Texas House Bill HB1221

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to communicable disease and infection prevention and control measures for certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The passage of HB 1221 has significant implications for the operational protocols within long-term care facilities. Facilities are required to appoint both primary and secondary infection preventionists who must have relevant professional training and fulfill specific responsibilities in disease monitoring and control. This legislative requirement is expected to improve response times for notifying residents and health authorities about potential disease exposures, thereby strengthening health safety measures at these institutions.

Summary

House Bill 1221 aims to enhance the prevention and control measures related to communicable diseases in long-term care facilities in Texas. It amends the existing Health and Safety Code, requiring each facility to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program. This program is specifically designed to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for residents and staff while actively preventing the transmission of communicable diseases through specified procedures, including monitoring infectious agents and providing essential testing measures such as COVID-19 and influenza diagnostics.

Contention

Nonetheless, the bill has sparked some debates primarily around the administrative penalties it proposes for noncompliance. While supporters believe that the penalties are a necessary enforcement mechanism to maintain high standards in infection control, critics argue this could lead to undue stress on facilities already struggling with operational challenges. There is a concern that excessive regulation and penalties may hinder their ability to provide quality care, as resources could be diverted from patient care to compliance-related activities. Ultimately, the balance between necessary oversight and practical operational capacities of long-term care facilities remains a point of contention.