TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Chapter 19. NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION

Subchapter T. ADMINISTRATION

40 TAC §19.1921, 19.1929

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) adopts amendments to §19.1921 and §19.1929 in its Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification chapter. The amendment to §19.1929 is adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the January 24, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 656). The amendment to §19.1921 is adopted without changes to the proposed text.

Justification for the amendment to §19.1921 is to further enhance resident and public understanding of the level of staffing within all licensed facilities. Regarding those facilities that are Medicaid-certified, this amendment implements 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1396r(b), which requires nursing facilities to post the number of licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care daily in the facility for each shift and to provide this information to the public upon request. Although the federal law applies only to Medicaid nursing facilities, DHS chose to apply the requirement to all licensed facilities, because consumer access to information on staffing patterns is important across all facilities. The amendment also adds language pertaining to notification requirements regarding facility closures. This language was deleted inadvertently from the rule base during a previous rule change, and this amendment corrects the deletion.

Justification for the amendment to §19.1929 is to fulfill a pledge DHS made to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services to add annual staff training requirements on restraints to nursing facility licensure rules. The amendment also corrects a citation.

DHS received a written comment regarding the §19.1921 staff posting amendment from the Texas Health Care Association (THCA). DHS also received written comments from Advocacy, Inc., regarding the §19.1929 restraint amendment. A summary of the comments and DHS's responses follow. Advocacy, Inc., also addressed a similar proposal to §92.41 in DHS's Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities chapter, which was published in the same issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 665).

Comment: THCA objects to the proposed requirement of providing the posted staff information to the public upon request and recommends deleting the second sentence of §19.1921(e)(12). This sentence is vague and could be interpreted to mean that the posted numbers could be requested at a later date. DHS could be creating an unnecessary record- keeping requirement for facilities that use non-permanent methods of displaying the required information. Nursing facility staffing data is already available in other formats, and this requirement would make it necessary to collect this data, too.

Response: DHS does not agree with the comment and retains the language as proposed. The proposed language is taken verbatim from the federal language at 42 U.S.C. 1396r(b)(8)(B). DHS interprets this to mean that a facility will provide the daily staffing numbers, either by writing down the information written on a non-permanent display or by copying the posted document, if requested. Facilities would be required to provide the staffing numbers on a daily basis only on request. This requirement should not create unnecessary record keeping for facilities.

Comment: Advocacy, Inc., commented that the proposed language at §19.1929 mandates one hour of training on restraint reduction and fall prevention; however, the training needs to recognize other situations in which restraints are used. The training should specifically address de-escalation techniques and how to apply a restraint appropriately. One hour is insufficient to provide the information necessary to address prevention issues and application of restraints adequately. Additionally, rather than mandate clock hours, the training should be competency-based. An individual must be able to demonstrate physically and in writing what he or she learned. The regulations need to define restraint more clearly and describe the difference between a personal/physical restraint, which is involuntary, and an escort or physical support, which is voluntary. The nursing facility regulations should reflect the proposed language in the assisted living facility regulations on this issue specific to training. The regulation at §92.41(a)(4)(B)(vi) reads, "behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints"; and at §92.41(a)(4)(C) reads in part, "Direct care staff must ... One hour of annual training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention or alternatives to restraints"; however, the language in (C) should not be an "or," it should be "and."

The federal regulations define a restraint as any manual method, or physical or mechanical device, material or equipment attached or adjacent to the resident that restricts freedom of movement. It also addresses the use of medication as a restraint.

The proposed language focuses on prevention of falls, which implies that restraints in nursing facilities are used solely as protective and supportive devices. While this is certainly a need for this population, providers and DHS fail to acknowledge and address other situations in which restraints are used, specifically emergency situations. To do so, the regulations must define an emergency. Advocacy, Inc., recommends the following language: Emergency is a situation in which attempted preventative, de-escalatory or redirection techniques have not effectively reduced the potential for injury and it is immediately necessary to intervene to prevent:

(A) imminent probable death or substantial bodily harm to the person, because the person overtly or continually threatens to or attempts to commit suicide or serious bodily harm; or

(B) imminent physical harm to another because the person overtly or continually makes or commits threats, attempts, or other acts.

