HCSSA Emergency Preparedness

Information about Preparing for an Emergency

The purpose of this web page is to help Health and Human Services (HHSC) home and community support services agencies (HCSSAs) find resources and information on emergency preparedness in one convenient location.

The Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 558, §558.256, relating to Emergency Preparedness Planning and Implementation, applies to all categories of service on a HCSSA license. Section 558.403(w)(2) contains additional licensing standards for a hospice inpatient unit.

A HCSSA is responsible for the care and services it agrees to provide to its clients and for the coordination of care. For a client whose services provided by the agency must continue uninterrupted to maintain the client's health and safety, the response phase of a HCSSA's emergency preparedness plan must include procedures for communicating with other healthcare providers that can provide the necessary services during an emergency.

The rules do not require HCSSAs, other than hospice inpatient unit, to evacuate or transport clients in an emergency or to continue to provide care to clients in emergency situations that are beyond the agency's control and that make it impossible to provide services. Because HCSSA clients do not receive 24-hour care from the HCSSA and because they reside in the community, clients have the same choices and options as other members of the community to shelter in place, evacuate or arrange for evacuation through family, community resources or by calling 2-1-1.

For any questions regarding an agency's responsibilities during a disaster, please contact a HCSSA policy specialist at 512-438-3161.

Emergency Alerts

You can find alerts about emergency situations and conditions with the regular HCSSA alerts.

Hurricane information

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) — During an emergency, an agency may need to share client information when transferring or discharging clients. For example, an agency may transfer or discharge a client when the client's health and safety is at risk, in accordance with the provisions of §558.256 (relating to Emergency Preparedness Planning and Implementation). Agencies must adopt and enforce written procedures regarding the use and removal of records, and the release of information. The agency must ensure that each client's record is treated with confidentiality, is safeguarded against loss and unofficial use, and is maintained according to professional standards of practice and HIPAA policies.

Regional Program Managers

Regions 1 
Kim Phillips
Office: 806-783-6519
Mobile: 512-599-3869
Kim.phillips@hhs.texas.gov

Region 2 & 5
Amy Van Heijningen
Office: 512-908-9684
Mobile: 512-914-9595
Amy.vanheijningen@hhs.texas.gov

Region 3
Charlayne "Charlee" Burns
Office: 817-792-7247
Mobile: 817-403-4127
Charlayne.burns@hhs.texas.gov

Sharon Martin
Office: 817-792-7247
Mobile: 817-403-4125
Sharon.martin@hhs.texas.gov

Regions 4
Susan Coffelt
Office: 903-428-3912
Mobile: 903-293-8852
Susan.coffelt@hhs.texas.gov

Region 6
Yolanda Chavez
Office: 713-767-2067
Mobile: 713-203-7594
Yolanda.chavez@hhs.texas.gov

Vivienne Phillips
Office: 713-767-2459
Mobile: 512-815-7148
Vivienne.phillips@hhs.texas.gov

Region 7
Clarissa Thomas
Ofc: 210-438-6327
Mobile: 210-410-4042
Clarissa.thomas@hhs.texas.gov

Leonardo Torres
Office: 956-361-4268
Mobile: 361-571-3193
Leonardo.torres@hhs.texas.gov

If You Have Questions?

  • Policy and rules interpretation: 512-438-3161
  • Contracting: 512-438-2080

State and Federal Rules and Statutes

Texas Administrative Code

Texas Health and Safety Code

Federal Regulations