Relating to certain reporting duties of the attorney general and the Department of Aging and Disability Service.
The proposed legislation amends Section 247.050(a) of the Health and Safety Code, which addresses the obligations of the board regarding unlicensed assisted living facilities. The amendments intend to improve transparency and accountability by requiring the department to furnish a quarterly report detailing various statistics regarding complaints related to these facilities. The repeal of certain sections (242.005 and 247.050(b) and (c)) indicates a move toward a streamlined approach in the monitoring process, potentially centralizing authority and responsibilities within the department.
SB2273 focuses on the reporting duties of the Attorney General and the Department of Aging and Disability Services, specifically regarding unlicensed assisted living facilities. The bill mandates the establishment of procedures to monitor such facilities and requires the maintenance of a registry for reported unlicensed facilities. This, in turn, aims to allow for periodic follow-ups by field staff and enhance the overall oversight of these facilities, ensuring they meet necessary standards.
While the bill appears to strengthen reporting duties, there may be concerns regarding how these changes will affect the current handling of unlicensed facilities. Some stakeholders may be worried about the adequacy of the monitoring system put in place, especially if certain current regulations are repealed. The repeal of existing sections could be contentious among advocates for aging services who may argue that it’s essential to maintain robust measures to protect vulnerable populations in these living arrangements.