Restraints, particularly personal restraints, often are used in situations where a resident is not in control of his or her behavior and there is imminent risk of harm to a resident or someone else. A restraint used in this manner should be regulated differently from redirecting someone who may be lost or supporting someone who is unsteady on their feet. Nursing facility residents sometimes exhibit behaviors that necessitate restraints that are not supportive or protective devices. Individuals diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease often manifest certain behavior problems. A report published by the Office of Inspector General in January 2001 speaks to the large and growing number of younger nursing facility residents with mental illness. The behaviors that often justified admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility require use of personal restraints, as opposed to supportive or protective devices. Residents in nursing facilities who have mental illness may exhibit behavior problems. Staff, on occasion, restrain residents physically. As a result, it is imperative that the state assume its responsibility to adopt regulations that provide direction on how such restraints should be implemented and that staff be adequately trained on the use of physical restraints and de-escalation.

Response: Although DHS agrees that nursing facility residents have a right to be free of unnecessary, excessive or inappropriate restraints, it does not agree with all suggested changes to the proposed rules. DHS retains most of the language as proposed.

DHS believes that focusing restraint reduction education on the common clinical problems that lead to the majority of restraint use is the most direct and effective way to bring about restraint reduction. DHS research into restraint use shows that 96% of all restraints used in Texas nursing facilities are intended to prevent falls and wandering, despite the fact that this is an inappropriate practice. The proposed language does not imply that restraints are used solely as protective and supportive devices.

In response to comments regarding the need for training on behavior management, DHS added rule language that allows facilities to choose to train on behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques. DHS agrees that requiring competency-based training should be required to confirm that learning has taken place and adds the following language to proposed §19.1929(1)(B): restraint reduction and the prevention of falls through competency-based training. Facilities also may choose to train on behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques.

The proposed sections do not require one hour of training on the reduction of restraints and fall prevention. The proposal requires those topics to be covered in orientation and annual training. Each facility determines the amount of time to allocate to the training and may choose to allocate more than one hour to the training.

Regarding the need for a definition of emergency, §19.101(37) defines emergency as sudden change in a resident's condition requiring immediate medical or surgical intervention. This definition reflects the fact that nursing facilities serve persons with medical problems. An individual must have a medical condition that requires physician oversight and regular skilled nursing care to obtain Medicaid payment for a nursing facility stay. Nursing facility residents, even those discharged from a state hospital, must have a bona fide medical condition. Mental illness does not qualify an individual for eligibility for nursing facility care. As stated before, DHS's research shows restraint use is overwhelmingly directed at the prevention of falls and wandering. DHS, therefore, does not believe an additional definition for emergency that focuses on behavioral problems is necessary.

Finally, the current definitions of restraints (chemical and physical) are federal definitions developed under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. The definitions have been in use since October 1990 and are well accepted and understood by surveyors and providers. The survey process is based on the federal definitions, so new definitions were not introduced.

The amendments are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate convalescent and nursing homes and related institutions.

The amendments implement the Health and Safety Code, §§242.001-242.852

§19.1929.Staff Development.

Each facility must implement and maintain programs of orientation, training, and continuing in-service education to develop the skills of its staff, as described in §19.1903 of this title (relating to Required Training of Nurse Aides).

(1) As part of orientation and annually, each employee must receive instruction regarding:

(A) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as outlined in the educational information provided by the Texas Department of Health Model Workplace Guidelines. At a minimum the HIV curriculum must include:

(i) modes of transmission;

(ii) methods of prevention;

(iii) behaviors related to substance abuse;

(iv) occupational precautions;

(v) current laws and regulations concerning the rights of an acquired immune deficiency syndrome/HIV-infected individual; and

(vi) behaviors associated with HIV transmission which are in violation of Texas law; and

(B) restraint reduction and the prevention of falls through competency-based training. Facilities also may choose to train on behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques.

