Bill > HB4670

This bill introduces several key provisions related to dispute resolution and enforcement actions for long-term care facilities in Texas. First, it establishes that decisions made during an informal dispute resolution process between the commission and a facility are binding and cannot be overturned by the commission. The bill defines "retaliate" as an adverse action by the commission in response to a good faith action by a nursing facility challenging a commission decision. It prevents the commission from assessing multiple monetary penalties for the same violation, allowing only the greater of two potential penalties. Additionally, the bill prohibits the commission from imposing administrative penalties against a nursing facility for a violation that is already being challenged through federal Medicare and Medicaid appeals processes, specifically when the federal requirement is substantially similar to state requirements. The legislation also explicitly forbids the commission from retaliating against a nursing facility that appeals a commission decision or takes action to counter a commission action. These changes aim to provide more protection and fairness for nursing facilities in their interactions with state regulatory bodies, with the provisions set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applying only to violations occurring on or after that date.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4670