Bill > SB481

This bill requires nursing facilities and assisted living facilities to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plans to ensure the safety of residents during various types of emergencies, such as power outages, natural disasters, or equipment failures. The plans must include installing and maintaining emergency generators with at least 96 hours of fuel capacity, carbon monoxide alarms, and strategies to prevent heat-related complications during power outages by maintaining indoor temperatures between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Facilities must also have procedures for safely transporting residents to alternative locations if they cannot maintain a safe environment and for communicating with residents' family members during emergencies. Each facility must provide staff with written policies and training on the emergency plan, and the Health and Human Services Commission will review and approve these plans, with the potential to revoke a facility's license for non-compliance. The bill applies to both nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving facilities time to develop and implement these required emergency preparedness protocols.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB481