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23-1622ORD[NANCE NO. 23-1622 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOW[NG VOLUNTEERS FROM THE FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM TO ASSIST WITH CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS; AND PROviDrNG AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, The Foster Grandparent volunteers from the State of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (“THHSC”) provide one-on-one emotional support, mentoring, and tutoring to children with exceptional needs in eight locations across the state of Texas; and WHEREAS, The Foster Grandparent Program (’'FGP" or the "Program") serves a dual purpose in that it provides income-eligible adults, age 55 and older, with meaningful volunteer opportunities, while also meeting critical community needs by serving children with special and exceptional needs; and WHEREAS, THHSC has presented the City of Denton (“City”) with a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) regarding the City’s provision of a Volunteer Station (“VS”) for the FGP that would be effective from execution through August 31, 2026 unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and WHEREAS, City staff has reviewed the MOU required by THHSC and is of the opinion it should be approved; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest to approve the MOU; NOW THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. The findings and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are incorporated herein by reference. SECTION 2. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City the Memorandum of Understanding between the Texas Health & Human Services Commission and City of Denton for the provision of a Volunteer Station for the Foster Grandparent Program, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 3 and incorporated herein, or a substantially similar agreement as may be required by THHSC. SECTION 3. The City Manager, or designee, is further authorized to carry out all duties and obligations to be performed by the City under the MOU. SECTION 4. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval. Th, m,ti,„ t, ,pp„,, thi, O,di„,„„ w„ m,d, by Hh_ Page 1 of 2 and seconded by Grt'B' Bed approved by the following vote B - ' This Ordinance was passed and Aye IZ ,/ ,/ ,Z a \/ Nay Abstain Absent Mayor Gerard Hudspeth: Vicki Byrd, District 1 : Brian Beck. District 2 : Paul Meltzer. District 3 : Joe Holland. District 4: Brandon Chase McGee, At Large Place 5 : Chris Watts, At Large Place 6:/ PASSED AND APPROVED thi, th, 1 qt- d,y ,f $( +, nUr , 2023. GERARD aN ATTEST: ,CRETARY b\\t 11111111 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: MACK REINWAND CITY ATTORNEY /H–XbE#-– BY: Page 2 of 2 \ n F ++ ' q'=P Contract No. HHS00 1 302800038 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION AND CITY OF DEVrON FOR PROVISION OF A VOLUNTEER STATION FOR THE FOSTER Gk&NDPARENT PROGRAM Pursuant to the provisions of Title 45, Subtitle B, Chapter XXV, Part 2552, §2552.23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, this Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) is entered into between the HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION (“HHSC” or the “SPONSOR’), an administrative agency within the executive department of the State of Texas, with its central office at 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin Texas, 78751 and the City of Denton (“VS”) having an office at 321 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76201, for the purpose of providing a volunteer station (VS). HHSC and VS may be referred to in this agreement individually as a “Party,” or collectively as the “Parties.” I. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Foster Grandparent Program ("FGP" or the "program") serves a dual purpose in that it provides income-eligible adults, age 55 and older, with meaningful volunteer opportunities, while also meeting critical community needs by serving children with special and exceptional needs. The VS is a public agency, non-profit organization or proprietary health care organization that accepts the responsibility for assignment and supervision of Foster Grandparents in health, education, social service or related settings, such as hospitals, homes for dependent and neglected children or similar establishments. 11.STATEMENT OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED a) HHSC Statement of Duties: HHSC, in support of the volunteers in the FGP, will: 1. 11. Recruit, interview, select, and enroll volunteers in the program. The volunteers will meet the criteria in Title 45, Subtitle B, Chapter XXV, Part. 2552, Subpart D, for enrollment in the program; Unless otherwise specified in this MOU, conduct and document a criminal history check for all Foster Grandparents in accordance with the requirements established for a National Service Criminal History Check by the Corporation for National and Community Service; 1 Contract No. HHS00130280003 8 111.Provide accident and liability insurance coverage as required by the program, including excess automobile liability insurance for Foster Grandparents who drive in connection with their service. Foster Grandparents are not covered by worker's compensation coverage; Be responsible for the management and fiscal control of the program; Provide orientation to volunteers and provide in-service training on an on-going basis IV . V. Vl. Vll. VIii. Provide orientation to VS staff; and Provide additional Foster Grandparents at the request of the VS, if available. Conduct an annual appraisal of the volunteer’s performance and an annual review of their income eligibility . b) VS Statement of Duties: VS, in support of the FGP, will: i. Develop a written volunteer assignment plan that: (a) is approved by the Sponsor and accepted by the Foster Grandparent; (b) identifies the child(ren) to be served with enough identifying information that the Foster Grandparent is informed of their service assignment; this may be a group (ex. children ages 8-12 in summer camp) or an individual child and9 (c) identifies the role and activities of the Foster Grandparent and the expected outcomes for the child(ren); (d) addresses the period of time each child should receive such services; (e) will be used to review the impact of the assignment of the child(ren). 11. iIi. IV . V. This Assignment Plan will be signed by the VS liaison and the Foster Grandparent and will be used to review the Foster Grandparent’s services. The volunteer assignments shall result in person-to-person supportive relationships. Assure adequate health and safety provisions for the protection of volunteers. Investigate incidents, accidents and injuries involving volunteers and notify the FGP on a timely basis. Assign children with designated special or exceptional needs or who are in circumstances that limit their academic, social, or emotional development, and who are less than 21 years of age to each volunteer. Provide site specific orientation and training to the volunteers. Keep detailed records and prepare reports as required by Sponsor. At a minimum, records shall verify the number of children who were served, that the child(ren) were eligible under the FGP rules, the number of hours served and Vl. Vll. 2 Contract No. HHS00 1 302800038 activities conducted by the Foster Grandparent, and the benefits the child(ren) served received. Records and reports shall be provided to Sponsor upon request. Ensure that Foster Grandparents serve in a volunteer capacity. VS will verify that Foster Grandparents will not: displace nor replace paid or contracted employees, relieve staff of their routine duties or infringe upon the site supervisor's supervisory role with the children. Designate a staff member to oversee and ensure supervision of Foster Grandparents at all times while they are performing as volunteers and not leave the Foster Grandparent alone with children. Ensure the Foster Grandparent volunteers undergo the same screening processes required of other volunteers at the VS. VS shall not charge HHSC or the Foster Grandparent volunteer for the cost of any screening requirements associated with the site’s policies or licensure. Provide confidentiality training for all Foster Grandparents in accordance with VS policies and procedures (e.g., school districts will provide confidentiality training in accordance with State education laws, rules and regulations, Federal Regulations and statutes, including the Buckley and Hatch Amendments). Provide a daily schedule of activities for the Foster Grandparents and designate space, including reasonable accommodation, as needed, for volunteers with disabilities for use in their activities with their assigned children. Periodically review each child's continuing need for a Foster Grandparent and recommend phase-out or reassignment of the assigned Foster Grandparent, as necessary. For in-home assignments, VS will obtain a Letter of Agreement signed by the person or persons legally responsible for the child services, the VS liaison, and the FGP liaison authorizing the assignment of a Foster Grandparent in the child’s Vlll. IX. X. Xl. XIi. xlli. XIV . Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 home, defining the Foster Grandparent’s activities, and specifying supervisory arrangements. In-home assignments must be pre-approved in writing by msc . XV .Maintain any license, or other certifications, where required by the appropriate state or local government. 111.CIVIL RIGHTS The VS agrees to comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, including without limitation : • • • • • • • • Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq.); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794); Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.); Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. §§6101-6107); Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§1681-1688); Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. §201 1, et seq.); National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12501, et seq.), and The HHSC’s administrative rules, as set forth in the Texas Administrative Code, to the extent applicable to this Agreement. a)The VS agrees to comply with all amendments to the above-referenced laws, and all requirements imposed by the regulations issued pursuant to these laws. These laws provide in part that no persons in the United States