Texas House Bill HB1536

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirements for certain food service employees.

Impact

The proposed regulation affects businesses by establishing a standard for employee training in life-saving techniques, thereby potentially improving health and safety standards in the food industry. It empowers establishments to enforce certification requirements and helps promote a safer dining environment. However, it does not mandate employers to cover the costs associated with obtaining such certifications, shifting the financial burden onto the employees. This might pose challenges particularly for low-wage workers in the food service sector.

Summary

House Bill 1536 introduces requirements for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification specifically for employees at food service establishments. The bill mandates that certain employees, particularly those who regularly interact with customers consuming food on the premises, must obtain CPR certification from universally recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. This certification aims to enhance customer safety and preparedness in case of medical emergencies within food service operations.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes the important role of CPR training in food service, there may be concerns about its economic impact on employees, especially those struggling to pay for certification courses. Critics may argue that making certification a requirement without employer reimbursement could limit job opportunities for potential employees who cannot afford the costs upfront. Furthermore, there could be discussions on the adequacy of training standards and whether the bill sufficiently addresses the needs of diverse food service establishments, ranging from small family-run businesses to large corporate chains.