The bill, known as the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Rehabilitation Hospital Care Ombudsman Act of 2025, aims to enhance the oversight of rehabilitation hospitals by the office of the state long-term care ombudsman. It introduces new definitions, such as "imminent peril," which refers to a state of immediate danger to patients, and establishes the role of a "local ombudsman entity" to oversee ombudsman programs in specific service areas. The bill also defines "rehabilitation hospital" and expands the ombudsman's authority to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints regarding the health and safety of patients who may be in imminent peril due to care provided or withheld by hospital staff.

Additionally, the bill mandates that rehabilitation hospitals must post information about how to contact the ombudsman and file complaints prominently within the facility. It ensures that the ombudsman has access to patient care records and can act on behalf of patients when necessary. The legislation emphasizes the importance of cooperation from rehabilitation hospitals during investigations and requires the ombudsman to report on the issues faced by both residents and rehabilitation hospital patients. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 166.004, Health and Safety Code 241.003 (Health and Safety Code 241, Health and Safety Code 166)
House Committee Report: (Health and Safety Code 241, Health and Safety Code 166)