Texas Senate Bill SB798

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/14/11
• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/24/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 3/14/11
• Engrossed: 3/24/11
• Refer: 4/28/11

Caption

Relating to the amounts of administrative penalties assessed or imposed against certain health facilities.

Impact

The change will allow the commissioner of health to consider various factors while determining the amount of penalties, including the seriousness of the violation, the hospital's previous record of violations, and the potential threat to the health and safety of patients. By addressing these considerations, SB798 seeks to enhance accountability among health facilities and encourage them to improve their service quality to avoid substantial penalties.

Summary

SB798 aims to amend the administrative penalties associated with violations by certain health facilities, particularly hospitals. The bill increases the maximum fine for violations from $1,000 to $25,000 per violation, reflecting a significant policy shift in enforcing regulations concerning hospital conduct. This legislative change is intended to ensure that penalties for infractions are more impactful, thereby promoting higher standards of safety and care in health facilities.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at strengthening oversight on health facilities, its introduction also brings forth notable points of contention. Critics may argue that escalating penalties could impose financial strains on hospitals, particularly smaller or underfunded facilities, which could in turn affect patient care. There is concern that excessive penalties might lead to closures of some health facilities, thus reducing access to care for vulnerable populations.

Summary_conclusion

Overall, SB798 represents a significant step in reforming health facility regulations in Texas, ostensibly intended to protect patient rights and improve hospital accountability. However, its economic implications for health facilities and the resultant impact on the healthcare landscape remain subjects of debate among lawmakers and healthcare advocates.