84R1027 EES-D
By: Crownover H.B. No. 967
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a pilot project to evaluate the use of radio frequency
identification technology to transmit information regarding
residents of certain group homes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 161, Human Resources Code,
is amended by adding Section 161.088 to read as follows:
Sec. 161.088. RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
PILOT PROJECT. (a) In this section, "radio frequency
identification technology" means a wireless identification system
that uses an electromagnetic radio frequency signal to transmit
data without physical contact between a card, badge, or tag and
another device.
(b) The department shall develop and implement a one-year
pilot project in which a resident of a group home, other than a
foster home, at which a Home and Community-based Services (HCS)
provider provides services may use an identification device that
uses radio frequency identification technology or similar
technology to identify the resident, transmit information
regarding the resident, or track the location of the resident.
(c) Before a resident may use an identification device
described in Subsection (b), the department must obtain the written
consent of the resident or the resident's guardian, as appropriate.
(d) The department may not require a resident to pay for an
identification device described in Subsection (b) as a condition of
participating in the pilot project.
(e) Not later than December 1, 2017, the department shall
submit a report to the legislature evaluating the pilot project.
(f) This section expires September 1, 2019.
SECTION 2. Not later than January 1, 2016, the Department of
Aging and Disability Services shall ensure that the pilot project
required by Section 161.088, Human Resources Code, as added by this
Act, is in operation.
SECTION 3. If before implementing any provision of this Act
a state agency determines that a waiver or authorization from a
federal agency is necessary for implementation of that provision,
the agency affected by the provision shall request the waiver or
authorization and may delay implementing that provision until the
waiver or authorization is granted.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.