88R411 BDP-F
	By: Hughes	S.B. No. 1317

	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, 2024:
	(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, 2023.