Sec. 531.0083. OFFICE OF POLICY AND PERFORMANCE. (a) In this section, "office" means the office of policy and performance established by this section.

(b) The executive commissioner shall establish the office of policy and performance as an executive-level office designed to coordinate policy and performance efforts across the health and human services system. To coordinate those efforts, the office shall:

(1) develop a performance management system;

(2) take the lead in supporting and providing oversight for the implementation of major policy changes and in managing organizational changes; and

(3) act as a centralized body of experts within the commission that offers program evaluation and process improvement expertise.

(c) In developing a performance management system under Subsection (b)(1), the office shall:

(1) gather, measure, and evaluate performance measures and accountability systems used by the health and human services system;

(2) develop new and refined performance measures as appropriate; and

(3) establish targeted, high-level system metrics that are capable of measuring and communicating overall performance and achievement of goals by the health and human services system to both internal and public audiences through various mechanisms, including the Internet.

(d) In providing support and oversight for the implementation of policy or organizational changes within the health and human services system under Subsection (b)(2), the office shall:

(1) ensure individuals receiving services from or participating in programs administered through the health and human services system do not lose visibility or attention during the implementation of any new policy or organizational change by:

(A) establishing timelines and milestones for any transition;

(B) supporting staff of the health and human services system in any change between service delivery methods; and

(C) providing feedback to executive management on technical assistance and other support needed to achieve a successful transition;

(2) address cultural differences among staff of the health and human services system; and

(3) track and oversee changes in policy or organization mandated by legislation or administrative rule.

(e) In acting as a centralized body of experts under Subsection (b)(3), the office shall:

(1) for the health and human services system, provide program evaluation and process improvement guidance both generally and for specific projects identified with executive or stakeholder input or through risk analysis; and

(2) identify and monitor cross-functional efforts involving different administrative components within the health and human services system and the establishment of cross-functional teams when necessary to improve the coordination of services provided through the system.

(f) The executive commissioner may otherwise develop the office's structure and duties as the executive commissioner determines appropriate.

Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 837 (S.B. 200), Sec. 1.10(a), eff. September 1, 2015.