DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATION PLAN

(a) The commission, subject to the approval of the governor and the Legislative Budget Board, shall develop and implement a plan to integrate services and functions relating to eligibility determination and service delivery by health and human services agencies, the Texas Workforce Commission, and other agencies. The integration plan must include: (1) a reengineering of eligibility determination business processes; (2) streamlined service delivery; (3) a unified and integrated process for the transition from welfare to work; and (4) improved access to benefits and services for clients. (b) In developing and implementing the integration plan, the commission: (1) shall give priority to the design and development of computer hardware and software for and provide technical support relating to the integrated eligibility determination system; (2) shall consult with agencies whose programs are included in the plan, including the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Workforce Commission; and (3) may contract for appropriate professional and technical assistance. (c) The commission shall develop and implement the integrated system to achieve: (1) increased quality of and client access to services; and (2) savings in the cost of providing administrative and other services and staff as a result of streamlining and eliminating duplication of services.