87R4626 JG-D
By: Miles S.B. No. 505
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the prohibited discharge of a patient to certain
unlicensed or unpermitted group-centered facilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 256, Health and Safety
Code, is amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 256. SAFE PATIENT HANDLING, [AND] MOVEMENT, AND DISCHARGE
PRACTICES
SECTION 2. Chapter 256, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Section 256.003 to read as follows:
Sec. 256.003. PROHIBITED DISCHARGE OF PATIENTS TO CERTAIN
FACILITIES. (a) A hospital or other health facility may discharge
or otherwise release a patient to the care of a group home, boarding
home facility, or similar group-centered facility only if the
person who operates the facility holds a license or permit issued in
accordance with applicable state law.
(b) A local health authority may not issue an order
authorizing a hospital or health facility to discharge or release a
patient to a facility in a manner that conflicts with Subsection
(a).
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.