HB645 - Relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to individuals who are deaf-blind.

  89R960 KKR-F     By: González of El Paso, Hull, Rose, Noble, H.B. No. 645       et al.       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the provision of certain co-navigation services to   individuals who are deaf-blind.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 81.001, Human Resources Code, is amended   by adding Subdivision (1) to read as follows:                 (1)     "Commission" means the Health and Human Services   Commission.          SECTION 2.  Chapter 81, Human Resources Code, is amended by   adding Section 81.014 to read as follows:           Sec.   81.014.     CO-NAVIGATION SERVICES PROGRAM FOR   INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF-BLIND. (a) In this section:                 (1)     "Communication mode" includes communication   through:                       (A)     auditory amplification, such as through a   personal hearing aid or assistive listening device;                       (B)     American Sign Language or Signed English by   both tactile and visual means; and                       (C)  protactile language.                 (2)     "Co-navigation services" means services provided   to an individual who is deaf-blind that assist the individual to   physically access the individual's environment and to make informed   decisions. The term includes providing visual and environmental   information or sighted guide services and assisting with   communication accessibility by communicating in the preferred   language and communication mode of the individual who is   deaf-blind. The term does not include performing any of the   following for the individual:                       (A)     providing personal care services to the   individual;                       (B)     completing ordinary errands for the   individual;                       (C)  making decisions for the individual;                       (D)     teaching or otherwise instructing the   individual; or                       (E)     interpreting for the individual in a formal   setting, including a medical, legal, or business setting.                 (3)     "Co-navigator" means a person who is specially   trained to provide co-navigation services.                 (4)     "Program" means the deaf-blind co-navigation   services program.                 (5)     "Protactile language"   means a method of   communication based on touch that is used by individuals who are   deaf-blind.           (b)     The commission shall operate a statewide co-navigation   services program through which:                 (1)     co-navigation services are provided by   co-navigators; and                 (2)     the commission reimburses the co-navigators for   the provision of the services.           (c)     The executive commissioner by rule shall establish   reimbursement rates to be paid to a co-navigator under the program.   The reimbursement rates must use a tiered wage scale that is based   on the co-navigator's:                 (1)     level of training in communication modes for   individuals who are deaf-blind and in sighted guide-mobility   techniques; and                 (2)     fluency and skill in communication modes and   sighted guide-mobility for individuals who are deaf-blind.           (d)     The commission shall ensure that quality co-navigation   services are provided under the program by:                 (1)     monitoring the compliance of co-navigators with   program rules;                 (2)     developing funding sources for the program that   are in addition to state sources and will reduce reliance on the   state sources for continuation of the program; and                 (3)     providing funding and technical assistance for   training programs for:                       (A)  co-navigators under the program; and                       (B)     individuals who are deaf-blind to enable   those individuals to effectively use the services offered under the   program.           (e)     The executive commissioner may establish an advisory   committee to advise the commission in developing and operating the   program, including operating the program in a manner that ensures   the efficient use of state money. Subject to Section 2110.002,   Government Code, the executive commissioner shall determine the   number of members serving on the advisory committee, which must   include individuals who are deaf-blind and other stakeholders.           (f)     The executive commissioner may adopt rules necessary   to:                 (1)     operate the program in a manner that is efficient   and maximizes the number of individuals served; and                 (2)     ensure that co-navigators receiving reimbursement   under the program have adequate training to provide co-navigation   services.          SECTION 3.  Not later than September 1, 2026:                (1)  the executive commissioner of the Health and Human   Services Commission shall adopt rules necessary to implement   Section 81.014, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act; and                (2)  the commission shall begin operating the program   required by that section.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.