79R7224 UM-D

By:  Herrero                                                      H.B. No. 1852



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the installation of panic buttons in certain nursing 
homes and related institutions.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 242, Health and Safety 
Code, is amended by adding Section 242.0372 to read as follows:
	Sec. 242.0372.  PANIC BUTTONS REQUIRED.  An institution 
shall install and maintain, in accordance with rules adopted by the 
executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission, 
a panic button in each resident's room that, when activated, 
connects the resident with security personnel at the institution.
	SECTION 2.  An institution subject to Section 242.0372, 
Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, is not required to 
comply with that section before November 1, 2005.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.