S.B. No. 437 aims to enhance inservice training for identifying abuse, neglect, and unethical conduct in certain health care facilities. The bill amends Section 161.133 of the Health and Safety Code by adding a new subsection that allows the required training to be provided either in person or through a live, interactive, instructor-led electronic method that includes synchronous audiovisual interaction. This change is intended to improve accessibility and effectiveness of training for employees in these facilities.

Additionally, the bill modifies civil and administrative penalties for violations related to chemical dependency treatment facilities under Section 464.017(a) and Section 464.019. It introduces new considerations for determining penalties, including the facility's ability to pay and its capacity to continue providing services after a penalty is imposed. The bill also mandates that the administrative penalty schedules posted by the commission must take into account the economic impact of penalties on regulated individuals or entities. These changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to violations occurring after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 161.133, Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464, Health and Safety Code 161)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 161.133, Health and Safety Code 464.017, Health and Safety Code 464.019 (Health and Safety Code 464, Health and Safety Code 161)