Latest news with #TexasAdministrativeCode
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Summer camps licensed by Texas, required to post emergency plans
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Frantic calls from parents are being answered at summer camps across central Texas. One camp told KXAN investigators parents are calling and checking on their kids and asking about emergency plans in place. The recent flooding tragedy at Camp Mystic in Kerr County has highlighted disaster plans for summer camps which are finding ways to remain open this week since some are along rivers and lakes. RELATED: LIVE BLOG: Search, recovery efforts continue for 4th day after deadly floods hit central Texas One camp in the Hill Country said in anticipation of flooding, staff moved campers from four cabins to higher ground. But luckily, they didn't have any impact. Right now, they are keeping campers out of a nearby lake as a precaution. The camps KXAN investigators reached out either didn't respond or were reluctant to share emergency plans. The Texas Department of State Health Services said to KXAN investigators youth camps are required to have disaster plans in place. As of last year, DSHS issued 376 licenses to youth camps. A DSHS spokesperson said the state does not maintain copies of youth camp emergency plans, but they're required to post plans clearly in every building. 'DSHS reviews the camp's emergency plans onsite during their annual inspection for the correct elements listed in the Texas Administrative Code,' said a DSHS spokesperson. READ: 'It's sobering' volunteers search debris for bodies in Kerr County The spokesperson added that written plans are required to include disasters including flooding and tornadoes, and procedures for emergency shelter and for evacuation of each occupied building. The Texas Administrative Code states camps should have emergency phones available in the first aid area, for emergency use, but there is no mention of emergency radios in case of weather impacts to phone services. Additionally, campers must be instructed as to their actions in the event of a disaster or need to evacuate. Also, camp staff and volunteers must be made aware of procedures during trainings and briefings. 'We found the requirement in our records going back at least 15 years but aren't aware of it being connected to a specific situation,' said the DSHS spokesperson when asked how long the state has required camps to post emergency plans. The state does track compliance and disciplinary actions against youth camps. According to DSHS, there have been three disciplinary actions against youth camps since 2023, but there's not a lot of information about the violations other than failure to preclude camp staff with criminal convictions or deferred adjudication and not properly maintaining a swimming pool. The state has established a Youth Camp Advisory committee with several camping professionals. KXAN investigators have asked the state and several committee members about possible changes to emergency plans after the recent floods but as of this report has not received a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
6 days ago
- General
- The Hill
Summer camps licensed by Texas, required to post emergency plans
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Frantic calls from parents are being answered at summer camps across central Texas. One camp told KXAN investigators parents are calling and checking on their kids and asking about emergency plans in place. The recent flooding tragedy at Camp Mystic in Kerr County has highlighted disaster plans for summer camps which are finding ways to remain open this week since some are along rivers and lakes. One camp in the Hill Country said in anticipation of flooding, staff moved campers from four cabins to higher ground. But luckily, they didn't have any impact. Right now, they are keeping campers out of a nearby lake as a precaution. The camps KXAN investigators reached out either didn't respond or were reluctant to share emergency plans. The Texas Department of State Health Services said to KXAN investigators youth camps are required to have disaster plans in place. As of last year, DSHS issued 376 licenses to youth camps. A DSHS spokesperson said the state does not maintain copies of youth camp emergency plans, but they're required to post plans clearly in every building. 'DSHS reviews the camp's emergency plans onsite during their annual inspection for the correct elements listed in the Texas Administrative Code,' said a DSHS spokesperson. The spokesperson added that written plans are required to include disasters including flooding and tornadoes, and procedures for emergency shelter and for evacuation of each occupied building. The Texas Administrative Code states camps should have emergency phones available in the first aid area, for emergency use, but there is no mention of emergency radios in case of weather impacts to phone services. Additionally, campers must be instructed as to their actions in the event of a disaster or need to evacuate. Also, camp staff and volunteers must be made aware of procedures during trainings and briefings. 'We found the requirement in our records going back at least 15 years but aren't aware of it being connected to a specific situation,' said the DSHS spokesperson when asked how long the state has required camps to post emergency plans. The state does track compliance and disciplinary actions against youth camps. According to DSHS, there have been three disciplinary actions against youth camps since 2023, but there's not a lot of information about the violations other than failure to preclude camp staff with criminal convictions or deferred adjudication and not properly maintaining a swimming pool. The state has established a Youth Camp Advisory committee with several camping professionals. KXAN investigators have asked the state and several committee members about possible changes to emergency plans after the recent floods but as of this report has not received a response.
