Bill > SB437

This bill modifies regulations related to inservice training and penalties for chemical dependency treatment facilities in Texas. First, it allows required staff training on identifying abuse, neglect, and misconduct to be delivered either in-person or through live, interactive electronic methods with synchronous audiovisual interaction. Second, the bill expands the factors considered when assessing civil penalties for violations, adding new considerations such as the facility's ability to pay the penalty and its capacity to continue providing services after paying the fine. The bill also requires administrative penalty schedules posted online to consider the economic impact on licensed facilities and include additional factors like the degree of culpability in causing a violation. These changes will apply only to violations occurring on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, with previous violations still governed by the existing law at the time they occurred. The modifications aim to provide more flexibility in training delivery and create a more nuanced approach to assessing penalties for healthcare facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB437