Sec. 101.0255. SERVICE STANDARDS AND AGREEMENTS

(a) The department and the Texas Department of Human Services, with the approval of the Health and Human Services Commission, shall work to ensure consistency in service standards, reimbursement rates, contract terms, and performance standards used by the respective agency in the provision of the same or substantially similar services under a community program on aging under Subchapter III, Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. Section 3001 et seq.), or the Options for Independent Living program and a community care program of the Texas Department of Human Services.

(b) The department and the Texas Department of Human Services, in accordance with federal law, including the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. Section 3001 et seq.), shall enter into an agreement that allows an area agency on aging to jointly contract with a service provider that is under contract with the Texas Department of Human Services to provide services under a community care program.

(c) If cost-effective, the department shall use the billing system and audit procedures of the Texas Department of Human Services to eliminate unnecessary duplication and to secure reduced rates through economies of scale. If required by the Texas Department of Human Services, the department shall reimburse the Texas Department of Human Services through an interagency contract for the cost of any use.

(d) The department and the Texas Department of Human Services shall coordinate the monitoring of providers who contract with the respective agency to provide the same or a substantially similar service.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 526, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1505, Sec. 1.16, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 592, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 1.28(3), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.