By: Schwertner S.B. No. 1609
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the training of employees of certain covered entities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 181.101, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 181.101. TRAINING REQUIRED. (a) Each covered entity
shall provide [a] training [program] to employees of the covered
entity regarding the state and federal law concerning protected
health information as necessary and appropriate for the employees
to carry out their duties for the covered entity [it relates to:
[(1) the covered entity's particular course of
business; and
[(2) each employee's scope of employment].
(b) An employee of a covered entity must complete training
described by Subsection (a) not later than the 180th [60th] day
after the date the employee is hired by the covered entity.
(c) If the duties of an [An] employee of a covered entity are
affected by a material change in state or federal law concerning
protected health information, the employee shall receive training
described by Subsection (a) within a reasonable period, not to
exceed one year, after the material change becomes effective [at
least once every two years].
(d) A covered entity shall require an employee of the entity
who is trained as [attends a training program] described by
Subsection (a) to sign, electronically or in writing, a statement
verifying the employee's completion of [attendance at the] training
[program]. The covered entity shall maintain the signed statement
for six years.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.