TX
Texas Senate Bill SB589

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB589

Caption

Relating to the establishment of an interim registry for certain persons who have been accused of employee misconduct and are employed by a facility that provides care to individuals with an intellectual disability.

Impact

This legislation modifies existing laws in the Health and Safety Code and the Human Resources Code. By creating an interim registry, it enables a systematic approach to record and manage allegations of misconduct in caregiving environments. Providers of home and community-based services will have direct access to this registry, allowing them to make informed hiring decisions, which aims to enhance the safety and quality of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The maximum actions determined for employees listed include monitoring, reassignment, or suspension based on the severity of the misconduct.

Summary

Senate Bill 589 aims to establish an interim registry for individuals employed by facilities that provide care to those with intellectual disabilities. This registry will include information about employees who have been accused of misconduct and have requested a hearing regarding the findings. The bill provides a framework for collecting and maintaining information on such employees, ensuring that it can be accessed by participating providers to facilitate better hiring practices while protecting vulnerable populations.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB589 is the balance between protecting the rights of employees accused of misconduct and ensuring the safety of individuals receiving care. Additionally, the confidentiality of the registry is a significant aspect; while it seeks to protect sensitive information, it raises concerns regarding transparency in the decision-making process for hiring. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could lead to unfair biases against employees listed in the registry, particularly if the information lacks proper context or remains publicly inaccessible, potentially affecting future employment opportunities unjustly.

Companion Bills

TX HB1592

Same As Relating to the establishment of an interim registry for certain persons who have been accused of employee misconduct and are employed by a facility that provides care to individuals with an intellectual disability.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1009

Relating to imposing requirements on the employment of or contracts for certain individuals providing services to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability, including requiring certain facilities and Medicaid providers to conduct criminal history record information and employee misconduct registry reviews and to suspend the employment or contracts of individuals who engage in reportable conduct; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB1008

Relating to suspending the employment of certain persons who provide care to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and who are alleged to have engaged in reportable conduct; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1849

Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.

TX HB5088

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX SB2479

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX HB4696

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, the making and investigation of complaints alleging violations of certain health facility licensing requirements, and the content of the employee misconduct registry.

TX HB1007

Relating to prohibiting weapons in certain facilities or residences providing services to individuals with an intellectual disability or a developmental disability.

TX HB893

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB3198

Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.

TX SB1473

Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.

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