October 22nd, 2025
There has been and still currently is a big backlog of ANE Investigations: Currently, over 3,000 ANE intakes in the HCS program are pending investigations. The 89th Texas Legislature appropriated one-time funds for HHSC to hire 31 staff to investigate and close these cases. See excerpt from HHSC Rider 164 below.
Is there a point of contact that providers can reach out to check on the status of an open case and how they can obtain a final report if informed that a case has been closed?
~ To check on the status of a case (even an old case), contact the HHSC Regional Office. If the Regional Office is not able to provide the status of an ‘open’ case, contact Michelle Dionne-Vahalik at Michelle.Dionne-Vahalik@hhs.texas.gov
~ To obtain a copy of a final report, contact Michelle Dionne-Vahalik at the above email address.
Excerpt from Rider 164: In addition to funds appropriated to address the backlog in ANE investigations, HHSC Rider 164 (Article II, FY 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act) states the following:
-It is the intent of the Legislature that HHSC address and clear all backlogs relating to abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations in the RSD by December 31, 2026.
