Sec. 2054.035. PARTICIPATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

(a) The board shall develop and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the board and to speak on any issue under the jurisdiction of the department.

(b) The department shall prepare information of public interest describing the functions of the department and the procedures by which complaints are filed with and resolved by the department. The department shall make the information available to the public and appropriate state agencies.

(c) The board by rule shall establish methods by which consumers and service recipients are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the department for the purpose of directing complaints to the department. The board may provide for that notification:

(1) on each registration form, application, or written contract for services of an individual or entity regulated under this chapter;

(2) on a sign prominently displayed in the place of business of each individual or entity regulated under this chapter; or

(3) in a bill for service provided by an individual or entity regulated under this chapter.

(d) The department shall comply with federal and state laws related to program and facility accessibility. The executive director shall also prepare and maintain a written plan that describes how a person who does not speak English can be provided reasonable access to the department's programs and services.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 606, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.