Bill > SB2356

This bill strengthens protections and reporting requirements for nurses in Texas hospitals by establishing several key provisions. The bill requires the Department of State Health Services to develop a mandatory reporting process for hospital nurse staffing data and provide that data to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for enforcement. It prohibits hospitals from retaliating against nurses who report violations or provide information to nurse staffing committees, with nurses able to seek remedies if retaliation occurs. The bill also creates a new enforcement framework where HHSC must develop a web-based system for nurses to report violations of nurse staffing and overtime requirements, investigate these reports, and provide hospitals with due process. Additionally, the bill authorizes HHSC to impose administrative penalties on hospitals that knowingly submit false staffing information or violate nurse staffing regulations, with penalty amounts to be determined based on the impact on patient care, nurse satisfaction, and public interest. The penalties can be collected by the attorney general, and hospitals will have an opportunity to address and correct violations through a corrective action plan. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the HHSC required to adopt implementing rules by December 31, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2356