Texas House Bill HB1360

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to prevention of communicable diseases in certain long-term care facilities.

Impact

The bill is set to significantly impact state laws regarding health oversight in long-term care settings. By formalizing infection control measures and requiring specific reporting protocols, HB1360 aims to improve the overall safety and health of residents in long-term care establishments. It signals a commitment from the Texas legislature to bolster public health protections, particularly for vulnerable populations in these facilities. The establishment of regional advisory committees to enhance antimicrobial stewardship also provides a proactive approach to managing antibiotic resistance through collaborative regional efforts.

Summary

House Bill 1360 addresses the need for enhanced measures to prevent communicable diseases in long-term care facilities within Texas. Specifically, the bill amends the Health and Safety Code to establish a structured framework for infection prevention and control programs in these facilities. These programs must incorporate monitoring of key infectious agents, including multidrug-resistant organisms, and procedures for communicating infection-related information during resident admissions and transfers. Additionally, the bill mandates that facilities report multiple confirmed influenza cases to health authorities, thereby promoting timely health responses.

Contention

During discussions on HB1360, there might have been points of contention related to the practical implementation of the proposed measures, particularly concerning resource allocation and training for staff in long-term care facilities. Some stakeholders could raise concerns about the financial implications of maintaining enhanced infection control programs or the potential for regulatory burdens on smaller facilities. Balancing the necessary health safeguards while ensuring facilities can effectively comply with new regulations may be a crucial topic among legislators and healthcare advocates.