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HEALTH & SAFETY CODE

CHAPTER 107A. OFFICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES


	§ 107A.001.  OFFICE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH 
DISPARITIES.  The executive commissioner of the Health and Human 
Services Commission shall maintain an office for the elimination of 
health disparities in the Health and Human Services Commission to:
		(1)  assume a leadership role in working or contracting 
with state and federal agencies, universities, private interest 
groups, communities, foundations, and offices of minority health to 
develop health initiatives to decrease or eliminate health and 
health access disparities among racial, multicultural, 
disadvantaged, ethnic, and regional populations, including 
appropriate language services; and
		(2)  maximize use of existing resources without 
duplicating existing efforts.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter 12 
and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. 
September 1, 2007.


	§ 107A.002.  POWERS OF OFFICE.  The office may:                             
		(1)  provide a central information and referral source, 
including a clearinghouse for health disparities information, and 
serve as the primary state resource in coordinating, planning, and 
advocating access to health care services to eliminate health 
disparities in this state;
		(2)  coordinate conferences and other training 
opportunities to increase skills among state agencies and 
government staff in management and in the appreciation of cultural 
diversity;
		(3)  pursue and administer grant funds for innovative 
projects for communities, groups, and individuals;
		(4)  provide recommendations and training in improving 
minority recruitment in state agencies;
		(5)  publicize information regarding health 
disparities and minority health issues through the use of the 
media;
		(6)  network with existing minority organizations, 
community-based health groups, and statewide health coalitions;
		(7)  solicit, receive, and spend grants, gifts, and 
donations from public and private sources; and
		(8)  contract with public and private entities in the 
performance of its responsibilities.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter 12 
and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. 
September 1, 2007.


	§ 107A.003.  FUNDING.  The Health and Human Services 
Commission may distribute to the office unobligated and unexpended 
appropriations to be used to carry out its powers.

Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Subchapter G, Chapter 12 
and amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. , § 1, eff. 
September 1, 2007.