Texas House Bill HB1673

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/26/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/23
• Voted on by House: 4/28/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/24/23
• Governor Action: 6/13/23

Caption

Relating to training requirements for staff members of certain assisted living facilities that provide care to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1673 is expected to significantly influence the standards for training within assisted living facilities, ensuring that staff members are properly trained and competent to handle the unique challenges presented by Alzheimer’s patients. Currently, the law lacks specific training hours, and this bill addresses that gap. The requirement for training and competency evaluation not only enhances the quality of care but also promotes safer environments for residents. The legislation will lead to better staff preparedness, potentially reducing the frequency of incidents arising from untrained responses to common dementia-related behaviors.

Summary

House Bill 1673 aims to enhance the quality of care provided to residents with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in assisted living facilities by mandating specific training requirements for staff members. The bill requires that direct care staff complete an initial four hours of training focused on Alzheimer's care, including aspects like person-centered care and behavioral communication. Additionally, it mandates two hours of continuing education annually to ensure that staff remain updated on best practices in dementia care. This effort is designed to ensure that the caregivers are well-equipped to manage the complexities associated with caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and related disorders.

Sentiment

There is broad support for House Bill 1673, as evidenced by the testimonies of various stakeholders during committee discussions, including representatives from the Alzheimer's Association and AARP Texas. Advocates argue that well-trained staff are crucial for maintaining the dignity and quality of life for residents with Alzheimer's. Although generally viewed positively, there may be some concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the training requirements and ensuring that all staff consistently engage with the education process. Nonetheless, the sentiment leans strongly towards improving care standards through enhanced training.

Contention

While the bill received significant support during its progression through the legislature, there was debate on the sufficiency of training hours outlined in the legislation. Critics raised questions about whether four hours of initial training and two annual hours of continuing education are enough to equip staff to handle the diverse needs of Alzheimer's patients effectively. Overall, the contention lies primarily in the adequacy of the training outlined and how it will be implemented across all assisted living facilities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 247. Assisted Living Facilities
  • Section: 0291
  • Section: 0291
  • Section: 0291
  • Section: 0291