(a) In this section, “community-based organization” and “faith-based organization” have the meanings assigned by § 535.001.
(b) The commission shall establish a program under which faith- and community-based organizations may, on the request of the applicant, contact and offer supplemental assistance to an applicant for benefits under:
(1) the financial assistance program under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code;
(2) the medical assistance program under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code;
(3) the supplemental nutrition assistance program under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code; or
(4) the child health plan program under Chapter 62, Health and Safety Code.
(c) At the time of application for benefits described by Subsection (b), an applicant must:
(1) be informed about and given the opportunity to enroll in the program; and
(2) be informed that enrolling in the program will not affect the person’s eligibility for benefits.
(d) The commission shall develop a procedure under which faith- and community-based organizations may apply to participate in the program.
(e) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the program established under this section, including rules that:
(1) describe the types of faith- and community-based organizations that may apply to participate in the program and the qualifications and standards of service required of a participating organization;
(2) facilitate contact between a person who enrolls in the program and a faith- and community-based organization participating in the program that provides supplemental services that may be of assistance to the person;
(3) establish processes for the suspension, revocation, and periodic renewal of an organization’s participation in the program, as appropriate;
(4) establish methods to ensure the confidentiality and appropriate use of applicant information shared with a participating organization; and
(5) permit a person enrolled in the program to terminate the person’s enrollment in the program.

Text of section effective until April 01, 2025