BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities experience trauma at a much higher rate than the general public. Oftentimes their trauma stems from abuse, neglect, bullying, isolation, or institutionalization. Traumatic experiences can result in further delayed development as well as mental health conditions that can manifest in negative behaviors. Unfortunately, services and programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities frequently focus on managing those behaviors instead of addressing the person’s mental health needs.
Trauma-informed care is evidenced-based treatment and support that has been determined to be effective in improving the mental health of those who have experienced trauma. This type of care puts an emphasis on a person's experiences by building support and needed treatment using that information.
H.B. 2789 requires the Department of Aging and Disability Services to develop trauma-informed care training for employees who work directly with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in state supported living centers and intermediate care facilities.
H.B. 2789 amends current law relating to trauma-informed care training for certain employees of state supported living centers and intermediate care facilities.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 1 (Section 161.088, Human Resources Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 161, Human Resources Code, by adding Section 161.088, as follows:
Sec. 161.088. TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE TRAINING. (a) Requires the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to develop or adopt trauma-informed care training for employees who work directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in state supported living centers and intermediate care facilities. Requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to by rule require new employees to complete the training before working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to require all employees to complete an annual refresher training course.
(b) Authorizes the training required under this section to be provided through an Internet website.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2015.