Bill > HB2374

This bill enhances infection prevention and control requirements for long-term care facilities by mandating comprehensive programs designed to create safe, sanitary environments and prevent disease transmission. Facilities must establish an infection prevention and control program approved by a designated quality assessment and assurance committee, which must include key staff members like the nursing director and medical director. The bill requires facilities to appoint a primary and secondary infection preventionist who must have specialized training in infection control, work at least part-time, and complete annual training. These infection preventionists will be responsible for implementing infection control measures, investigating potential disease exposures, notifying local health departments and facility residents of reportable diseases within specific timeframes, and implementing control measures like immunization, isolation, and quarantine. The bill also authorizes the state health commission to impose administrative penalties on facilities that violate these requirements, with penalty amounts based on factors such as violation severity, enforcement costs, previous violation history, and deterrence potential. The new requirements will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving facilities time to prepare and implement the necessary changes to their infection control protocols.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2374