What You Need To Know About Texas Sunset Advisory Commission Review

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission (the "Sunset Commission") is putting the state's health agencies under a microscope, which may result in huge policy and regulatory changes. We urge providers to recognize that policy initiatives frequently have a direct impact on the health care regulatory framework.

WALLER'S ROLE

We recognize that it can be very difficult for healthcare providers to navigate the Sunset Commission. It is important to note, though, that this review occurs every 12 years, and a negative outcome could have a significant long-term impact. Waller's government relations team has extensive experience in this area and develops a personalized approach for each client.

WHAT IS "SUNSET"?

The Sunset Commission is a legislative body that reviews the policies and programs of Texas state agencies every 12 years. The 12 members of the Sunset Commission are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House, who select five members from their respective bodies and one public member each. The remaining appointments to this body were made by Speaker Straus on January 17, 2014 and the full slate is as follows:

CHAIR: Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) VICE CHAIR: Representative Four Price (R-Amarillo) Senator Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen) Senator Charles Schwertner, M.D. (R-Georgetown) Representative Harold Dutton (D-Houston) Representative Cindy Burkett (R-Sunnyvale) Representative Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock) Representative Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) Public Member Dawn Buckingham, M.D. (Austin ophthalmologist) Public Member Tom Luce (Dallas attorney and business consultant) The current Sunset review cycle includes the primary Health and Human Services enterprise agencies, as well as...