(2) Nursing staff, licensed nurses, and nurse aides must receive annual in-service training which includes components, appropriate to their job responsibilities, from one or more of the following categories:

(A) communication techniques and skills useful when providing geriatric care, such as skills for communicating with the hearing impaired, visually impaired and cognitively impaired; therapeutic touch; and recognizing communication that indicates psychological abuse;

(B) assessment and nursing interventions related to the common physical and psychological changes of aging for each body system;

(C) geriatric pharmacology, including treatment for pain management and sleep disorders;

(D) common emergencies of geriatric residents and how to prevent them, for example, falls, choking on food or medicines, injuries from restraint use; recognizing sudden changes in physical condition, such as stroke, heart attack, acute abdomen, and acute glaucoma; and obtaining emergency treatment;

(E) common mental disorders with related nursing implications; and

(F) ethical and legal issues regarding advance directives, abuse and neglect, guardianship, and confidentiality.

(3) Facilities with pediatric residents must comply with the following:

(A) Facility staff must be trained in the use of pediatric equipment and supplies, including emergency equipment and supplies.

(B) Facility staff should receive annual continuing education dealing with pediatric issues, including child growth and development and pediatric assessment.

(4) Minimum continuing in-service education requirements are listed in subparagraphs (A)-(B) of this paragraph. Attendance at relevant outside training may be used to satisfy the in-service education requirement. The facility must keep in-service records for each employee listed. The minimum requirements are:

(A) licensed personnel--two hours per quarter; and

(B) nurse aides--12 hours annually. For the purpose of this paragraph, a medication aide is considered a nurse aide and must receive the same continuing in-service education. This in- service education does not qualify as continuing education units required for renewal of a medication aide permit.

(5) A rural hospital participating in the Medicaid Swing Bed Program as specified in §19.2326 of this title (relating to Medicaid Swing Bed Program for Rural Hospitals) is not required to meet the requirements of this section, if the swing beds are used for no more than one 30-day length of stay per year, per resident.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 25, 2003.

TRD-200302647

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: June 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 92. LICENSING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) adopts the repeal of §§92.151 - 92.158; amendments to §§92.3, 92.15 - 92.17, 92.19, 92.20, 92.41, 92.53, 92.61, 92.62, 92.64, and 92.82; and new §§92.151, 92.152, 92.201 - 92.220, 92.251 - 92.267, 92.301, 92.302, 92.351 - 92.374, 92.401, 92.402, 92.451 - 92.456, 92.501 - 92.506, 92.551 - 92.595, and 92.601 - 92.616 in its Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities chapter. DHS adopts amendments to §§92.41, 92.53, and 92.64 with changes to the proposed text published in the January 24, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 661). DHS adopts the repeal of §§92.151 - 92.158; amendments to §§92.3, 92.15 - 92.17, 92.19, 92.20, 92.61, 92.62, and 92.82; and new §§92.151, 92.152, 92.201 - 92.220, 92.251 - 92.267, 92.301, 92.302, 92.351 - 92.374, 92.401, 92.402, 92.451 - 92.456, 92.501 - 92.506, 92.551 - 92.595, and 92.601 - 92.616 without changes to the proposed text.

Justification for the repeals, amendments, and new sections is to comply with the Health and Safety Code, §§247.0025, 247.041, 247.0451 - 247.0455, and 247.0457, as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 527, 77th Legislature. The adoption allows DHS to assess administrative penalties against assisted living facilities. These rules, including the administrative penalties and fee schedule, were developed with a stakeholders' workgroup that included providers, advocates, and consumers. The rules allow assisted living facilities to ameliorate violations, and give penalty gradations. Subchapter H, Enforcement, incorporates SB 527's enforcement regulations and also has been reorganized as part of a DHS project to rewrite agency rules in a plain-language, question-and-answer format to make them easier for clients, providers, and the general public to understand. The adoption also corrects references and incorporates administrative penalties, technical changes, and clarifications.

The proposed text of §92.64 contained a publication error. As published, §92.64 omitted the first seven words that followed the section title, which read: "At the option of the applicant, the ..." This correction is included in the adoption.

DHS received written comments from Advocacy, Inc., and Atria. A summary of the comments and DHS's responses follow.

Comment: Advocacy, Inc., recommends that the language in §92.41(a)(4)(B)(vi) be inclusive.

Response: DHS will not change the language. Assisted living facilities have a diverse population. Not all facilities have a resident population that would require staff to be trained in all suggested topics. The facility may decide which topics should be addressed in staff training, based upon the facility's resident population.

