Texas Senate Bill SB1552

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to state supported living centers.

Impact

The bill mandates that state supported living centers develop specialized training for executives, administrators, and direct care professionals. This training must focus on providing better support and addressing the complex challenges faced by various resident groups. Additionally, the bill specifies processes for recruitment and training of direct care staff to maintain adequate resident care and safeguard residents' rights. It emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing levels to ensure that residents can exercise their rights effectively.

Summary

SB1552 aims to enhance the rights and protections of residents in state supported living centers in Texas. It accomplishes this by amending Chapter 555 of the Health and Safety Code, establishing additional methods to safeguard residents' rights. A key aspect of the bill is the development of formal methods to educate staff, residents, and guardians about residents' rights and the necessary health and medical obligations of care professionals. This focus on education includes addressing the specific needs and behavioral challenges of diverse resident populations, such as those living with dementia and older residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1552 appears supportive among advocates for the rights of residents in care facilities. Stakeholders in the healthcare community recognize the importance of tailored training and staff education in enhancing care quality. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the mandated training programs, as well as the potential need for additional funding to support these initiatives.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB1552 may involve the adequacy of resources allocated to ensure that state supported living centers can comply with the new training and recruitment mandates. There could be skepticism regarding whether all centers can effectively implement these changes, especially given varying levels of funding and staffing capacity. Also, discussions may arise around the enforcement of compliance with these standards and the potential impact of non-compliance on resident safety and care quality.