Hawkins v. Community Health Choice, Inc.

OPINION

DAVID PURYEAR, Justice.

This is an appeal from the issuance of a writ of mandamus compelling appellant, Albert Hawkins, the Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services (“Commissioner”), to refer a contested issue to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (“SOAH”). Appellee, Community Health Choice, Inc. (“Community”), was under contract with appellant, the Texas Department of Human Seivices (“Department”). A dispute arose between the parties, and after several months of unsuccessful negotiations, appellee notified the Department of its intent to sue for breach. Once…