The mission of the U.S. Pastor Council and community or state councils in the USPC network is to empower pastors and their congregations across racial and denominational lines to impact the culture and community through concerted prayer, to equip our congregations for effective citizenship and to provide a unified voice on spiritual, cultural, social and moral issues from a Biblical perspective.
Our "DNA" is to unite, connect, empower and engage pastors of "every color, every corner" at the city level through local Pastor Councils, connect through state Councils and nationally via U.S. Pastor council - a bottom-up, grassroots team to bring a strong, Biblical, Christ-centered influence to every community in restoring godly citizenship as an effective ministry of every local church who agrees with the principles of the Pastors' Declaration of Godly Citizenship!
During the COVID-19 pandemic many pastors, chaplains as well as spouses and family members have been denied access to patients in hospitals and other medical care facilities. The 2021 Texas Legislature took action, passing legislation that protects the rights of patients to "religious counsel" under any such emergency declarations, however most pastors and others are not aware of this new protection. TXPC hosted a Zoom conference (video above) on October 13 featuring Senator Drew Springer and Representative Bryan Slaton, primarily responsible for the legislation as adopted.
The following information was provided by Kristi Turner, Associate Commissioner of Health Care Regulation with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services:
Below are links to the guidance letters regarding the two visitation bills (SB 572 and HB 2211) that passed during the session, as well as a link on how to file a complaint.
HB 572: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/facilities-regulation/memos/gl-21-2004.pdf
HB 2211: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/facilities-regulation/memos/gl-21-2003.pdf
How to file a complaint:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/health-care-facilities-regulation/file-a-complaint-a-health-facility
Submitting a Complaint Against Healthcare Facilities (Except Substance Abuse or Narcotic Treatment Facilities)
This includes: abortion facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, birthing centers, community mental health centers, comprehensive out-patient rehabilitation facilities, crisis stabilization units, end stage renal disease facilities, freestanding emergency medical care facilities, hospitals, out-patient physical therapy, portable x-ray services, rural health clinics, and special care facilities.
Complaint hotline: 1-800-458-9858 Option 5
Email: hfc.complaints@hhs.texas.gov
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