may, on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including individuals with limited English proficiency), gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, or military service, be excluded from participation in or denied any aid, care, service or other benefits provided by Federal or State funding, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination. The VS agrees to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and its implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. Part 80, 7 C.F.R. Part 15 or 45 C.F.R. Part 1230, prohibiting the VS from adopting and implementing policies and procedures that exclude or have the effect of excluding or limiting the participation of people in its programs, benefits, or activities on the basis of national origin. The VS agrees to provide alternative methods for ensuring access to services for applicants and recipients who cannot express themselves fluently in English. The VS agrees to ensure that its policies do not have the effect of excluding or limiting the participation of persons in its programs, benefits, and activities on the basis of national origin. The VS agrees to take reasonable steps to provide services and information, both orally and in writing, in appropriate languages other than English, in order to b) C) d) 4 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 ensure that persons with limited English proficiency are effectively informed and can have meaningful access to programs, benefits, and activities. The VS agrees to post applicable civil rights posters in areas open to the public informing clients of their civil rights. The posters are available on the HHS website at: https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/your-rights/civil-rights-office/civil- rights-posters The VS agrees to comply with Executive Order 13279, and its implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. Part 87 or 7 C.F.R. Part 16. These provide in part that any organization that participates in programs funded by direct financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Health and Human Services shall not, in providing services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion or religious belief. Upon request, the VS will provide the HHSC’s Civil Rights Office with copies of all VS’s civil rights policies and procedures. The VS must notify the HHSC’s Civil Rights Office of any civil rights complaints received relating to its performance under this Agreement. This notice must be delivered no more than ten (10) calendar days after receipt of a complaint. Notice provided pursuant to this section must be directed to: e) f) g) h) HHSC Civil Rights Office 701 W. 51 st Street, Mail Code W206 Austin, Texas 78751 Phone Toll Free: (888) 388-6332 Phone: (512) 438-43 13 Fax: (5 12) 438-5885 IV. PROVISION OF MEALS At the discretion of the VS, meals may be provided to support the FGP. Meals, if provided, will be at no-cost to the Foster Grandparent or HHSC. Please indicate by placing an “X” next to the applicable statement. X Yes, meals will be provided to the Foster Grandparents. No, meals will not be provided to the Foster Grandparents. The VS must notify HHSC thirty (30) calendar days in advance of discontinuing the provision of meals. V. PRIVACY, SECURITY AND BREACH NOTIFICATION a) HHS Confidential Information 5 Contract No. HHS00130280003 8 i. “Breach” means the acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of Confidential Information in an unauthorized manner which compromises the security or privacy of the Confidential Information. ii. “IIHSC Confidential Information” means any communication or record (whether oral, written, electronically stored or transmitted, or in any other form) provided to or made available to VS electronically or through any other means that consists of or includes any or all of the following: (a) Protected Health Information in any form including without limitation, Electronic Health Information or Unsecured Protected Health Information (as these terms are defined in 45 C.F.R.§160.103); (b) (C) Sensitive Personal Information defined by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 521 ; Federal Tax Information (as defined in Internal Revenue Service Publication 1075); (d) Personal Identifying Information (as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 521); (e)Social Security Administration Data (defined as information received from a Social Security Administration federal agency system of records), including, without limitation, Medicare or Medicaid information (defined as information relating to an applicant or recipient of Medicare or Medicaid benefits); (f) (g) (h) Substance Use Disorder Treatment Records (as defined in 42 C.F.R. Part 2) Education Records (as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (F ERP A) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) All information designated as confidential under the constitution and laws of the State of Texas and of the United States, including the Texas Health & Safety Code and the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. 