BILL ANALYSIS S.B. 1059 By: Harris Health and Human Services 4-20-95 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The care of older people with multiple chronic health problems in nursing homes is very complex and requires nurses with additional educational preparation in the specialty of gerontological nursing; however, the majority of currently licensed registered nurses have had little or no preparation in the specific theories, knowledge, and skills needed to care for older persons as part of basic nursing educational programs. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1059 requires the Texas Board of Health to prescribe and enforce standards requiring certain geriatric service providers to undergo appropriate training in geriatric medicine. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas Board of Health under SECTION 2 (Section 247.026, Health and Safety Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 242.037, Health and Safety Code, to require the Texas Board of Health (board) to adopt, publish, and enforce minimum standards requiring appropriate training in geriatric medicine for each licensed or certified employee or volunteer of an institution who provides services to geriatric residents. Authorizes the minimum standards to require each licensed or certified individual to complete an appropriate program of continuing education on a schedule determined by board rule. SECTION 2. Amends Section 247.026, Health and Safety Code, to require the board, by rule, to prescribe minimum standards requiring appropriate training in geriatric medicine for each licensed or certified employee or volunteer who provides services to geriatric residents of an institution. SECTION 3. Requires the Texas Board of Human Services, before adopting minimum standards under Sections 242.037(b) and 247.026(e), Health and Safety Code, to solicit the comment of each agency of this state that issues a license or certificate authorizing an individual to provide services as licensed under Chapters 242 and 247, Health and Safety Code. SECTION 4. (a) Requires the Texas Board of Human Services to adopt minimum standards as required by Sections 242.037(b) and 247.026(e), Health and Safety Code, not later than December 31, 1995. (b) Provides that a person is not required to complete the required training before January 1, 1997. SECTION 5. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.