SRC-CDH S.C.R. 28 75(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.C.R. 28
By: Moncrief
Health & Human Services
2-20-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, both the University of Texas System and the Texas Department of
Health investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of
patients served by psychiatric facilities operated by the University of
Texas System.  However, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee's
interim report on investigations of abuse and neglect in state-operated
psychiatric facilities noted a need to further ensure the protection of
clients in these facilities.  Because of the fiscal implications of
transferring investigatory authority to another state entity, and because
the problems which prompted the interim study do not currently appear to
exist in the UT System's investigations process, an annual reporting
requirement should suffice to ensure that any problems which might occur
in the future are quickly brought to the attention of the legislature and
the public.  This legislation require the University of Texas System to
provide such an annual report in an effort to ensure proper oversight of
psychiatric facilities within the system.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.C.R. 28 submits the following resolutions:

That the University of Texas System, in cooperation with its component
universities and hospitals, provide an annual report to the governor,
lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and Senate
Health and Human Services Committee regarding investigations of abuse,
neglect, and exploitation of patients at psychiatric facilities located in
hospitals operated by the University of Texas System. 

That the report include, at minimum, the number of investigations
conducted; the number of serious physical injuries sustained by patients;
the average number of days required to complete an investigation; and the
number of confirmed cases at each facility.  The report must also include
the number of investigations referred by each facility to law enforcement
agencies.   

That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to
the University of Texas System.