111.Any HHSC Confidential Information received by VS under this MOU may be disclosed only in accordance with applicable law and as authorized in this MOU. By signing this MOU, VS certifies that it is and intends to remain for the term of this MOU, in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations with respect to privacy, security, and breach notification, Contract No. HHS00 1 302800038 including without limitation the following: (a) Title 5 United States Code (USC) Part I, Chapter 5, Subchapter Il, Section552a, Records Maintained on Individuals, The Privacy Act of 1974, (b) as amended by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988; (c) Title 26 USC, Internal Revenue Code, Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 (d) Title 42 USC Chapter 7, Subchapter XI, Part C, Administrative Simplification, the relevant portions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); (e) Title 42 USC Chapter 7, the relevant portions of the Social Security Act; (f) Title 42 USC Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 2, Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (g) Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter A, Subchapter C, Part 160, General Administrative Requirements (h) Title 45 CFR Chapter A Subchapter C, Parts 160, 162 and 164, Security and Privacy; (i) 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPAy, G) Internal Revenue Service Publication 1075, Tax Information Security Guidelines for Federal, State and Local Agencies, Safeguards for Protecting Federal Tax Returns and Return Information; (k) Office of Management and Budget Memorandum 17-12, Preparing for and Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information; (1) Texas Business and Commerce Code Title 11, Subtitle B, Chapter 521 Unauthorized Use of Identifying Information; (m)Texas Government Code, Title, 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 552, Public Information, as applicable, (n) Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 2, Subtitle D, Chapter 81, Section 81.006, Funds (o) Texas Health and Safety Code Title 2, Subtitle I, Chapter 181, Medical Records Privacy; (p) Texas Health and Safety Code Title 7, Subtitle E, Chapter 611, Mental Health Records; (q) Texas Human Resources Code, Title 2, Subtitle A, Chapter 12, Section 12.003, Disclosure of Information Prohibited; (r) Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Health Professions, as applicable; (s) Constitutional and common law privacy; and (t) Any other applicable law controlling the release of information created or obtained in the course of providing the services described in this MOU. VS further certifies that it will comply with all amendments, regulations, and guidance relating to those laws, to the extent applicable. IV . b) Cybersecurity Training All of VS’s authorized users, workforce and subcontractors with access to a state computer system or database will complete a cybersecurity training program certified 8 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 under Texas Government Code, Title 10, Subtitle B, Chapter 2054, Section 2054.5192, Cybersecurity training Required: Certain State Contractors, by the Texas Department of Information Resources. C)Business Associate Agreement VS will ensure that any subcontractor who has access to HHSC Confidential Information will sign a HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement. VS must maintain the Business Associate Agreements on file and available for review by HHSC upon request. d)Incident Notice, Reporting and Mitigation VS’s obligation begins at discovery of any unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information or any privacy or security incident that may compromise Confidential Information. “Incident” is defined as an attempted or successful unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of information or interference with system operations in an information system. VS’s obligation continues until all effects of the Incident are resolved to HHSC’s satisfaction, hereafter referred to as the "Incident Response Period" . e) Notification to HHSC i. VS must notify HHSC within the timeframes set forth in Section (c) below. ii. VS must require that its subcontractors and contractors take the necessary steps to assure that VS can comply with all of the following Incident notrce requrrernents. (a) Incident Notice : (1)Initial Notice. Within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery, or in a timeframe otherwise approved by HHSC in writing, VS must preliminarily report on the occurrence of an Incident to the HHSC Privacy and Security Officers via email at: privacy@HHSC.state.tx.us. This initial notice must, at a minimum, contain: (1) all information reasonably available to VS about the Incident, (2) confirmation that VS has met any applicable federal Breach notification requirements, and (3) a single point of contact for VS for HHSC communications both during and outside of business hours during the Incident Response Period. 