FEATURED, FROM LEFT: Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs, DHR Health, and Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernández, a pediatric (general) surgeon, also serves as Member, Board of Managers, DHR Health, as Chief Compliance Officer, DHR Health, and as Medical Director of Surgical Services, Driscoll Children’s Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.
Photograph Courtesy CITY OF PHARR
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Gov. Abbott appoints Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs, DHR Health, to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]
Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs, DHR Health, has been appointed to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement by Gov. Greg Abbott, the governor announced on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
The mission of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, as a regulatory state agency, is to establish and enforce standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.
“I’m truly and humbly honored to have been appointed by Gov. Abbott to this amazing board,” said Lizcano. “I’m supportive of all public servants and I will do my very best to provide support and be a voice for a law enforcement community,” Lizcano said. “Thank you to all our public servants and all that they do every day – God bless them and their families.”
His term will continue until August 30, 2027.
The authority to make governmental appointments is one of the powers given to the Governor of Texas by the state’s Constitution. During a four-year term, the governor will make about 1,500 appointments.
Most appointments are:
• State officials and members of state boards, commissions and councils that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government activities;
• Members of task forces that advise the Governor or executive agencies on specific issues and policies; and
• State elected and judicial offices when vacancies occur by resignation or death of the office holder.
Lizcano noted the extensive influence of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
“Because it is an actual regulatory agency – it oversees a lot of educational needs and other issues that come up, such as making sure that all law enforcement professionals have their licenses up-t0-date and that everyone is held to the highest professional standards,” Lizcano said.
Reactions from Sen. Hinojosa, Rep. Canales, Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernández
Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said he will continue to support Lizcano’s appointment when it comes before the full Senate in mid-January 2023, when the 88th Texas Legislature returns to its 140-day regular session.
“I supported Mario’s appointment and look forward to supporting his Senate confirmation during the next legislative session,” said Hinojosa, who was recently appointed as Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Finance. “Please join me in congratulating Mario Lizcano and on wishing him the best as he takes on his responsibilities as a member of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.”
An appointment of the governor shall be with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate present, such as during the regular session. If the Senate is not in session, the governor’s appointment – if otherwise qualified and if not removed as provided by law – shall serve until the full Senate meets again.
https://law.justia.com/constitution/texas/sections/cn000400-001200.html
Most often, the Senate will approve the appointment unless that individual is opposed by the senator from whose district he resides.
Lizcano’s extensive experiences in public safety were among the numerous credentials which resulted in the governor’s actions.
In addition to serving with DHR Health, Lizcano is certified as a volunteer firefighter with the State Firefighters’ & Fire Marshals’ Association, and has served as a basic emergency medical technician with the Texas Health and Human Services for a combined 20 years.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, Chair, House Committee on Transportation, also praised Lizcano’s qualifications and public service career.
“When Mario told me about the possibility of this appointment, I immediately started making calls to see how we could help him get this appointment,” said Canales. “Mario is one of those people who always steps up to serve in our community, and I could not be more proud to see him continue his service on the board of a crucial state agency.
“I know that Mario will be an excellent voice for our region on the TCOLE Board, and I want to heartily thank him for his service to our community,” Canales added.
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernández, who serves on the Board of Managers, DHR Health, shared his favorable impressions of Lizcano.
“The City of Pharr is proud to have Mario Lizcano represent our city, our region, and our state on this prestigious board,” said Hernández, who also serves as Chief Medical Compliance Officer, DHR Health.
An active resident and member of the Pharr community, Lizcano currently serves on several City of Pharr advisory boards including the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Civil Service Commission, Tierra del Sol Golf Course Advisory Board, PEDC II, and President, Board of Directors, Pharr Housing Authority.
He is also the incoming President, Board of Directors, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. He will begin that leadership position beginning on Saturday, October 1, 2022, for a one-year term of office.
Lizcano attended the University of Texas-San Antonio and the University of Texas-Pan American, from which he received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing with a Minor in Biology and Chemistry.
“Mario exemplifies the values and dedication necessary to serve on such a distinguished board and help influence positive changes to improve and enhance the future of law enforcement in Texas,” the Pharr mayor continued. “We congratulate him on his appointment and know he will do an exceptional job serving our community.”
