(a) Statutory authority. The Sickle Cell Task Force (Task Force) is established in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52.
(b) Purpose. The Task Force advises the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
(c) Duties. The Task Force performs duties outlined in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 52.
(d) Reporting requirements. By December 1 of each year, the Task Force must submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature. The report must summarize the Task Force's work and include any recommended actions or policy changes endorsed by the Task Force.
(e) Membership.
  (1) The Task Force is composed of seven members appointed by the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Executive Commissioner. Membership shall consist of:
    (A) two members from community-based organizations with experience addressing the needs of individuals with sickle cell disease;
    (B) two physicians specializing in hematology;
    (C) two members of the public, each of whom either has sickle cell disease or is a parent of a person with sickle cell disease or trait; and
    (D) one representative of a health-related institution.
  (2) Members are appointed for staggered two-year terms so that the terms of an equal or almost equal number of members expire on August 31 of each year. Regardless of the term limit, a member serves until his or her replacement has been appointed. This ensures sufficient, appropriate representation.
  (3) If a vacancy occurs, the HHS Executive Commissioner appoints a person to serve the unexpired portion of that term.
(f) Bylaws. The Task Force shall adopt bylaws governing Task Force operations.
(g) Officers. The Task Force selects a chair and a vice chair of the Task Force from its members. The chair and vice chair serve a two-year term as an officer.
  (1) The chair serves until August 31 of each odd-numbered year. The vice chair serves until August 31 of each even-numbered year.
  (2) A member serves no more than two consecutive terms as chair or vice chair. A chair or vice chair may not serve beyond their membership term.
(h) Required training. Each member shall complete all training on relevant statutes and rules, including this section and Chapters 551 and 552.
(i) Travel reimbursement. To the extent permitted by the current General Appropriations Act, and if funds are appropriated and available, a member of the Task Force may be reimbursed for the member's travel to and from meetings in accordance with the HHS Travel Policy.
(j) Date of abolishment. In accordance with Texas Government Code §2110.008(b), the Task Force shall be abolished August 31, 2025.

Source Note: The provisions of this §37.420 adopted to be effective September 29, 2022, 47 TexReg 6196