Disaster Response & Recovery
State Medical Operations Center (SMOC)
The State Medical Operation Center (SMOC) serves as the ESF-8 (Public Health & Medical) lead to support the Texas State Operations Center (SOC). The SMOC provides operational support and coordination of state-level ESF-8 response activities during disasters.
The SMOC provides four basic functions in emergency response when state and federal resources are needed within our 17 Core Functional Areas:
- Coordination and control
- Communications
- Resource allocation (personnel, supplies, equipment)
- Recovery
Types of Disaster/Emergency Incidents:
- Hurricanes
- Tornados
- Wildfires
- Other Severe Weather (e.g., Winter Storm)
- Mass Casualty Events
- Public Health Emergencies (e.g., COVID, Zika, Ebola)
DSHS Major Activities:
- Evacuation Support for Persons with Medical Needs (hospital, nursing home, home health care)
- Patient Care
- Support for State Medical Shelters
- Re-population of Persons with Medical Needs
- Immunizations Support
- Medical Supplies Support
- Mass Fatality Support
- Health Surveillance
For additional information, questions, and comments please email: dshsplanning@dshs.texas.gov
Emergency Medical Task Force and Response Assets
The Texas Department of State Health Services administers and maintains the Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF). The EMTF program is made up of multiple emergency medical response resources that are designed to deploy quickly to a disaster or emergency.
For more information on the EMTF program, you may visit the EMTF website.
EMTF Resource Requirements, Reimbursement, and Allowable Cost Requirements for Resources
EMTF Reimbursement Packet for State Mission Assignments
(optional until 1 December 2026)
EMTF Reimbursement Packet (XLSX)
Reimbursement Guidance and Packet Feedback
(for comments and recommended updates to the EMTF Reimbursement Guide and Packet only; direct all questions to your Regional Coordinating Organization)
EMTF Reimbursement Guide and Packet Feedback Survey
EMTF Reimbursement Guide and Packet Training
Coming Soon!
Regional Medical Operations Centers (RMOC)
Regional Medical Operations Center Activation and Reimbursement Requirements - Technical Guidance (PDF)