1. (a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish a framework for regional poison control centers (RPCCs) to use in the development and submission of a strategic plan for poison control service delivery, or amendments to an approved strategic plan, and quarterly reporting.
2. (b) Requests for Grants. To request a grant award from the Commission, an RPCC must submit a regional strategic plan, or an amendment to its approved plan, consistent with this rule. The Commission's awarding of grants shall be determined in accordance with Commission Rule §254.1, Designation and Funding of Regional Poison Control Centers.

3. (c) Strategic Plans. In preparing a strategic plan or amendment, an RPCC shall use the Commission's standard RPCC strategic plan form as adopted in a Commission Program Policy Statement. A strategic plan must be updated at least once every state fiscal biennium, not including amendments. The RPCC strategic plan form shall include, at a minimum, the following:

   1. (1) Poison Control Service. A description of how poison control service is to be provisioned and administered that includes:

      1. (A) Staffing. An RPCC shall be staffed by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other professionals, trained in various aspects of toxicology and poison control and prevention;
      2. (B) Telephone Services. The provisioning of toll-free, telephone referral and information service for the public and health care professionals according to the requirements of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC);

      3. (C) Community Programs and Assistance. Including the provisioning of:

         1. (i) community education programs to inform the public on poison prevention methods;
         2. (ii) information and education to health professionals involved in the management of poison and overdose victims, including information regarding appropriate therapeutic use of medications, their compatibility and stability, and adverse drug reactions and interactions;
         3. (iii) professional and technical assistance to state agencies requesting toxicological assistance; and
         4. (iv) consultation services concerning medical toxicology to health care facilities, health care professionals, law enforcement, and others. An RPCC may set and charge a fee to cover the costs of providing consultation services;
      4. (D) Research Programs. Description of planned and ongoing toxicology poison treatment research;
      5. (E) Information at Birth. Description includes, but is not limited to, a description of how birth information packets are to be distributed within the RPCC's designated region; and
      6. (F) Healthcare Treatment Facilities Database. Description of the means for maintaining a comprehensive statewide database of treatment facilities, capabilities, and specializations.
   2. (2) Awarded Grant Funds. A description of how awarded grant funds will be used consistent with Commission Rule §254.1(g);

   3. (3) Financial Information. Information regarding the financing of RPCC operations, including:

      1. (A) Detailed projected financial information for each of the two state fiscal years following the submission of the strategic plan, including the availability of other funding sources; and
      2. (B) General projected financial information for the third, fourth and fifth state fiscal years following the submission of the strategic plan, including the availability of other funding sources; and
   4. (4) AAPCC Compliance and Accreditation Status. A description of how the RPCC provides AAPCC-compliant telephone services, including how the RPCC's poison control activities meet AAPCC criteria. The status of the RPCC's AAPCC accreditation.
4. (d) Reporting. Each RPCC shall submit financial and performance reports to the Commission at least quarterly and as requested by the Commission. The financial report shall identify actual costs by budget allocation component. The performance report shall reflect the progress of implementing the strategic plan requirements and functions, including performance measures. RPCCs shall use the Commission's standard financial and performance reports as adopted in a Commission Program Policy Statement. The quarterly performance report is due to the Commission on the 15th day of the month following each fiscal quarter. The quarterly financial report is due to the Commission on the 30th day of the month following each fiscal quarter. When the due date falls on a weekend or state holiday, the report will be due on the next regular work day.

Source Note:The provisions of this §254.3 adopted to be effective March 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 1493.