Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1124

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/14/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/23/09  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to authorization for the Department of Aging and Disability Services to conduct a desk review instead of an inspection when issuing a license after a change in ownership of certain facilities.

Impact

The impact of SB1124 aligns with broader efforts to enhance efficiency in state regulations governing health and human services. By allowing desk reviews, the Department could allocate its resources more effectively and reduce waiting times for license approval. This could lead to an increase in operational capacity for newly owned facilities and improve service delivery in those sectors. However, the bill's focus on desk reviews raises questions about the thoroughness of evaluations conducted without on-site inspections, particularly concerning the safety and compliance of facilities.

Summary

SB1124 introduces provisions for the Department of Aging and Disability Services to utilize desk reviews rather than on-site inspections when issuing licenses following a change of ownership of certain facilities. The bill amends various sections of the Health and Safety Code, allowing for more streamlined processes in licensing by minimizing the need for physical inspections under specific circumstances pertaining to ownership changes. This approach is seen as a way to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for facilities transitioning ownership, potentially facilitating faster operational readiness after ownership changes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1124 revolve around the balance between regulatory efficiency and public safety. Critics may argue that shifting to desk reviews could lead to oversight gaps, undermining the state's ability to ensure that facilities meet necessary safety and health standards. Supporters, however, contend that such changes are essential in addressing transition challenges for facilities and that proper rule-making by the executive commissioner will mitigate risks associated with less frequent physical inspections.

Companion Bills

TX HB1895

Identical Relating to authorization for the Department of Aging and Disability Services to conduct a desk review instead of an inspection when issuing a license after a change in ownership of certain facilities.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1302

Relating to inspections and examinations by the Railroad Commission of Texas of certain sites and facilities conducted using unmanned aircraft.

TX HB4696

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, the making and investigation of complaints alleging violations of certain health facility licensing requirements, and the content of the employee misconduct registry.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB1520

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1849

Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

TX HB1009

Relating to imposing requirements on the employment of or contracts for certain individuals providing services to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, including requiring certain facilities and Medicaid providers to conduct criminal history record information and employee misconduct registry reviews and to suspend the employment or contracts of individuals who engage in reportable conduct; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2740

Relating to the inspection of juvenile justice facilities.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

TX SB2260

Relating to management review of certain investigations conducted by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.