Texas House Bill HB2191

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/4/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/25/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to prohibiting contact between an employee of a facility that serves the elderly or disabled persons, whose criminal history has not been verified, and a patient or resident of the facility.

Impact

The implications of HB 2191 reflect a broader effort in regulating employee conduct within the healthcare sector, especially concerning individuals who provide care to sensitive populations like the elderly and disabled. Facilities will now be legally required to implement stricter hiring protocols that prioritize patient safety. The bill will apply to the initial employment of individuals starting from its effective date, creating a new standard of practice that facilities must comply with to maintain their operational licenses.

Summary

House Bill 2191 addresses the employment practices of facilities that serve elderly or disabled individuals. The bill prohibits any direct contact between an employee whose criminal history has not been verified and a patient or resident of the facility until thorough verification has been completed. This is a significant precaution aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations within these facilities. By mandating a verification process prior to contact, the bill seeks to increase accountability and reduce risks associated with unvetted employees in healthcare settings.

Contention

While the objective of HB 2191 is to enhance the safety of residents in care facilities, it may also raise concerns among industry stakeholders regarding potential delays in the hiring process. Facilities may face operational challenges as they tighten their employment criteria, which could result in staffing shortages or increased costs associated with compliance. Furthermore, there may be discussions regarding the fairness and thoroughness of criminal history checks, especially in terms of how long they take and the availability of resources to perform them adequately.