Comment: Additionally, rather than mandating clock hours, the training should be competency-based (the individual must be able to demonstrate both physically and in writing what they learned).

Response: This comment addresses §92.41(a)(4)(C). DHS concurs with the recommendation. The rule language will be changed to read:

(C) Direct care staff must complete six documented hours of education annually, based on each employee's hire date. Training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints; training for these subjects must be competency-based. Subject matter must address the unique needs of the facility. Suggested topics include:

(i) - (xi) (No change.)

The change will also be made to §92.53(b)(3):

(3) Direct care staff must annually complete 12 hours of in-service education regarding Alzheimer's disease. One hour of annual training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints; training for these subjects must be competency-based. Subject matter must address the unique needs of the facility. Additional suggested topics include:

(A) - (I) (No change.)

Comment: The regulations need to more clearly define restraint and the difference between a personal/physical restraint (which is involuntary) and an escort or physical support (which is voluntary).

Response: DHS will not make these changes at this time. A workgroup of providers, consumers, and advocates will be convened this summer to more fully address restraints in assisted living facilities.

Comment: The training is limited to direct care staff. It is critical for purposes of supervision and training that supervisory staff--in fact, any staff having direct contact with patients--be trained in these areas.

Response: DHS will not make a change because the requirement already applies to direct care staff. "Direct care" staff includes any facility staff who has direct contact with residents.

Comment: Additionally, regulatory staff must also be trained if they are to effectively perform their function and understand what to look for.

Response: DHS will not make a change because regulatory staff is being trained. Regulations address requirements for the provider base and do not address DHS staff requirements. Policies for DHS staff are provided through handbooks and manuals.

Comment: Since restraints are used in emergency situations when behaviors must be managed externally, the regulations must define what an emergency is.

Response: DHS will not make a change at this time. This proposed definition has not been presented to the stakeholders' workgroup or to the Advisory Committee on Assisted Living Facilities. The recommendation will be placed on the agenda this summer when a workgroup is convened to address restraints.

Comment: In 40 TAC §92.3 a new definition is proposed for (14) Immediate Threat ("Immediate Threat"). However, we find the definition itself and the context in which it applies vague and ambiguous.

Response: DHS will not change the definition. The definition for "immediate threat" is taken from statute.

Comment: What is the definition of "serious injury" and who determines that a violation may cause a serious injury?

Response: DHS will not make a change at this time. The recommendation will be placed on the agenda this summer when a workgroup is convened to address restraints and other issues. The expectation of DHS is that staff will use professional judgment in determining serious injury.

Comment: Proposed 40 TAC §92.351 allows DHS to suspend or order an immediate closing of a facility if an Immediate Threat to the residents exist; therefore we are requesting clarity and a more comprehensive definition of Immediate Threat.

Response: DHS will not change the definition. The definition for "immediate threat" is taken from statute.

Comment: We are also requesting more definitive guidelines regarding the definition of Immediately Available, defined in 40 TAC §92.3(15) ("Immediately Available"). If DHS chooses not to revise the proposed rule, then we request DHS issue interpretive guidelines further addressing this standard.

Response: DHS does not concur because "immediately available" is defined at §92.3(15). Life Safety Code personnel are familiar with travel distance and measurement of normal paths of travel. These terms are used in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards. Life Safety Code surveyors have been trained in the NFPA codes and how to measure these distances. No change will be made in the language.

Comment: 40 TAC §§92.551 - 92.595 address the issue of "Administrative Penalties" and while arguably well-defined, §92.557 appears to allow DHS to arbitrarily set the penalty amount. We respectfully request that DHS develop an objective schedule of Administrative Penalties and assign set fee amounts for clearly defined violations.

Response: DHS has already developed a fee schedule that was published with the proposed rules. The administrative penalty fee schedule was developed in consultation with a workgroup that included providers, advocates, and consumers.

Comment: Paragraph (5) the license holder's efforts to correct the violations and paragraph (4) deterrence of future violations in §92.557 are also vague provisions. As such, we suggest that these factors be eliminated from the proposed rule, as they appear overly subjective and unnecessary. We respectfully suggest DHS specify a time frame and the means of comparison in the final rule so that the process does not amount to a form of "double jeopardy."

