Texas Senate Bill SB493

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to health care liability insurance for certain nursing facilities.

Impact

The bill establishes minimum coverage requirements of $300,000 per occurrence and $1 million in aggregate, which are aimed at standardizing the insurance policies that nursing facilities must hold. By imposing these insurance requirements, SB493 seeks to mitigate the financial risks associated with liability claims within the nursing care sector. Additionally, the insurance costs may be allowed for reimbursement under the state Medicaid program, which could help ease the financial burden on facilities serving Medicaid patients.

Summary

Senate Bill 493 aims to address the issue of health care liability insurance for nursing facilities in Texas. The bill mandates that all licensed nursing facilities must maintain professional liability insurance coverage specifically for health care liability claims. This requirement is intended to ensure that nursing facilities are financially prepared to handle claims related to patient care, thereby providing a safeguard for both the facilities and the patients they serve.

Contention

One point of contention that may arise from SB493 is the requirement for governmental units that operate nursing facilities to comply with similar insurance standards. The bill specifies that these facilities should maintain coverage only to the extent of the governmental unit's liability, which might prompt discussions about the financial responsibilities placed on public entities versus private facilities. Advocates may argue that this is critical for patient safety and care standards, while opponents might raise concerns about over-regulation and increased operational costs for these facilities.