Governor Abbott Directs TDEM, DSHS, HHSC To Test All Nursing Home Residents, Staff In Texas

AUSTIN, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to test 100% of residents and staff in Texas nursing homes. The Governor instructed HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS to develop and implement a plan based on the guidance of Vice President Mike Pence and Doctor Deborah Birx.

'The State of Texas is working to rapidly expand our testing capacity—especially among vulnerable populations in Texas nursing homes,' said Governor Abbott. 'This important collaboration among HHSC, TDEM, and DSHS will ensure that any potential