81R11522 ALB-D
 
  By: Rose H.B. No. 4160
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to health and human services programs designed to assist
  elderly individuals.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The Health and Human Services Commission shall
  develop recommendations and implement policies designed to assist
  elderly individuals in the community, including:
               (1)  reducing interest lists for community-based
  Medicaid waiver programs;
               (2)  exploring strategies to support informal
  caregivers, including the provision of respite services;
               (3)  streamlining the licensing, casework, and
  reporting requirements for community care providers;
               (4)  supporting community-based and volunteer-driven
  initiatives to provide elderly individuals with services in the
  individuals' homes; and
               (5)  supporting initiatives intended to help prevent
  accidents in the home that hasten the need for facility-based care,
  including fall prevention initiatives.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.