(a) The Lifespan Respite Care Act (United States Code, Title 42, §300ii) authorizes a state agency to collaborate with a public or private statewide coalition to address the respite needs of family caregivers of adults or children with special needs. Texas Human Resources Code §161.079 directs DADS to coordinate public awareness outreach efforts regarding the role of informal long-term care caregivers. Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 161, Subchapter F, creates the Lifespan Respite Services Program operated by DADS. The Texas Respite Advisory Committee (TRAC) assists DADS to develop strategies to reduce barriers to accessing respite services; improve the quality of respite services; and provide training, education, and support to family caregivers.
(b) The tasks of the TRAC include:
  (1) assisting DADS to identify barriers and best practices for providing and coordinating respite services in Texas;
  (2) responding to requests from DADS for information about the respite needs of caregivers;
  (3) advising DADS about effective methods for expanding the availability of affordable respite services in Texas through the use of funds available from respite care programs;
  (4) cooperating and sharing resources and knowledge among community stakeholders to facilitate barrier free access for primary caregivers; and
  (5) educating the public on the need for community-based options for primary caregivers.
(c) The TRAC is composed of no more than 24 members. A quorum of 5 members is required to convene and transact committee business. Members must represent family caregivers, primary caregivers, respite care advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, and members of public interested in the issue of respite care.
(d) The TRAC meets quarterly and submits quarterly reports of committee meetings to the commissioner or designee.
(e) The TRAC is abolished on March 1, 2026.

Source Note: The provisions of this §351.849 adopted to be effective March 20, 2016, 41 TexReg 1971; transferred effective July 19, 2024, as published in the June 21, 2024, issue of the Texas Register, 49 TexReg 4603