Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committees

The DSHS Antimicrobial Stewardship Program’s mission is to provide direction for the development of a collaborative statewide program that empowers healthcare providers and the public with evidence-based information, education, and tools necessary to use antimicrobials judiciously and limit the emergence and spread of resistance in Texas. 

The Department of State Health Services defines “antimicrobial stewardship” as a coordinated approach to promoting and monitoring the appropriate use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness. Antimicrobial stewardship serves to improve patient outcomes, slow the increase in antimicrobial resistance, and decrease adverse drug reactions, antibiotic-associated disease, and healthcare costs.

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About our Eight Committees

Texas Health and Safety Code § 81.015 requires the establishment of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee in each of Texas’ eight public health regions to address antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities and to improve antimicrobial stewardship through collaborative action. Each committee must consist of:

  1. Physicians
  2. Directors of Nursing or equivalent consultants with long-term care facilities
  3. Public health officials knowledgeable about antibiotic stewardship
  4. Other interested parties

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committees are governed by House Bill 1848 (86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019).
 

Current Advisory Committee Openings

If you are interested in addressing antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities and improving antimicrobial stewardship through collaborative action, you may be interested in joining the Antimicrobial Stewardship Regional Advisory Committee (ASRAC). We are accepting new member applications for the following position(s): 

  • Public Health Region 1 Director of Nursing position

The DSHS Commissioner will appoint members to the committee to serve 2-years or complete the term of current vacancy. Terms may be shortened or lengthened in compliance with statute.

ASRAC Application

DSHS will consider each applicant’s qualifications, background, and interest in serving on the committee. DSHS also tries to choose committee members who represent Texas diversity. For this reason, DSHS also considers each applicant’s ethnicity, gender, and geographic location. 
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024.

Submit applications by email to: antibioticstewardship@dshs.texas.gov, or 

Mail to:
Department of State Health Services
Attn: Antimicrobial Stewardship Team
PO Box 149347
Mail Code 4559
Austin, TX 78714-9347

DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected once the agency solicitation process is complete.
 

2024 Meetings

Public Health Region Meeting Date Agenda Meeting Minutes
1 N/A N/A -
2/3 March 25, 2024 @ 10:30 am - -
4/5N April 4, 2024 @ 10:30 am - -
6/5S March 18, 2024 @ 1 pm Agenda and meeting invite -
7 April 11, 2024 @ 1:30 pm - -
8 April 15, 2024 @ 1pm - -
9/10 April 23, 2024 @ 2 pm - -
11 April 16, 2024 @ 10:30 am - -

 

Archive Meetings

Public Health Region Meeting Date Agenda Meeting Minutes
1 - - -
2/3 October 9, 2023 @ 11 am 10.09.23 Agenda 06.13.23 Minutes
4/5N September 19, 2023 @ 2 pm 09.19.23 Agenda 03.22.23 Minutes
6/5S - - -
7 November 13, 2023 @ 3 pm 11.13.23 Agenda 07.06.23 Minutes
8 October 18, 2023 @ 1 pm 10.18.23 Agenda 06.20.23 Minutes
9/10 September 28, 2023 @ 10 am 09.28.23 Agenda 03.23.23 Minutes
11 October 3, 2023 @ 10 am 10.03.23 Agenda 05.02.23 Minutes

For more information, please contact:

Texas Government Code: 

Health and Safety Code:

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