On January 19, 2024, TASCS members heard from state legislators and rule makers about what the future holds for regulatory and legislative changes that will directly impact the ambulatory care industry in Texas.
The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) board of directors and stakeholders met last week at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, in order to focus on this year’s advocacy goals leading up to the next legislative session in 2025.
The day started out with TASCS lobbyist, Eric Woomer of Congress Avenue Partners, reviewing the current state of Texas politics and the bills of interest that passed last session. Next up was a state agency panel discussing updates regarding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) rules and regulations. Sarah Mueller from Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) reviewed the itemized billing legislation that passed and the informal rules that were recently released by HHSC for stakeholder input prior to being published in the Texas Register. Mueller also spoke to the guidance letter sent to providers by HHSC.
Rebecca Read from the Health and Human Services’ Architectural Review Unit discussed the workplace violence bill and survey expectations. 
A robust discussion was held with representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Jeff Copas, Government Relations Officer, and Rob Troutt, Chief Boiler Inspector. It focused on boiler inspections and building requirements including filed legislation on the matter during the 88th legislative session, the agency’s online resources (such as the TDLR Boiler Memos and Technical Grams, as well as upcoming opportunities to comment on the agency’s strategic plan.
Attendees then heard from Tommy Simmons, Senior Legal Counsel to the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Commissioner Representing Employers, Joe Esparza. Simmons reviewed the legislation prohibiting employers from mandating a COVID vaccine, SB7. He noted that rules were still under development but that there will be opportunities for public comment, such as when the proposed rules are formally considered by the Commission and/or when the rules are formally posted in the Texas Register. Simmons said the agency could decide to have an initial stakeholder meeting before rules are proposed, but that has yet to be determined.
The group enjoyed insightful updates and discussions about workforce trends and future projections for Texas from TWC. Economists Chase Winters and William Lutz reviewed Texas’ healthcare data trends and analysis and shared valuable resources and websites for more information.
Pamela Lauer with the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) added more insight to the workforce projections specific to nurses – including what her department does to track licensees and create meaningful analysis, as well as projections to help forecast the future of healthcare workers in Texas.
TASCS also had the honor of meeting with and hearing from State Representative Donna Howard about the importance of advocacy. She stressed in-person visits and that knowing your state senator and representative are key. She suggested that big topics the Texas Legislature will continue to look at include how healthcare is accessed, the cost of healthcare, workforce issues, and transparency issues.
The society then welcomed the Texas Hospital Association’s (THA) long-time lobbyist, Cameron Duncan, to discuss challenges THA faced last session, issues still being faced today, and what THA will focus on during the interim.
The day closed out with the board’s round table discussion to review key points. Overall, it was a great day full of great networking with state agencies and speakers and great goal-planning for TASCS and the Texas ASC industry. Stay tuned for more great opportunities to dig deeper into the topics discussed and to be able to contribute!
