S.B. No. 1342 aims to enhance the regulation of psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Texas by establishing a mandatory licensing requirement, replacing the previous voluntary certification process. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code to change the terminology from "youth treatment facility" to "psychiatric residential treatment facility" and specifies that no person can operate such a facility without a license issued by the commission. It outlines the application process for obtaining a license, including nonrefundable application and renewal fees, and mandates inspections to ensure compliance with the new standards. The bill also sets minimum standards for licensed facilities, including accreditation requirements and the provision of comprehensive psychiatric services, while limiting admissions to individuals aged 21 or younger diagnosed with severe emotional disturbances.

Additionally, the bill amends the Penal Code and the Health and Safety Code to introduce new definitions and requirements for care facilities catering to children and individuals with mental health needs. It removes the previous provision for respite care exclusively for local mental health authorities, streamlining the definitions of care facilities. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules for implementation, and state agencies may seek federal waivers as needed. Existing facilities licensed under Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code will not need to obtain a new license until their current license expires. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 577.002, Human Resources Code 32.024, Human Resources Code 42.041 (Human Resources Code 42, Human Resources Code 32, Health and Safety Code 577)