BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2789

By: Raymond

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is concern that individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability experience trauma at a much higher rate than the general public, often as victims of abuse, neglect, bullying, isolation, and institutionalization. Traumatic experiences can result in further delayed development and mental health conditions that may be manifested in negative behaviors. Unfortunately, service systems and programs for such individuals far too often focus on managing the negative behaviors rather than addressing the individual's mental health needs. Trauma-informed care is evidence-based treatment and support that research indicates is effective in improving the mental health of those who have experienced trauma. According to proponents of this type of care, the care focuses not on what is "wrong" with an individual but on the individual's experiences, and builds support and needed treatment using that information. H.B. 2789 seeks to better serve individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability by providing for trauma-informed care training for certain employees.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2789 amends the Human Resources Code to require the Department of Aging and Disability Services 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. The bill requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission by rule to 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. The bill authorizes the training to be provided through a website.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.