The bill, H.B. No. 1531, amends the definition of "facility" within the Health and Safety Code for the purposes of workplace violence prevention requirements. The updated definition specifies that a "facility" includes various types of healthcare entities, such as home and community support services agencies, hospitals, nursing facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, freestanding emergency medical care facilities, and mental hospitals. Notably, the amendment removes the previous requirement that home health services be defined under Section 142.001, and instead stipulates that home and community support services agencies must employ at least two registered nurses to qualify as a facility.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any home and community support services agency that becomes subject to the amended Chapter 331 must comply with its requirements by September 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to enhance workplace safety standards in healthcare settings by clarifying the types of facilities that are subject to these regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 331.001 (Health and Safety Code 331)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 331.001 (Health and Safety Code 331)