Task Forces

We encourage you to actively participate in one or more of our task forces by sending us an email indicating your preferred task force(s), and we will connect you with the respective task force chairs.
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The TxABA PPG Task Forces have the primary purpose of:

• Supporting TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding their respective task force area. 

• Listening to the needs of members and consumers and actively works to identify, collect, and provide relevant information and to promote changes in services and in society where needed.  

• With the help of the TxABA PPG lobbyist, members work on legislative reform, new legislation, rulemaking and revising,  establishing relationships with state representatives and senators as well as educating them and their staff on the barriers their constituents face daily (including providers and those we serve).   

• Organizing resources, making resources available, and providing presentations as needed

Chair: Gordon Bourland 

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Purpose

• Support TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding services for adults including those who are seniors. 

• Works with advocacy and other organizations as appropriate 

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Priorities for the next legislative session

• To be determined 

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Meeting frequency

• At least once quarterly, generally virtually, with in-person meeting at the annual TxABA conference and possibly in other situations

Chair: Ellen Rhoads

Co-Chair: Jenny Perry

Secretary: Rachel Massey

Purpose

• Support TxABA PPG members and consumers that work with private insurance payors. 

• Works with TDI and other organizations as appropriate.

 

Priorities for the next legislative session

• Align Autism Insurance Mandate with Mental Health Parity (register for our in person workshop to learn about MHPAEA and how to use this power tool)

• Align Autism Insurance Mandate with the generally agreed upon standards of care

• Expedited credentialing through commercial insurance for LBAs

 

Meeting frequency

• On the third Wednesday of the month virtually

Chair: Anna Sciarillo

Co-Chair: Mariel Cremonie-Fernandez

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Purpose

• Support TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding the Texas ABA Medicaid benefit

• Monitor, assess, and offer recommendations on matters concerning Medicaid services in Texas

• Works with TMHP, MCOs, and other organizations as appropriate

 

Priorities for the next legislative session

• Adequate, sustainable, Medicaid rates

• Texas Medicaid provider education (register for our on demand webinar to learn how to navigate the complexities of Texas Medicaid)

• Expedited credentialing for LBAs through the Medicaid MCOs

 

Meeting frequency

• Bi-monthly on the second Thursday of the month virtually

Chair: Lupe Castaneda

Purpose

• Support TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding behavior analytic needs within public education

• Works with TEA, ESCs, and other organizations as appropriate

 

Priorities for the next legislative session

• Identify priorities and establish strong relationships with TEA and the ESCs

 

Meeting frequency

• To be determined

Chair: Ashley Labay

Co-Chair: Katie Holloway

Purpose

• Support TxABA PPG members and consumers regarding the safe and responsive use of innovative technologies into behavior analytic practice in the State of Texas.

 

Priorities for the next legislative session

• Outline the current use of technology in the field of behavior analysis and identify potential areas of interest 

• Draft white paper on virtual reality and augmented reality 

• Add telehealth requirements for ABA/ Behavior Supports to statute to ensure ongoing coverage in Texas

 

Meeting frequency

To be determined