1. (a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to standardize the operations of the regional poison control centers (RPCCs) comprising the Texas Poison Control Network (TPCN). This rule authorizes RPCCs to provide services for regions served by other RPCCs in the state in order to maximize efficient use of resources and provide appropriate services in each region.

2. (b) TPCN Scheduling. To improve the efficiency of the TPCN, network-wide scheduling shall be implemented by the Commission. To establish network-wide scheduling, the Commission will:

   1. (1) analyze telecommunications data to identify call volume trends to determine the necessary call-taking capacity for the entire TPCN during specific times of any 24-hour period;
   2. (2) determine appropriate specialists in poison information (SPI) staffing levels for the TPCN and ensure that SPI staffing levels at each RPCC are aligned with demand for the TPCN during any 24-hour period; and

   3. (3) adopt a program policy statement to:

      1. (A) establish and coordinate SPI staffing schedules for each RPCC; and
      2. (B) establish standard operating procedures for RPCCs related to network-wide scheduling and handling of calls for poison control service.

Source Note:The provisions of this §254.4 adopted to be effective March 6, 2012, 37 TexReg 1495.