DHR Health encourages and supports public service, volunteerism
Lizcano said the leaders with DHR Health, who encourage and make it possible for their employees to participate in public service and other volunteer efforts, deserved his thanks as well.
“With all the things that are happening in Texas, I’d like to thank my employer, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, because they allow us to continue to be committed to our community – to work hand-in-hand to see what we can provide for our public servants (elected and appointed leaders) and to continue to serve not only them, but our community.”
Anchored in southwest Edinburg on a 130-acre site, with a growing presence in neighboring McAllen, Rio Grande City, Mission, and Brownsville, DHR Health offers some of the most comprehensive medical care
on the U.S. southern border, with more than 1,400 nurses and 600+ physicians providing care in 70+ specialties and sub-specialties.
DHR Health is the flagship teaching hospital for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and encompasses a general acute hospital with the only dedicated women’s hospital south of San Antonio, a rehabilitation hospital, a behavioral hospital, more than 70 clinics Valley-wide, advanced cancer services, the only transplant program in the Rio Grande Valley – and the only 24/7 Level 1 Trauma Center south of San Antonio.
On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Driscoll Health System, in partnership with DHR Health, held a groundbreaking ceremony for Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, located at 2820 W. Michelangelo Drive in Edinburg, which is being built on the site of the DHR Health campus, next to DHR Health’s The Women’s Hospital at Renaissance.
The new, independently operated, eight-level pediatric hospital will further the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital founder Clara Driscoll to provide medical care to all the children of South Texas. The building is expected to be completed in Spring 2023.
The facility, which is under construction, represents a combined investment of more than $105 million. Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will operate with more than 500 employees, creating significant economic impact and new job opportunities for clinical, ancillary and support staff in the Valley.
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Ltd (“DHR”) and its general partner, RGV Med, Inc. (“RGV Med”) own and operate a 519 licensed bed general acute care hospital located at 5501 South McColl in Edinburg. The facility is one of the largest physician-owned facilities in the United States that began as an ambulatory surgery center in 1997.
Training to abolish certain neck restraints, preventing excessive force by law enforcement
As an example of the high priority placed on its duties and responsibilities, the Texas Legislature during the Spring 2021 approved House Bill 3712, whichchangedthe Occupations Code to set out provisions relating to the training of and policies for peace officers.
House Bill 3712 required the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to develop and maintain a model training curriculum and model policies for peace officers who conduct field training.
House Bill 3712 require the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to develop and make available to all law enforcement agencies a model policy for the preemployment investigation of a licensed person.
Rep. Alex Domínguez, D-Brownsville, is a coauthor of House Bill 3712, which was signed by the governor and went into effect on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.
Hinojosa is a cosponsor of House Bill 3712.
A coauthor is a legislator authorized by the primary author of a bill or resolution to join in the authorship of the measure. A coauthor must be a member of the chamber in which the bill was filed.
A cosponsor is legislator who joins with the primary sponsor to guide a bill or resolution through the legislative process in the opposite chamber. A cosponsor must be a member of the opposite chamber from the one in which the measure was filed.
https://tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/Glossary.pdf
Among other provisions, House Bill 3712 requires the basic peace officer training course:
• To be no less than 720 hours;
• To include training on the prohibition against using certain neck restraints in searching or arresting a person;
• To include training on an officer’s duty to intervene to stop or prevent another officer from using excessive force against a suspect; and
• To include training on officer’s duty to request emergency medical services personnel and provide first aid or treatment in certain circumstances.
House Bill 3712 also requires the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, in consultation with the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas and other interested parties, to develop and maintain a model training curriculum and model policies for law enforcement agencies and peace officers that address those topics and requires each law enforcement agency in Texas to adopt a policy on those topics.
History of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement was created by an act of the 59th Legislature.
Senate Bill 236, which became effective on August 30, 1965, did not appropriate any funds for the operations of the Commission. Original funding was provided from private foundations and federal grants.
This act provided for a voluntary program to improve law enforcement proficiency.
In 1967, the 60th Legislature included the Commission in the Appropriations Act and funded an executive director and three staff members. Since then, the Commission has grown in staff and responsibilities.
The Sunset Commission, in 2008-2009, reviewed the Commission, and House Bill (HB) 3389 was passed in the 81st Legislature to continue the Commission until 2021.
The composition of the commission is defined by Section 1701.051. The commission is governed by nine commissioners.
