Health Authority Training and Resources
Health Authority Training
The DSHS Division for Regional and Local Health Operations has partnered and collaborated with the Texas Health Steps Provider Program and the Texas Public Health Association to provide training opportunities for Health Authorities. Topical webinars based on current public health trends and Health Authority interests are currently in the planning stage.
- Health Authorities in Texas: Online Module (Credit Hours: 1 CE)
- DSHS HA Workshop: In-person workshop held every spring, in conjunction with the Texas Public Health Association Annual Education Conference (Credit Hours: 3 CE)
Resources
Control Measures and Public Health Emergencies: A Texas Bench Book
Developed in collaboration with the University of Houston Law Center – Health Law and Policy Institute, the Texas Bench Book is a reference for judges, district attorneys, public health authorities, and elected officials developed in collaboration with the University of Houston Law Center – Health Law and Policy Institute. The bench book contains an analysis of state and federal public health laws and provides guidance and forms for use during a public health emergency.
Regional Medical Directors
Each of the eight DSHS Public Health Regions is led by a physician who serves as the Regional Medical Director. Regional Medical Directors also perform the duties of a Health Authority in jurisdictions that have not appointed a health authority.
New and existing health authorities can contact their respective Regional Medical Directors for technical assistance and information on how to perform their duties as needed. Also, newly appointed and re-appointed HAs should submit copies of the required forms for appointment to their respective DSHS Regional Medical Director/Public Health Region office in addition to filing the original copies of the forms with their local jurisdiction. For more information, view General Instructions for Completing Forms for Newly Appointed/Reappointed Health Authority.