Response: The criteria DHS uses to determine the amount of the administrative penalty is taken from statute; therefore, no change will be made.

Comment: The proposed §92.557 contemplates the size of the facility and the size of the business that owns the facility when determining the administrative penalty amount. This standard suggests that not all facilities will be treated equally and implies larger facilities and/or companies will be assessed penalties at higher amounts. This appears discriminatory in nature and application and therefore we urge that these factors be eliminated from the final rules.

Response: The criteria DHS uses to determine the amount of the administrative penalty is taken from statute. The size of the facility and the size of the business entity that owns the facility are criteria taken from statute. The schedule of administrative penalty fees is based on those criteria.

Subchapter A. INTRODUCTION

40 TAC §92.3

The amendment is adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The amendment implements the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302651

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter B. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

40 TAC §§92.15 - 92.17, 92.19, 92.20

The amendments are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The amendments implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302652

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter C. STANDARDS FOR LICENSURE

40 TAC §92.41, §92.53

The amendments are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The amendments implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

§92.41.Standards for Type A, Type B, and Type E Assisted Living Facilities.

(a) Employees.

(1) Manager. Each facility must designate, in writing, a manager to have authority over the operation.

(A) Qualifications. In small facilities, the manager must have proof of graduation from an accredited high school or certification of equivalency of graduation. In large facilities, a manager must have:

(i) an associate's degree in nursing, health care management, or a related field;

(ii) a bachelor's degree; or

(iii) proof of graduation from an accredited high school or certification of equivalency of graduation and at least one year of experience working in management or in health care industry management.

(B) Training in management of assisted living facilities. After August 1, 2000, a manager must have completed at least one educational course on the management of assisted living facilities, which must include information on the assisted living standards; resident characteristics (including dementia), resident assessment and skills working with residents; basic principles of management; food and nutrition services; federal laws, with an emphasis on the Americans with Disability Act's accessibility requirements; community resources; ethics, and financial management.

(i) The course must be at least 24 hours in length.

(I) Eight hours of training on the assisted living standards must be completed within the first three months of employment.

(II) The 24-hour training requirement may not be met through in-services at the facility, but may be met through structured, formalized classes, correspondence courses, training videos, distance learning programs, or off-site training courses. All training must be provided or produced by academic institutions, assisted living corporations, or recognized state or national organizations or associations. Subject matter that deals with the internal affairs of an organization will not qualify for credit.

(III) Evidence of training must be on file at the facility and must contain documentation of content, hours, dates, and provider.

(ii) Managers hired after August 1, 2000, who can show documentation of a previously completed comparable course of study are exempt from the training requirements.

(iii) Managers hired after August 1, 2000, must complete the course by the first anniversary of employment as manager.

(iv) An assisted living manager who was employed by a licensed assisted living facility on August 1, 2000, is exempt from the training requirement. An assisted living manager who was employed by a licensed assisted living facility as the manager before August 1, 2000, and changes employment to another licensed assisted living facility as the manager, with a break in employment of no longer than 30 days, is also exempt from the training requirement.

(C) Continuing education. All managers must show evidence of 12 hours of annual continuing education. This requirement will be met during the first year of employment by the 24-hour assisted living management course. The annual continuing education requirement must include at least two of the following areas:

(i) resident and provider rights and responsibilities, abuse/neglect, and confidentiality;

(ii) basic principles of management;

(iii) skills for working with residents, families, and other professional service providers;

(iv) resident characteristics and needs;

(v) community resources;

(vi) accounting and budgeting;

(vii) basic emergency first aid; or

(viii) federal laws, such as Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1993, Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and the Fair Housing Act.

(D) Manager's responsibilities. The manager must be on duty 40 hours per week and may manage only one facility, except for managers of small Type A facilities, who may have responsibility for no more than 16 residents in no more than four facilities. The managers of small Type A facilities must be available by telephone or pager when conducting facility business off-site.

(E) Manager's absence. An employee competent and authorized to act in the absence of the manager must be designated in writing.

(2) Attendants. Full-time facility attendants must be at least 18 years old or a high-school graduate.

(A) An attendant must be in the facility at all times when residents are in the facility.

