Bill > HB5396

This bill expands the oversight role of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman's office to include rehabilitation hospitals, providing new protections for patients. The bill defines key terms such as "imminent peril" (immediate danger of bodily injury or death) and "rehabilitation hospital" (a specialized medical facility providing comprehensive rehabilitation services). The office will now have the authority to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints about the health and safety of rehabilitation hospital patients who may be in imminent danger due to staff care or lack thereof. The bill requires rehabilitation hospitals to cooperate with investigations and mandates that they post clearly visible signs in prominent locations, including patient rooms, with contact information for filing complaints. These signs must be at least 8-1/2 by 11 inches, use 14-point sans serif typeface, and include a statement encouraging patients to contact the ombudsman if they believe they are in immediate danger. The ombudsman will also have access to patient care records under specific conditions, maintain a statewide reporting system, and continue to provide public information and recommendations about patient care issues. The bill is named the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Rehabilitation Hospital Care Ombudsman Act of 2025 and will take effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5396