Texas House Bill HB2770

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to restrictions on the admission of and care provided to individuals by certain nursing facilities during a public health emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates that nursing facilities with one or two stars can only admit new residents who test negative for the designated pandemic disease on the day of or immediately after their admission. Furthermore, if a resident tests positive during a public health emergency, the facility is required to arrange the transfer of that resident to a higher-rated nursing facility. This provision aims to enhance safety standards and maximize care quality during times of heightened public health risk.

Summary

House Bill 2770 introduces specific restrictions on the admission of individuals and the care provided by certain nursing facilities during a declared public health emergency, particularly relating to pandemic diseases such as COVID-19. The bill defines 'public health emergency' in accordance with existing Texas public health laws and applies these restrictions mainly to nursing facilities located in counties with populations of 100,000 or more that have a low rating under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' five-star quality rating system.

Contention

There might be potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its implications for nursing facilities' operational capacities and the management of incoming patients during health crises. While proponents might argue that these measures are crucial for protecting vulnerable populations, critics could express concerns about the logistics of transferring patients and the potential for overcrowding in higher-rated facilities. Additionally, there could be debates surrounding the definitions of 'public health emergency' and 'pandemic disease,' as these terms could influence the bill's application and enforceability.