(B) Attendants are not precluded from performing other functions as required by the assisted living facility.

(3) Staffing.

(A) A facility must develop and implement staffing policies, which require staffing ratios based upon the needs of the residents, as identified in their service plans.

(B) Prior to admission, a facility must disclose, to prospective residents and their families, the facility's normal 24-hour staffing pattern and post it monthly in accordance with §92.127 of this title (relating to Required Postings).

(C) A facility must have sufficient staff to:

(i) maintain order, safety, and cleanliness;

(ii) assist with medication regimens;

(iii) prepare and service meals that meet the daily nutritional and special dietary needs of each resident, in accordance with each resident's service plan;

(iv) assist with laundry;

(v) assure that each resident receives the kind and amount of supervision and care required to meet his basic needs; and

(vi) ensure safe evacuation of the facility in the event of an emergency.

(D) A facility must meet the staffing requirements described in this subparagraph.

(i) Type A and Type E facilities: Night shift staff in a small facility must be immediately available. In a large facility, the staff must be immediately available and awake.

(ii) Type B facility: Night shift staff must be immediately available and awake, regardless of the number of licensed beds.

(4) Staff training. The facility must document that staff members are competent to provide personal care before assuming responsibilities and have received the following training.

(A) All staff members must complete four hours of orientation before assuming any job responsibilities. Training must cover, at a minimum, the following topics:

(i) reporting of abuse and neglect;

(ii) confidentiality of resident information;

(iii) universal precautions;

(iv) conditions about which they should notify the facility manager;

(v) residents' rights; and

(vi) emergency and evacuation procedures.

(B) Attendants must complete 16 hours of on-the-job supervision and training within the first 16 hours of employment following orientation. Training must include:

(i) in Type A and B facilities, providing assistance with the activities of daily living; in Type E facilities, medications and recognizing, reporting, and recording side effects;

(ii) resident's health conditions and how they may affect provision of tasks;

(iii) safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries;

(iv) emergency first aid procedures, such as the Heimlich maneuver and actions to take when a resident falls, suffers a laceration, or experiences a sudden change in physical and/or mental status;

(v) managing disruptive behavior; and

(vi) behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints.

(C) Direct care staff must complete six documented hours of education annually, based on each employee's hire date. One hour of annual training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints. Training for these subjects must be competency-based. Subject matter must address the unique needs of the facility. Suggested topics include:

(i) promoting resident dignity, independence, individuality, privacy, and choice;

(ii) resident rights and principles of self-determination;

(iii) communication techniques for working with residents with hearing, visual, or cognitive impairment;

(iv) communicating with families and other persons interested in the resident;

(v) common physical, psychological, social, and emotional conditions and how these conditions affect residents' care;

(vi) essential facts about common physical and mental disorders, for example, arthritis, cancer, dementia, depression, heart and lung diseases, sensory problems, or stroke;

(vii) cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(viii) common medications and side effects, including psychotropic medications, when appropriate;

(ix) understanding mental illness;

(x) conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques; and

(xi) information regarding community resources.

(D) Facilities that employ licensed nurses, certified nurse aides, or certified medication aides must provide annual in-service training, appropriate to their job responsibilities, from one or more of the following areas:

(i) communication techniques and skills useful when providing geriatric care (skills for communicating with the hearing impaired, visually impaired and cognitively impaired; therapeutic touch; recognizing communication that indicates psychological abuse);

(ii) assessment and nursing interventions related to the common physical and psychological changes of aging for each body system;

(iii) geriatric pharmacology, including treatment for pain management, food and drug interactions, and sleep disorders;

(iv) common emergencies of geriatric residents and how to prevent them, for example falls, choking on food or medicines, injuries from restraint use; recognizing sudden changes in physical condition, such as stroke, heart attack, acute abdomen, acute glaucoma; and obtaining emergency treatment;

(v) common mental disorders with related nursing implications; and

(vi) ethical and legal issues regarding advance directives, abuse and neglect, guardianship, and confidentiality.

(b) Social services. The facility must provide an activity and/or social program at least weekly for the residents.

