(a) Legislative intent. The Texas Legislature, in enacting Texas Human Resources Code §32.024(c-1), confirmed its intent that the Healthy Texas Women program, as successor to the Medicaid Women's Health Program, must be operated only in a manner that ensures that no funds spent under the program are:
  (1) spent to perform or promote elective abortions; or
  (2) used to contract with entities that perform or promote elective abortions or affiliates of such entities.
(b) Limitation on administration. HHSC, as the agency responsible for administering HTW, is subject to the conditions specified in Texas Human Resources Code §32.024(c-1). Its authority to operate the program is thus strictly limited, and HHSC has no authority to operate the HTW program except in compliance with such conditions.
(c) Nonseverable provisions.
  (1) Section 382.5(1) of this subchapter (relating to Definitions) and §382.17 of this subchapter (relating to Health Care Providers) are necessary and integral to the implementation of the requirements of Texas Human Resources Code §32.024(c-1), the fulfillment of legislative intent, and the achievement of the objectives of HTW. As such, HHSC regards the provisions and application of these sections as essential aspects of HHSC's compliance with state law and, therefore, not severable from the other provisions of this subchapter.
  (2) Accordingly, to the extent that §382.5(1), §382.17, or this section is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or unenforceable, or to the degree an official or employee of HHSC or the State of Texas is enjoined from enforcing these sections, HHSC will regard this entire subchapter as invalid and unenforceable and will cease operation of the program.
(d) Severable provisions. To the extent that any part of this subchapter other than §382.5(1), §382.17, or this section are enjoined, HHSC may enforce the parts of the subchapter not affected by such injunctive relief to the extent that HHSC determines it can do so consistent with legislative intent and the objectives of this subchapter.

Source Note: The provisions of this §382.29 adopted to be effective July 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4623