BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 908

By: Nevárez

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that current law allows only for master social workers and licensed psychologists to perform psychological assessments of a disabled or elderly person who might be suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation in order to recommend emergency protective services without the consent of the person. There is concern that, due to the limited number of master social workers and licensed psychologists available in rural counties, disabled or elderly persons suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation are not being adequately protected.

H.B. 908 seeks to ensure that elderly and disabled persons have adequate access to emergency protective services by allowing a licensed professional counselor to perform certain psychological assessments.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 908 amends the Human Resources Code to include a licensed professional counselor who has training and expertise in issues related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation among the persons authorized to perform an assessment of an elderly or disabled person's psychological status for purposes of a petition for an emergency order authorizing protective services without the elderly or disabled person's consent.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.