The bill, H.B. No. 1467, aims to enhance emergency preparedness and ensure the health and safety of residents in assisted living facilities in Texas. It introduces a new section, 418.059, to the Government Code, which mandates the establishment of a statewide database containing health and safety plans from assisted living facilities. This database will be accessible to state and local emergency response agencies to facilitate coordinated emergency management efforts. Additionally, the bill allows for administrative penalties against facilities that fail to comply with health and safety plan requirements. The information in the database is designated as confidential and exempt from public disclosure.
Furthermore, the bill adds Subchapter D-1 to Chapter 247 of the Health and Safety Code, which outlines specific requirements for assisted living facilities regarding emergency power sources and health and safety policies. Facilities must be equipped with operational emergency generators or comparable power sources capable of sustaining essential medical equipment for at least 72 hours during power outages. The bill also stipulates that facilities must prepare and annually update health and safety plans, which include emergency protocols and medical support services. Violations of these provisions can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with compliance deadlines for facilities established for January 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Chapter , Health and Safety Code 247.075 (Chapter , Health and Safety Code 247)