Relating to emergency preparedness and response plans for the continued care and safety of nursing facility and assisted living facility residents.
Impact
The bill amends Sections of the Health and Safety Code to require nursing and assisted living facilities to install and maintain emergency generators or alternate power sources and have sufficient fuel supplies to endure power outages. It established specific temperature maintenance guidelines (between 71°F and 81°F) to prevent heat-related complications during outages and mandates facilities to prepare strategies for safely transporting residents when they can no longer maintain adequate living conditions. Additionally, facilities must provide training for staff on these emergency procedures.
Summary
Senate Bill 481, known as the Emergency Preparedness and Response Act, seeks to enhance the safety and care of residents in nursing and assisted living facilities during emergencies. It mandates that each facility must adopt and implement a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan, specifically addressing various emergencies that could threaten the health and safety of residents, including fires, power outages, and natural disasters. This proactive requirement aims to ensure that facilities are better equipped to maintain essential services and resident care during crises.
Contention
While the intent of SB 481 is largely seen as beneficial for safeguarding vulnerable populations, there may be concerns regarding the implementation costs that facilities might face to comply with these new requirements. Critics could argue that smaller facilities, in particular, may struggle with the financial burden of complying with these stringent safety regulations. The level of support for the bill reflects a balance between ensuring resident safety and the operational feasibility for various caregiving facilities.
Notable_points
Another notable aspect of SB 481 includes the provision that the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission will adopt rules necessary for the administration and enforcement of the emergency preparedness plans. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, providing facilities time to prepare for the new regulations. This could spark discussions about the adequacy of current emergency preparedness practices and the necessity for ongoing training and updates to these plans.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 242. Convalescent And Nursing Facilities And Related Institutions
Relating to personnel training requirements for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities that advertise an Alzheimer's care unit or memory care unit.
Relating to information about available free or low-cost cellular telephones and free or low-cost cellular telephone service plans provided to residents of certain nursing and assisted living facilities.
Relating to training requirements for staff members of certain assisted living facilities that provide care to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Relating to an emergency preparedness and contingency operations plan, including temperature regulation, for assisted living facility residents during an emergency; providing penalties.