(a) Purpose. This rule establishes a framework for a regional poison control centers (RPCC) to use in the development and submission of a strategic plan for poison control service delivery, amendments to an approved strategic plan, and quarterly reports.
(b) Requests for Grants. To request a grant award from the Commission, an RPCC must submit a regional strategic plan, or an amendment to its approved plan, consistent with this rule. The Commission's awarding of grants shall be determined in accordance with Commission Rule §254.1, Designation and Funding of Regional Poison Control Centers.
(c) Strategic Plans. In preparing a strategic plan or amendment, an RPCC shall use the Commission's standard RPCC strategic plan form as designated in a Commission Program Policy Statement following Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS). A strategic plan must be updated at least once every state fiscal biennium, in addition to any amendments. The RPCC strategic plan form shall include, at a minimum, the following:
  (1) Poison Control Service. A description of how poison control service is to be provided and administered that includes:
    (A) Staffing. An RPCC shall be staffed by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other professionals, trained in various aspects of toxicology and poison control and prevention;
    (B) Telephone Services. An RPCC shall provide toll-free, telephone referral and information service for the public and health care professionals according to the criteria established by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC);
    (C) Community Programs and Assistance. An RPCC shall provide:
      (i) community education programs to inform the public on poison prevention methods;
      (ii) information and education to health professionals involved in the management of poison and overdose victims, including information regarding appropriate therapeutic use of medications, their compatibility and stability, and adverse drug reactions and interactions;
      (iii) professional and technical assistance to state agencies requesting toxicological assistance; and
      (iv) consultation services concerning medical toxicology to health care facilities, health care professionals, law enforcement, and others. An RPCC may set and charge a fee to cover the costs of providing consultation services;
    (D) Research Programs. Description of planned and ongoing toxicology poison treatment research;
    (E) Information at Birth. Description includes, but is not limited to, a description of how birth information packets are to be distributed within the RPCC's designated region;
    (F) Healthcare Treatment Facilities Database. Description of the process for maintaining a comprehensive statewide database of treatment facilities, capabilities, and specializations; and
    (G) American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) Compliance and Accreditation Status. Description of how the RPCC provides services in compliance with AAPCC's criteria, and the current status of the RPCC's AAPCC accreditation.
  (2) Awarded Grant Funds. Description of how awarded grant funds will be used consistent with Commission Rule §254.1(g);
  (3) Financial Information. Description regarding the financing of RPCC operations, including:
    (A) Detailed projected financial information for each of the two state fiscal years following the submission of the strategic plan, including the availability of other funding sources; and
    (B) General projected financial information for the third, fourth and fifth state fiscal years following the submission of the strategic plan, including the availability of other funding sources.
(d) Reporting. Each RPCC shall submit financial and performance reports to the Commission at least quarterly and in accordance with Commission Program Policy Statements (PPS). The financial status report shall identify actual costs by budget allocation component. The performance report shall reflect the progress of implementing the strategic plan requirements and functions, including performance measures. RPCCs shall use the Commission's standard financial status and performance reports as designated in a Commission PPS.

Source Note: The provisions of this §254.3 adopted to be effective March 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 1493; amended to be effective April 1, 2015, 40 TexReg 1849