The governor appoints the commissioners, who are separated into three categories. Three must be chief administrators of law enforcement agencies, which include sheriffs, constables and chiefs of police.
Three must be persons licensed by the commission and two of whom must be peace officers in non-supervisory positions with a law enforcement agency when appointed by the governor.
Three must be private citizens with no direct connection with the field of law enforcement.
These nine members are voting members of the commission.
The members are appointed for six-year terms with one member from each category going off the Commission each two-year period.
The appointment of these members is subject to the review and consent of the Senate.
The governor designates one of the appointees as presiding officer of the Commission.
The presiding officer serves at the pleasure of the governor.
The commissioners elect the assistant presiding officer and secretary from the remaining eight appointed members.
HIDALGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, DHR HEALTH, AND MUJERES UNIDAS – WOMEN TOGETHER LAUNCH SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
The Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, DHR Health “Safe H.A.V.E.N.” Forensic Exam Center, and Mujeres Unidas – Women Together are launching a sexual assault awareness campaign for April 2022, as part of the 21st anniversary of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Building Safe Online Spaces Together.”
During the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the DA’s office will present a proclamation to declare April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on the 1st Floor of the Annex Building at 100 E. Cano in Edinburg.
Residents may view the livestream of the proclamation on the county’s website:
http://www.hidalgocounty.us/hclive
“We want to ensure that victims of sexual assault know that our office is here to help them in their time of need,” said Criminal District Attorney Ricardo Rodríguez Jr. “There are many laws, victim services programs and protective measures that have been put in place to assist victims. Our office works year-round to advocate for residents and collaborate with community organizations to address sexual assault.”
Hope Palacios, Chief, Special Crimes Division, Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, added,
“This year’s awareness campaign sheds a light on using technology to commit sexual violence. We can all help build online communities free from sexual harassment and abuse by practicing digital consent, intervening when we see harmful behaviors, and promoting online communities that value inclusion, safety, and respect. Technology connects us with others but this also exposes us to harassment, cyberbullying and online sexual violence.”
Rosie Martínez, Director, DA Victims Unit, said “Sexual violence can be prevented and it is important that we have these conversations about primary prevention. Sexual harassment and sexual abuse are widespread in the United States. It is estimated that one in five women and one in 67 men have been raped at some time in their lives, and one in four girls and one in 20 boys are sexually abused by the age of 17.”
DHR Health Safe H.A.V.E.N Forensic Exam Center provides a safe place for victims to receive medical treatment and forensic evidence collection.
One-on-one patient care is provided by a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who has been specially trained to offer comprehensive, compassionate, patient focused care to victims of sexual assault.
A SANE examination is one piece of information in a community effort by healthcare, advocates, local law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate and prosecute a reported case of sexual assault.
“During a sexual assault examination, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is focused on medical treatment, collection of forensic evidence, and evaluation of patient’s mental health,” said Forensic Nurse Manager Rosa Hernández. “Most importantly they will reach out to a sexual assault advocate to accompany the victim to reduce the trauma and seek additional services to help the victim. The victim of a sexual assault has 120 hours to seek a forensic examination.”
Mujeres Unidas-Women Together offers assistance through their Rape Crisis Center and has sexual assault advocates available to accompany all survivors to the hospital, police stations and court.
It can be intimidating to seek these services alone, advocates are available to provide accompaniment to these locations.
Residents can call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-580-4879.
“Remember: consent is personal and you decide when and with whom. Don’t feel pressured to do something that you are not comfortable with. If you need more information or assistance please contact us at any time,” said Hilda Gracia, Coordinator, Sexual Assault Program, Mujeres Unidas-Women Together. “You are not alone.”
Other resources available are Friendship of Women in Brownsville (956) 544-7412 and Family Crisis Center in Harlingen (956) 423-9304. Everyone can do something to end sexual violence.
Hidalgo County residents may join the prevention events and wear teal (cyan-green color) during the month of April to create awareness against sexual violence. Individuals who need victim services or prevention information are urged to contact the HCDA Victims Unit (956) 292-7616.
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Carlos Sánchez and Jaclyn Treviño contributed to this article. For more on this and other Texas legislative news stories that affect the Rio Grande Valley metropolitan region, please log on to Titans of the Texas Legislature (TitansoftheTexasLegislature.com).
