The bill amends various sections of the Government Code and Health and Safety Code to enhance dispute resolution processes and protect long-term care facilities from retaliatory actions by the commission. A new subsection (b-1) is added to Section 526.0202, establishing that decisions made through the informal dispute resolution process are binding on the commission and cannot be overturned. Additionally, a definition of "retaliate" is introduced in Section 242.002, clarifying that it refers to adverse actions taken by the commission in response to a nursing facility's good faith actions related to commission decisions.

Further amendments include changes to Section 242.070, which restricts the commission from imposing multiple monetary penalties for the same violation and introduces a new section, 242.075, that explicitly prohibits retaliation against nursing facilities for appealing commission decisions or taking actions to counter commission actions. The bill stipulates that these changes apply only to violations occurring on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior violations are governed by the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 242.002, Health and Safety Code 242.070 (Health and Safety Code 242)
House Committee Report: Government Code 526.0202, Health and Safety Code 242.002, Health and Safety Code 242.070 (Health and Safety Code 242, Government Code 526)