About the agency

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) was created to administer long-term services and supports for people who are aging as well as for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. DADS also licenses and regulates providers of these services, and administers the state's Guardianship program. DADS began formal operations on Sept. 1, 2004.

DADS organizational structure

DADS is under the leadership of a commissioner who is appointed by the executive commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) with the approval of the governor.

The agency is divided into the following programmatic and support divisions that report to the commissioner.

Office of the Deputy Commissioner

The deputy commissioner oversees the centers for Policy and Innovation, Program Coordination, and Consumer and External Affairs. These centers are responsible for providing policy direction and technical assistance to improve services, coordinate business processes, and ensure accurate and timely external communications. The centers coordinate communication and policy.

Internal Audit

Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve DADS operations. It helps DADS accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. This provides assurance that DADS is operating in the most effective and efficient manner possible; is complying with written policies, procedures, laws and regulations; is properly safeguarding assets; and is complying with contracts and achieving fiscal integrity. Internal Audit reports directly to the commissioner to ensure independence.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The chief operating officer oversees Legal Services, Consumer Rights and Services, Information Technology, Contract Oversight and Support, and Executive and Staff Operations. The COO is also responsible for some program and service-related administrative support activities and for coordination with HHSC to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of administrative support services to other health and human service departments.

Chief Financial Officer

The chief financial officer is responsible for Budget and Data Management, Accounting, and Provider Claims.

Access and Intake (A&I)

The assistant commissioner for Access and Intake is responsible for contracting and oversight for community services, and initiatives carried out within the A&I division. The division includes Area Agencies on Aging, Local Authorities, Community Services and Program Operations, Community Services Contracts, Guardianship Services, Special Projects, Preadmission Screening and Resident Review/Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, and Special Initiatives.

Regulatory Services

The assistant commissioner for Regulatory Services is responsible for Licensing and Credentialing Operations, Survey Operations, and Enforcement Operations.

State Supported Living Centers

The assistant commissioner for State Supported Living Centers is responsible for the operation of Texas' state-run residential facilities for people with intellectual disabilities. The 81st Texas Legislature (2009) authorized the creation of this division, which provides campus-based direct services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities at 13 locations — Abilene, Austin, Brenham, Corpus Christi, Denton, El Paso, Lubbock, Lufkin, Mexia, Richmond, Rio Grande, San Angelo and San Antonio.

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Updated: January 17, 2012