Texas House Bill HB814

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the registration and regulation of certain collection facilities and certified collectors that provide collection services in this state; providing penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB814 has significant implications for state laws governing health services and drug testing. By formally regulating the practice, the state is taking steps to standardize practices among collection facilities and improve the safety and reliability of the processes involved. Additionally, the bill embodies provisions related to administrative penalties for non-compliance, which can help assure that standards are met and maintained across the industry. This is particularly pertinent in light of ongoing concerns about substance abuse and the importance of accurate testing in both public and private sectors.

Summary

HB814 aims to establish a regulatory framework for collection facilities and certified collectors that provide specimen collection services in Texas. The bill mandates that any person or facility performing collection services must be registered under the new chapter in the Health and Safety Code. This includes the collection of hair, saliva, urine, sweat, or other specimens, primarily for drug and alcohol testing. The legislation seeks to ensure that these services are performed by trained professionals and under proper supervision, thereby improving the quality and reliability of testing processes in the state.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention around the implementation of penalties and the scope of regulation dictated by the state. Opponents of state regulation may argue that increased oversight could lead to bureaucratic hurdles for smaller collection facilities, potentially forcing some out of business due to compliance costs. Proponents, however, insist that such regulations are necessary to maintain high standards and protect public health. The bill outlines specific procedures for the assessment of administrative penalties, which introduces a level of legal and operational rigor that may be seen as burdensome or overly restrictive to some stakeholders.