9 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 (ii)Formal Notice. No later than three (3) Business Days after discovery of an Incident, or when VS should have reasonably discovered the Incident, the VS must provide written formal notification to HHSC using the Potential Privacy/Security Incident Form which is available on the HHSC website at https://hhsconnection.hhs.texas.gov/rights- responsibilities/office-chief-counsel/privacy. The formal notification must include all available information about the Incident, and VS’s investigation of the Incident. f)Investigation, Response, and Mitigation. VS must fully investigate and mitigate, to the extent practicable and as soon as possible or as indicated below, any Incident. At a minimum, VS will: 1. 11. Iii. IV . V. Vl. Vll. Immediately commence a full and complete investigation; Cooperate fully with HHSC in its response to the Incident; Complete or participate in an initial risk assessment; Provide a final risk assessment; Submit proposed corrective actions to HHSC for review and approval; Commit necessary and appropriate staff and resources to expeditiously respond; Report to HHSC as required by HHSC and all applicable federal and state laws for Incident response purposes and for purposes of HHSC’s compliance with report and notification requirements, to the satisfaction of HHSC; Vlll. IX. X. Xl. Fully cooperate with HHSC to respond to inquiries and/or proceedings by federal and state authorities about the Incident; Fully cooperate with HHSC’s efforts to seek appropriate injunctive relief or to otherwise prevent or curtail such Incidents; Recover, or assure destruction of, any Confidential Information impermissibly disclosed during or as a result of the Incident; and Provide HHSC with a final report on the Incident explaining the Incident’s resolution. g) Breach Notification to Individuals and Reporting to Authorities i. In addition to the notices required in this section, VS must comply with all other applicable legal and regulatory requirements in the time, manner, and content of any notification to individuals, regulators, or third-parties, or any 10 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 notice required by other state or federal authorities, including without limitation, notifications required in Title 45 CFR Chapter A, Subchapter C Part 164, Subpart D, Notification in the Case of Breach of Unsecured Protected Health Information and Texas Business and Commerce Code. Title 1 1, Subtitle B, Chapter 521, Section 521.053(b), Notification Required Following Breach of Security of Computerized Data, or as specified by HHSC following an Incident. VS must assure that the time, manner, and content of any Breach notification required by this section meets all federal and state regulatory requIrements . Breach notice letters must be in VS’s name and on VS’s letterhead and must contain contact information to obtain additional information, including the name and title of VS’s representative, an email address, and toll-free telephone number. VS must provide HHSC with copies of all distributed communications related to the Breach notification at the same time the Contractor distributes the communications. 11. 111. IV. V.VS must demonstrate to the satisfaction of HHSC that any Breach notification required by applicable law was timely made. If there are delays outside of VS’s control, then VS must provide written documentation to HHSC of the reasons for the delay. VI. MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES a) HHSC and the VS will communicate as necessary to successfully manage this Agreement. They will work in good faith together to fulfill the purpose of this Agreement. b) Teleservice Service functions include, but are not limited to : tutoring, mentoring, reading books for children and youth; creating video demonstrations; serving as a pen pal; supporting students in their efforts to complete special projects; assembling student packets; connecting students with educational resources; and routine check-ins with students, as directed by VS. Telesewice functions may be facilitated via telecommunication channels including, but not limited to: virtual engagement (computer/tablet) or telephone engagement. 1)HHSC Statement of Duties: (a) Ensure Foster Grandparents have access to the appropriate equipment as deemed necessary for the proposed activities; (b) Provide activity specific training, as appropriate. 11 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 11)VS Statement of Duties: (a) Ensure Foster Grandparents have access to the appropriate programs and materials, as required for proposed activities; (b) Provide activity specific orientation and training to the volunteers; (c) Supervise Foster Grandparents always while they are serving as a volunteer with children present, whether the volunteer is presenting to a group or to individual children. VII. TERM OF AGREEMENT This MOU is effective upon the signature date of the latter of the Parties to sign this agreement and shall continue for a three (3) year period unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms of this MOU. This agreement does not include renewals. VIII. