnberg
|
|
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 Frank Luera |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
Hayden Evans Olivia Holzum |
| Texas School Health Advisory Committee | Provides assistance to DSHS and the Executive Council in supporting and delivering coordinated school health programs. |
Hayden Evans Olivia Holzum |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Governor-Appointed Councils, Committees, and Task Forces
Printable Advisory Committee Lists (PDF)
| 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. |
Indra Hernandez
|
| 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. |
Melissa Lamberton 512-776-6525 melissa.lamberton@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. |
Natalie Gonsalves
512-776-2974 Priya Patel |
| 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. |
Ashlee Bledsoe |
| 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. |
William Ayres |
| 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 |