The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is an agency within the Texas Health and Human Services System. It was established by House Bill 2292 in 2003 during the 78th Legislature, which consolidated twelve different healthcare agencies into five entities under the oversight of HHSC. In September 2016, Texas began transforming how it delivers health and human services to qualified Texans, with a goal of making the Health and Human Services System more efficient and effective. Sept. 1, 2017, marked another major milestone in this transformation. The new accountable, restructured system: Texas Health and Human Services now consists of 2 agencies: the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). HHS is headquartered in Austin, TX.

Benefits and services provided

Oversight of regulatory functions

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Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Many of the direct client services that were performed by DSHS, such as services for women and children, and people with special health care needs, were transferred to HHSC in September 2016. DSHS now focuses on providing these functions: Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) The 84th Texas Legislature, 2015, abolished this agency effective Sept. 1, 2017. DADS services were transferred to HHSC. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) House Bill 5, 85th Regular Legislative Session, 2017, established DFPS as an agency independent of Texas Health and Human Services effective Sept. 1, 2017. To comply with previous legislation, on Sept. 1, 2017, HHSC assumed responsibility for the child care licensing function previously managed by DFPS.