Sec. 31.016. PROGRAM PLANS

(a) The department shall have a long-range plan, covering at least six years, that includes at least the following elements:

(1) quantifiable indicators of effort and success;

(2) identification of priority client population and the minimum types of services necessary for that population;

(3) a description of the appropriate use of providers, including the role of providers, and considering the type, location, and specialization of the providers;

(4) criteria for phasing out unnecessary services;

(5) a comprehensive assessment of needs and inventory of resources; and

(6) coordination of administration and service delivery with federal, state, and local public and private programs that provide similar services.

(b) The department shall revise the plan by January 1 of each even-numbered year.

(c) The department shall develop a short-range plan that is derived from the long-range plan and that identifies and projects the costs relating to implementing the short-range plan.

(d) As part of the department's budget preparation process, the department shall biennially assess its achievement of the goals identified in each plan. The department's biennial budget shall be made according to the results of the assessment and the short-range plan. The department shall make its requests for new program funding and for continued funding according to demonstrated need.

(e) The department shall use the information collected under Section 31.015 to develop the long-range and short-range plans.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.