Texas Government Code - GOV'T § 545.0051. Consolidated Recipient Identification and Benefits Issuance Method

(1) provide for the use of a single integrated benefits issuance card or multiple cards capable of integrating benefits issuance or other program functions;

(2) incorporate a fingerprint image identifier to enable personal identity verification at a point of service and reduce fraud;

(3) enable immediate electronic verification of recipient eligibility; and

(4) replace multiple forms, cards, or other methods used for fraud reduction or provision of health and human services benefits, including:

(1) to the extent possible, use industry-standard communication, messaging, and electronic benefits transfer protocols;

(2) ensure that all identifying and descriptive information of recipients of each health and human services program included in the method can be accessed only by a provider or other entity participating in the particular program;

(3) ensure that a provider or other entity participating in a health and human services program included in the method cannot identify whether a program recipient is receiving benefits under another program included in the method; and

(4) ensure that the storage and communication of all identifying and descriptive information included in the method comply with existing federal and state privacy laws governing individually identifiable information for recipients of public benefits programs. (Gov. Code, Sec. 531.091.)