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT a) Termination without Cause. This MOU may be terminated by either Party without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other Party. b)Notice of Breach and Termination for Cause. If a Party fails to comply with a term of this MOU, the non-breaching Party may provide notice to the breaching Party of the breach. If the breach is not cured to the non-breaching Party’s satisfaction within thirty (30) days of the date the notice is sent, the non-breaching Party may proceed to terminate the MOU by providing notice of termination upon the breaching Party, which shall include, among other things, the effective date of the termination. HHSC may terminate this Agreement immediately if VS improperly discloses Social Security Numbers or client information, or breaches confidentiality and/or securIty requlrernents. c) Nonwaiver. Failure of either Party to insist on performance of any term or condition of this MOU or to exercise any right or privilege under the terms of this MOU shall not be construed as a continuing or future waiver of such term, condition, right or privilege. IX.CONTRACT REPRESENTATIVES The following will act as the representative authorized to administer activities under this MOU on behalf of its respective Party. 12 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 System Agency Contract Repr6entative VS Contract Reprmentative Foster Grandparent Program 701 West 5 1 st Street Austin. Texas 7875 1 E-mail: fgpfiscalspt@hhs.texas.gov Phone: 512-944-9967 City of Denton 321 E. McKinney Street Denton, TX 76201 Email: megan.thomas@cityofdenton.com Phone Number: 940-349-7752 Attention: Megan Thomas IX.NOTICE REQUIREMENTS a) All notices given by VS shall be in writing, include the Contract number, comply with all terms and conditions of this MOU, and be delivered to HHSC’s Contract Representative identified above. b) VS shall send legal notices to HHSC at the address below and provide a copy to the HHSC’s Contract Representative: Health and Human Services Commission Ann: Office of Chief Counsel 4601 W. Guadalupe, MC 1100 Austin, Texas 78751 C)Notices given by HHSC to VS may be emailed, mailed or sent by common carrier. Email notices shall be deemed delivered when sent by HHSC. Notices sent by mail shall be deemed delivered when deposited by HHSC in the United States mail, postage paid, certified, return receipt requested. Notices sent by common carrier shall be deemed delivered when deposited by HHSC with a common carrier, overnight, signature required. d) Notices given by VS to HHSC shall be deemed delivered when received by HHSC. e) Either Party may change its Contract Representative or Legal Notice contact by providing written notice to the other Party. XI.GENERAL TERMS a) Amendments. The Parties to this MOU may modify this agreement only through execution of a written amendment signed by both parties. b) Assignment. VS shall not assign its rights under this MOU or delegate the performance of its duties under the agreement without prior written approval from HHSC. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision is void and without effect 13 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 C)No Partnership or Joint Venture. The Parties agree that nothing in this MOU shall be deemed to create an association, partnership, or joint venture between HHSC and VS, but is intended solely to guide the relationship between the Parties. Each Party shall pay the cost of its participation in this MOU without cost to or reimbursement by the other Party . d)No Waiver of Sovereign Immunity. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as a waiver of VS’s, HHSC’s or the State’s sovereign immunity. This agreement shall not constitute or be construed as a waiver of any of the privileges, rights, defenses, remedies, or immunities available to HHSC or the State of Texas. The failure to enforce, or any delay in the enforcement of, any privileges, rights, defenses, remedies, or immunities available to HHSC or the State of Texas under this agreement or under applicable law shall not constitute a waiver of such privileges, rights, defenses, remedies or immunities or be considered a basis for estoppel. HHSC does not waive any privileges, rights, defenses, or immunities available to HHSC by entering into this agreement or by its conduct prior to or subsequent to entering into this agreement. e) Counterparts and Signatures. The MOU may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be an original, and all such counterparts will together constitute but one and the same agreement. f)Entire Agreement. This document constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and is intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the promises, representations, negotiations, discussions, and other agreements that may have been made in connection with the subject matter hereof Any additional or conflicting terms in any future document incorporated into this agreement will be harmonized with this agreement to the extent possible. The Parties have read this MOU and agree to be bound by its terms. This MOU has been signed by an authorized representative of each Party. (Remainder of Page 1ntentionally Left Blank) 14 Contract No. HHS00 1302800038 SIGNATURE PACE FOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING HHSC COVrRACT No. HHS001302800038 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION CITY OF DENTON Signature Name: Evelyn Greenfield-Johnson Name: Sara Hensley Title: Associate Commissioner Title: City Manager Date Signed: 9-22-2023 Date Signed: 15 t •• e