The bill would add Chapter 260B to the Health and Safety Code to allow for a resident of or the guardian or legally authorized representative of a resident of a nursing facility, assisted living facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability, and other certain residences to designate an essential caregiver that the facility or residence may not prohibit inperson visitation with. The bill would also amend Chapter 555 of the Health and Safety Code to allow for a resident of or the guardian of a resident of a state supported living center to designate an essential caregiver that the center may not prohibit inperson visitation with. The bill would require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop guidelines to assist the facility, center, or residence in establishing essential caregiver visitation policies and procedures. The bill would require the executive commissioner of HHSC to establish the guidelines as soon as practicable after the effective date of the bill.
It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.