Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 279 amends the Health and Safety Code to provide that the Texas Department of Health may, for certain facilities regulated by the department that are in repeated noncompliance, schedule probation instead of suspending or revoking a facility's license if the noncompliance does not endanger public health and safety. The bill authorizes the department to revoke or suspend a facility's license if the facility does not correct the items that were in noncompliance or does not comply with applicable requirements during the probation period.

            The bill authorizes the department to issue an emergency order to suspend a license if the department believes the conduct of a license holder creates a danger to the public health and safety. It also repeals sections concerning confidentiality and release of information relating to inspections of hospitals and investigations of private mental health facilities.