(a) The executive commissioner, as necessary to perform the functions described by § 524.0001 and Subchapter E in implementing applicable policies the executive commissioner establishes for a health and human services agency or division, shall:
(1) manage and direct the operations of each agency or division, as applicable;
(2) supervise and direct the activities of each agency commissioner or division director, as applicable; and
(3) be responsible for the administrative supervision of the internal audit program for the agencies, including:
(A) selecting the director of internal audit;
(B) ensuring the director of internal audit reports directly to the executive commissioner; and
(C) ensuring the independence of the internal audit function.
(b) The executive commissioner’s operational authority and responsibility for purposes of Subsection (a) and § 524.0151(a)(2) for each health and human services agency or division, as applicable, includes authority over and responsibility for:
(1) daily operations management of the agency or division, including the organization, management, and operating procedures of the agency or division;
(2) resource allocation within the agency or division, including the use of federal funds the agency or division receives;
(3) personnel and employment policies;
(4) contracting, purchasing, and related policies, subject to this chapter and other laws relating to contracting and purchasing by a state agency;
(5) information resources systems the agency or division uses;
(6) facility location; and
(7) the coordination of agency or division activities with activities of other components of the health and human services system and state agencies.

Text of section effective on April 01, 2025