By:  Nelson                                                       S.B. No. 1549


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to requiring that certain individuals who provide nursing 
services in a nursing institution receive annual training in caring 
for people with dementia.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 242.037, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended by adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
	(i)  The minimum standards adopted by the board under this 
section must require that each institution, as part of an existing 
training program, provide each registered nurse, licensed 
vocational nurse, nurse aide, and nursing assistant who provides 
nursing services in the institution at least one hour of training 
each year in caring for people with dementia.
	SECTION 2.  It is the intent of the legislature that 
Subsection (i), Section 242.037, Health and Safety Code, as added 
by this Act, and rules adopted under that subsection, not impose any 
training requirement that will cause an institution regulated under 
Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, to incur additional costs.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.  The 
Texas Board of Human Services shall adopt the minimum standard 
required by Subsection (i), Section 242.037, Health and Safety 
Code, as added by this Act, in time for the standard to take effect 
on January 1, 2004.