Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 526.0002.  INTERNET WEBSITE FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INFORMATION.  (a)  The commission, in cooperation with the Department of Information Resources, shall maintain through the state electronic Internet portal project established by the department a generally accessible and interactive Internet website that contains information for the public regarding the services and programs each health and human services agency provides or administers in this state.  The commission shall establish the website in such a manner that allows it to be located easily through electronic means.
(b)  The Internet website must:
(1)  include information that is:
(A)  presented in a concise and easily understandable and accessible format; and
(B)  organized by the type of service provided rather than by the agency or provider delivering the service;
(2)  provide eligibility criteria for each health and human services agency program;
(3)  provide application forms for each of the public assistance programs administered by a health and human services agency, including forms for:
(A)  the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;
(B)  Medicaid; and
(C)  the nutritional assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code;
(4)  to avoid duplication of functions and efforts, provide a link to an Internet website maintained by the network under Section 526.0005;
(5)  provide the telephone number and, to the extent available, the e-mail address for each health and human services agency and local health and human services provider;
(6)  be designed in a manner that allows a member of the public to electronically:
(A)  send questions about each agency's programs or services; and
(B)  receive the agency's responses to those questions; and
(7)  be updated at least quarterly.
(c)  In designing the Internet website, the commission shall comply with any state standards for Internet websites that are prescribed by the Department of Information Resources or any other state agency.
(d)  The commission shall ensure that:
(1)  the Internet website's design and applications:
(A)  comply with generally acceptable standards for Internet accessibility for individuals with disabilities; and
(B)  contain appropriate controls for information security; and
(2)  the Internet website does not contain any confidential information, including any confidential information regarding a client of a human services provider.
(e)  A health and human services agency, the network, and the Department of Information Resources shall cooperate with the commission to the extent necessary to enable the commission to perform its duties under this section.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.