Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB933

Caption

Relating to inspection procedures in and a legislative oversight committee for certain long-term care facilities.

Impact

The bill establishes a Long-Term Care Legislative Oversight Committee which is tasked with evaluating the efficacy of the facility regulatory system and making legislative recommendations based on findings. This committee will provide semiannual reports to the Governor and legislative leaders on significant issues within the long-term care sector. The introduction of uniform inspection processes across various community service regions is anticipated to enhance consistency and reliability in inspections, helping protect residents in these facilities.

Summary

House Bill 933 seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for long-term care facilities in Texas. It introduces amendments to the Health and Safety Code that impact the procedures for inspections and the authority of inspectors at assisted living and nursing facilities. Key provisions in the bill require that inspectors verify their licensure before conducting inspections and include a description of the evidence supporting any cited violations on their inspection checklists. This aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the inspection process.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 933 represents a significant step towards improving the landscape of long-term care in Texas by establishing clearer guidelines for inspections and creating a dedicated committee to oversee regulatory practices. The legislative process surrounding the bill may reveal further insights into the perspectives of various stakeholders invested in the long-term care system, highlighting the ongoing discussions regarding regulation and service quality.

Contention

Notably, the bill also includes provisions that prohibit inspectors from conducting retaliatory actions against facilities for complaints filed against them or for requesting administrative hearings to contest violations. Critics may argue that while these provisions protect facilities, they could also make it difficult to address systemic issues within long-term care facilities, thus sparking debate about the balance between regulatory oversight and facility autonomy. Additionally, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the adequacy of the oversight committee's scope and its ability to effect real change.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2740

Relating to the inspection of juvenile justice facilities.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX SB1933

Relating to certain oversight procedures of the state over county elections.

TX HB4191

Relating to changes to certain long-term care facilities' essential caregiver policies and procedures.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1593

Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX SB1386

Relating to the creation of the office of independent oversight ombudsman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

TX HB1302

Relating to inspections and examinations by the Railroad Commission of Texas of certain sites and facilities conducted using unmanned aircraft.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

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