S.B. No. 481 aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response plans for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. The bill introduces new sections to the Health and Safety Code, specifically Section 242.053 for nursing facilities and Section 247.073 for assisted living facilities. These sections mandate that each facility adopt and implement a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan that ensures the continued care and safety of residents during emergencies, which are defined to include incidents like fires, power outages, and natural disasters. Facilities are required to maintain emergency generators or alternate power sources, a sufficient fuel supply for at least 96 hours, and carbon monoxide alarms. Additionally, the plans must include strategies to manage resident safety during power outages, such as maintaining a safe temperature and facilitating safe transport to other facilities if necessary.

The bill also stipulates that facilities must provide their personnel with training on the emergency plans and that the Health and Human Services Commission will review and approve these plans. Non-compliance could result in the revocation of a facility's license. The executive commissioner is tasked with adopting necessary rules to enforce these provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and requires facilities to implement the new emergency plans as soon as practicable after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()