Texas House Bill HB3400

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to required criminal history checks for nurse aides; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implementation of HB3400 is expected to enforce stricter employment standards in the nursing field, significantly impacting health care facilities and their hiring practices. By requiring criminal background checks, the bill seeks to prevent individuals with criminal histories from working in positions that require direct patient care, thereby enhancing overall public safety within healthcare settings. This may also lead to a reduction in liability for healthcare facilities as they implement this mandated verification process.

Summary

House Bill 3400 mandates criminal history checks for nurse aides before they can be employed or contracted by healthcare facilities. This legislation aims to enhance the safety of patients by ensuring that individuals who provide nursing care do not have disqualifying criminal records. According to the bill, healthcare providers must obtain verification of employability from the Health and Human Services Commission before hiring or contracting nurse aides. The bill specifies that the commission can impose a fee for this verification process, aimed at offsetting administrative costs incurred during compliance.

Overview

Overall, HB3400 represents a significant shift in how nurse aides are vetted for employment in Texas. By centralizing the authority to verify employability within the Health and Human Services Commission, the bill aims to ensure a standardized approach to hiring practices in healthcare. However, as the bill progresses through the legislative process, ongoing dialogues among lawmakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups will be critical in addressing the balance between public safety and equitable employment practices.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill has raised some concerns among stakeholders in the healthcare sector. Some critics argue that requiring criminal history checks could limit employment opportunities for otherwise qualified individuals who may have minor offenses in their past. Furthermore, discussions have emerged about whether the fee associated with the verification process may impose an additional financial burden on already struggling healthcare facilities, which could affect patient care and services offered.