The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) Innovative Programs--Innovative programs as defined by recruitment, training, or retention initiatives that introduce strategies, models, or partnerships designed to address persistent behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in medically underserved or rural areas. Such a program is characterized by its capacity/ability to be scaled, sustained, evaluated for impact, and adapted in response to workforce and community needs.
2. (2) Institution of Higher Education--As defined by Texas Education Code, §61.003.

3. (3) Joint Program--For the purposes of this subchapter, a joint program is:

   1. (A) A program where a student receives instruction at two (or more) institutions in prescribed curricula leading to the institutions granting a single academic award bearing the names, seals, and officials' signatures of each participating institution; or
   2. (B) A program where a student receives instruction or clinical training at two (or more) institutions of higher education leading to at least one of the institutions granting a single academic award bearing the name, seal, and official signature of the degree-granting institution.
4. (4) Medically Underserved--Patient populations that experience challenges in accessing medical services due to the lack of adequate health insurance coverage or no insurance coverage, who have a low economic status as can reasonably be determined by the residency program, or experience other access barriers such as a shortage of available services. Access barriers may be demonstrated through references to existing federal designations such as a Medically Underserved Area, as that term is defined in Texas Government Code, §487.251.
5. (5) Mental Health Professionals--As defined by Texas Education Code, §61.601.
6. (6) Professionals in Related Fields--Paraprofessionals whose education or training actively supports behavioral health service delivery, care coordination, or prevention, but who may not hold a credential specifically recognized under 'mental health professional' such as peer specialists, community health workers, behavior analysts, recovery coordinator, nurses, educators, public health practitioners, or other allied and support personnel whose work directly or indirectly impacts behavioral health care, prevention, or coordination.
7. (7) Rural--A location that is eligible for Federal Office of Rural Health Policy grant programs.

Source Note:The provisions of this §10.412 adopted to be effective May 13, 2026, 51 TexReg 3103.