6 days ago
- Health
Inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic's emergency plans days before catastrophic flooding, records show
Camps are required to develop their own emergency plans. 2:22 Just two days before devastating floods claimed at least 27 lives at Camp Mystic, the Texas Department of State Health Services signed off on the youth camp's emergency plans, according to records obtained by ABC News. An inspection report dated July 2 indicates that state inspectors noted the camp had emergency plans "in case of a disaster" in place and that staff and volunteers were briefed on the plans during training sessions and volunteer briefings. Lara Anton, a spokesperson for DSHS, told ABC News in a statement that camps are required to develop their own emergency plans, which are then assessed by the state for adherence to the Texas Administrative Code. "Camps are responsible for developing their own emergency plan," Anton said. "The plans should include disaster, serious accident, epidemic, or fatality. Disaster would include flooding, tornado, etc. The inspector checked that they had plans posted for those elements in every building and that they had trained staff and volunteers on what to do." The details of Camp Mystic's emergency plans were not included in the records released by the state. DSHS released the July 2 inspection report along with five years of reports of the youth camp. The inspection report, which showed the youth camp complied with various regulations, concluded "there is no deficiency/violation cited or noted within the scope of this inspection/visit." The youth camp had 557 campers and 108 staffers between its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations at the time of the inspection.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bowie man demanding answers amid alleged North TX State Hospital misconduct
BOWIE (KFDX/KJTL) — A Bowie man is seeking answers after he alleges the North Texas State Hospital is covering up information about his elderly wife with dementia. Stephen Dobra alleges his wife's rights are being violated, and he doesn't know if she's ok. Now, he's demanding information. Emily Faith at Fowler Elementary for 'Principal for the Day' 'If they're doing this to my wife, what are they doing to other people?' Dobra said. According to Dobra, he hasn't heard from his 83-year-old wife in weeks. 'She would call me religiously every afternoon for two weeks, and then, that second meeting with hospice, that's when it all took a turn for the worst,' he said. 'No communication, no communication, no communication.' He said his wife has been at the hospital since December 29 after what he calls a dementia episode. Now, Dobra said his wife has received a no-contact order. 'They have the right to receive visitors. They have a right to communicate with people outside the facility by phone and mail, and they also have a right to send and receive uncensored mail,' he said. 'All three of her rights are being violated right now.' According to the Texas Administrative Code, patients' representatives have access to medical information, something Dobra said he's been kept in the dark about, even with his wife's consent. 'I'm afraid that they're intentionally progressing her to save her medication so they could prolong her stay there and make more money out of her,' Dobra said. 'She should be out. She should be at home right now. It's been six weeks.' After eight letters and dozens of phone calls, Dobra said he's been unable to reach his elderly wife, even being blocked from calling the hospital with two devices. 'A no-contact order for a patient with dementia in a facility, it's very detrimental to them,' he said. What does he wish he could say to his wife? 'Gertie, I love you, sweetheart. I'm ready for you to come home,' he said. 'This house ain't a home without you, and I'm not me without you.' We contacted the North Texas State Hospital for a response, and Health and Human Services officials said they cannot provide any information on specific patients per HIPAA. 'Per Texas law and HIPAA, it is our responsibility to protect the privacy of the people in our care. Due to patient confidentiality, HHSC cannot confirm or deny if a person is a patient at a state hospital,' Jennifer Ruffcorn with HHS Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
SBOE welcomes new members for first meeting of 2025
Feb. 7—AUSTIN — The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) approved processes for instructional materials review, welcomed newly elected members and selected leadership for board committees at its first meeting of the year Jan. 28-31. A preliminary list of instructional materials was presented for the board's consideration under the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) cycle 2025. The board approved proposed changes to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 67, Subchapter B and Subchapter C, which further clarify: — Procedures and policies for eligibility, appointment, training and duties for IMRA reviewers. — Guidance on public comment related to instructional materials. — Guidelines for the selection and local adoption of instructional materials by school systems. In addition, the application window is now open for quality and suitability reviewers to support the 2025 IMRA cycle. Texas residents are encouraged to apply as suitability reviewers, while those with expertise in K — 12 mathematics, K — 6 English Language Arts (ELAR), and K — 6 Spanish Language Arts (SLAR) are encouraged to apply as quality reviewers of instructional materials. Reviewers play a critical role in ensuring the quality and suitability of materials for Texas students and educators. Interested individuals can apply at The deadline to apply is Feb. 24. In other action, the SBOE welcomed its newly sworn-in members who took the oath of office in a ceremony officiated by Gov. Greg Abbott. The newly sworn-in members are: — Gustavo Reveles (District 1) — Marisa B. Perez-Diaz (District 3) — Staci Childs (District 4) — Tom Maynard (District 10) — Brandon Hall (District 11) — Pam Little (District 12) — Tiffany Clark (District 13) — Aaron Kinsey (District 15) As part of the first regular meeting after the election and qualification of new members, the SBOE confirmed its officers for the new term. Pam Little was re-elected to serve another term as Vice Chair and Will Hickman was elected to serve as Secretary. New chairs were also selected for the board's committees: — Audrey Young will lead the Committee on Instruction. — Tom Maynard will lead the Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. — LJ Francis will lead the Committee on School Initiatives. The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools designees from Texas were honored. The board also signed a resolution to designate February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, recognizing the 1.35 million Texas secondary students enrolled in one or more CTE courses across 1,200 school systems. These programs give students the opportunity to gain academic, technical and employability skills necessary for career readiness. The board would also like to thank the Brazoswood High School P.M. Jazz Band from the Brazoswood Independent School District for their outstanding performance during Friday's session. Announcements Nominations are now open for the 2025 Student Heroes Award. The SBOE encourages students, teachers, administrators and community members to nominate any Texas public school students who exemplify the core value of selfless service. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 25, 2025. To nominate a student visit The SBOE's next regular meeting is scheduled for the week of April 8, 2025.
