S.B. No. 186
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the prohibited discharge of a patient to certain
  unlicensed or unpermitted group-centered facilities.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Chapter 256, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 256. SAFE PATIENT HANDLING, [AND] MOVEMENT, AND DISCHARGE
  PRACTICES
         SECTION 2.  Chapter 256, Health and Safety Code, is amended
  by adding Section 256.003 to read as follows:
         Sec. 256.003.  PROHIBITED DISCHARGE OF PATIENTS TO CERTAIN
  GROUP-CENTERED FACILITIES. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), a
  hospital or other health facility may discharge or otherwise
  release a patient to the care of a group home, boarding home
  facility, or similar group-centered facility only if the person who
  operates the group-centered facility holds a license or permit
  issued in accordance with applicable state law.
         (b)  A hospital or other health facility may discharge or
  otherwise release a patient to the care of a group home, boarding
  home facility, or similar group-centered facility operated by a
  person who does not hold a license or permit issued in accordance
  with applicable state law only if:
               (1)  no group-centered facility is operated in the
  county in which the patient is discharged by a person who holds the
  applicable license or permit; or
               (2)  the patient voluntarily elects to reside in the
  group-centered facility of the unlicensed or unpermitted person.
         (c)  A hospital or other health facility is not liable for
  damages to a patient resulting from the patient's discharge or
  release to a group home, boarding home facility, or similar
  group-centered facility under Subsection (b).
         (d)  A local health authority may not issue an order
  authorizing a hospital or health facility to discharge or release a
  patient to a group-centered facility in a manner that conflicts
  with this section.
         SECTION 3.  Section 256.003(c), Health and Safety Code, as
  added by this Act, applies only to a cause of action that accrues on
  or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
 
 
 
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 186 passed the Senate on
  April 20, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
 
         I hereby certify that S.B. No. 186 passed the House on
  May 24, 2023, by the following vote:  Yeas 122, Nays 17, one
  present not voting.
 
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
 
  Approved:
 
  ______________________________ 
              Date
 
 
  ______________________________ 
            Governor