EXPANSION OF COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

(a) Not later than the last day of the state fiscal biennium, the department shall: (1) identify the catchment areas in the state where the department will implement community-based care; and (2) following the implementation of community-based care services in those catchment areas, retain an entity based in this state that is independent of the department to conduct an evaluation of the implementation process and the single source continuum contractor performance in each catchment area. (b) Notwithstanding the process for the expansion of community-based care described in Subsection (a), the department shall accept and evaluate unsolicited proposals from entities based in this state to provide community-based care services in a geographic service area where the department has not implemented community-based care. An entity that submits a proposal to provide community-based care services must ensure that it meets all criteria outlined by this subchapter and must demonstrate established connections to the area the entity proposes to serve. The Health and Human Services Commission in conjunction with the department shall adopt rules to ensure that proposals submitted under this subsection comply with state procurement laws and rules. (c) In expanding community-based care, the department may change the geographic boundaries of catchment areas as necessary to align with specific communities or to enable satisfactory unsolicited proposals for community-based care services to be accepted and implemented. (d) The department shall ensure the continuity of services for children and families during the transition period to community-based care in a catchment area.