Texas House Bill HB2040

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/15/11
• Introduced: 3/2/11
• Voted on by House: 4/25/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/17/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11

Caption

Relating to critical incident stress management and crisis response services.

Impact

The legislation mandates that meetings where critical incident stress management services are provided be closed to the public, aiming to protect the privacy of the emergency service providers involved. It defines crucial terms such as 'crisis response service' and 'critical incident stress'. Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities and protections for emergency response team members, emphasizing confidential communications that occur during counseling and other support services.

Summary

House Bill 2040 addresses critical incident stress management and crisis response services within the state of Texas. It establishes a new chapter in the Health and Safety Code, focusing on the psychological support and intervention services available to emergency service providers who experience stress due to crises or disasters. This bill aims to ensure that those who serve in high-stress roles, such as law enforcement and firefighting, have access to the necessary resources to manage their mental health effectively.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB2040 might stem from the confidentiality provisions and the limitations placed on disclosures. While the bill safeguards individual confidentiality, it allows for exceptions in certain circumstances, which could lead to debates about the clarity and enforcement of these exceptions. The limitation on liability for emergency response team members could also generate discussions about accountability and protections for those providing these essential services.