Sec. 119A.003. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS. (a) The advisory council is composed of the following 19 members:

(1) one member designated by the executive commissioner;

(2) two members of the senate appointed by the lieutenant governor;

(3) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(4) 14 members appointed by the governor with the following qualifications:

(A) one member who is a licensed health care provider with expertise in treating persons with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, and autism;

(B) one member who is an osteopathic physician with experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections;

(C) one member who is a pediatrician with experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections;

(D) one member who is a child psychiatrist with experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections;

(E) one member who is an immunologist with experience treating persons with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, and the use of intravenous immunoglobulin;

(F) one member who is a dietician or nutritionist who provides services to children with autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and other neuro-developmental conditions;

(G) one member with experience in conducting research on pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, obsessive-compulsive disorder, tic disorders, and other neurological disorders;

(H) one member who is licensed by this state to practice as a social worker;

(I) one member who is a representative of the Texas Education Agency with expertise in special education services;

(J) one member who is a psychologist licensed under Chapter 501, Occupations Code;

(K) one member who is a representative of a professional organization in this state for school nurses;

(L) one member who is a representative of an advocacy and support group in this state for individuals affected by pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, including pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections;

(M) one member who is a representative of an advocacy and support group in this state for individuals affected by autism; and

(N) one member who is a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome or autism.

(b) The member designated by the executive commissioner serves as an ex officio nonvoting member. In the event of a tie vote among the members of the advisory council, the member designated by the executive commissioner may cast the deciding vote.

(c) Each member of the advisory council must be a citizen of this state.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 847 (H.B. 2783), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.