Bill > HB4947

This bill establishes new requirements and penalties for residential caregivers who provide services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through Medicaid-funded programs. Specifically, the bill defines a "residential caregiver" as an individual providing community-based residential care to up to four individuals in a non-home setting, and mandates that Medicaid providers must conduct thorough criminal background checks on these caregivers, including obtaining ongoing electronic updates about arrests and convictions. The bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain offenses (as outlined in Section 250.006 of the Health and Safety Code) from being employed as residential caregivers, with potential consequences including immediate discharge and disciplinary action. Notably, the bill introduces a new criminal penalty, making it a Class A misdemeanor for an individual to work as a residential caregiver after being convicted of a disqualifying offense. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is empowered to take disciplinary actions against Medicaid providers who fail to comply with these requirements, which may include administrative penalties, contract termination, or license revocation. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and is designed to enhance protections for vulnerable populations receiving residential care services.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4947