The Texas Health Facilities Program provides information about nursing homes and other health care facilities so consumers can make better choices. To quote from the Web site:
To protect, promote, and enhance the health, well-being, and productivity of all Texans through:
- The gathering of data and development of information regarding the quality and effectiveness of health care services provided through providers and suppliers licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and certified by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA);
- The conducting of fair, impartial, and objective surveys and investigations of health care providers and suppliers;
- The promotion of quality improvement in the provision and supply of health care;
- The provision of accurate and timely information regarding the state of health care within the State to policy-makers, stake-holders, and other interested parties;
- The documentation of evidence for enforcement actions to protect the health and safety of Texans;
- The collaboration, coordination, and integration of efforts between the myriad State and Federal agencies and organizations involved in the licensure, certification, accreditation, and oversight of health care providers and suppliers to ensure the most efficient and effective use of resources possible; and
- The open, ethical, responsive, and accountable conduct of business to promote trust in government throughout the State and Federal governments.
The term “health care facility” applies to all health care provider organizations regulated by the Facility Licensing Group within the Texas Department of State Health Services.