(c) Resident assessment. Within 14 days of admission, a resident comprehensive assessment and an individual service plan for providing care, which is based on the comprehensive assessment, must be completed. The comprehensive assessment must be completed by the appropriate staff and documented on a form developed by the facility. When a facility is unable to obtain information required for the comprehensive assessment, the facility should document its attempts to obtain the information.

(1) The comprehensive assessment must include the following items:

(A) the location from which the resident was admitted;

(B) primary language;

(C) sleep-cycle issues;

(D) behavioral symptoms;

(E) psychosocial issues (i.e., a psychosocial functioning assessment that includes an assessment of mental or psychosocial adjustment difficulty; a screening for signs of depression, such as withdrawal, anger or sad mood; assessment of the resident's level of anxiety; and determining if the resident has a history of psychiatric diagnosis that required in-patient treatment);

(F) Alzheimer's/dementia history;

(G) activities of daily living patterns (i.e., wakened to toilet all or most nights, bathed in morning/night, shower or bath);

(H) involvement patterns and preferred activity pursuits (i.e., daily contact with relatives, friends, usually attended religious services, involved in group activities, preferred activity settings, general activity preferences);

(I) cognitive skills for daily decision-making (independent, modified independence, moderately impaired, severely impaired);

(J) communication (ability to communicate with others, communication devices);

(K) physical functioning (transfer status; ambulation status; toilet use; personal hygiene; ability to dress, feed and groom self);

(L) continence status;

(M) nutritional status (weight changes, nutritional problems or approaches);

(N) oral/dental status;

(O) diagnoses;

(P) medications (administered, supervised, self-administers);

(Q) health conditions and possible medication side effects;

(R) special treatments and procedures;

(S) hospital admissions within the past six months or since last assessment; and

(T) preventive health needs (i.e., blood pressure monitoring, hearing-vision assessment).

(2) The service plan must be approved and signed by the resident or a person responsible for the resident's health care decisions. The facility must provide care according to the service plan. The service plan must be updated annually and upon a significant change in condition, based upon an assessment of the resident.

(3) For respite clients, the facility may keep a service plan for six months from the date on which it is developed. During that period, the facility may admit the individual as frequently as needed.

(4) Emergency admissions must be assessed and a service plan developed for them.

(d) Resident policies.

(1) Before admitting a resident, facility staff must explain and provide a copy of the disclosure statement to the resident, family, or responsible party. An assisted living facility that provides brain injury rehabilitation services must attach to its disclosure statement a specific statement that licensure as an assisted living facility does not indicate state review, approval, or endorsement of the facility's rehabilitative services. The facility must document receipt of the disclosure statement.

(2) The facility must provide residents with a copy of the Resident Bill of Rights.

(3) The facility must have written policies regarding residents accepted, services provided, charges, refunds, responsibilities of facility and residents, privileges of residents, and other rules and regulations.

(4) Each facility must make available copies of the resident policies to staff and to residents and/or residents' responsible parties at time of admission. Documented notification of any changes to the policies must occur before the effective date of the changes.

(e) Admission policies.

(1) A facility must not admit or retain:

(A) residents whose needs cannot be met by the assisted living facility, or the necessary services secured by the resident. As part of the facility's general supervision and oversight of the physical and mental well-being of its residents, the facility remains responsible for all care provided at the facility. If the individual is appropriate for placement in an assisted living facility, then the decision that additional services are necessary and can be secured is the responsibility of facility management with written concurrence of the resident, resident's attending physician, or legal representative. Regardless of the possibility of "aging in place" or securing additional services, the facility must meet all life safety code requirements based on each resident's evacuation capabilities, except as provided in subsection (f) of this section.

(B) an individual who requires the services of facility employees who are licensed nurses on a daily or regular basis. Individuals with a terminal condition or who are experiencing a short-term, acute episode are excluded from this requirement.

(2) There must be a written admission agreement between the facility and the resident. The agreement must specify such details as services to be provided and the charges for the services, including any nursing services and supplies, with a statement that such services and supplies could be a Medicare benefit.

(3) A facility must share a copy of the facility disclosure statement, rate schedule, and individual resident service plan with outside resources that provide any additional services to a resident. Outside resources must provide facilities with a copy of their resident care plans and must document, at the facility, any services provided, on the day provided.

(4) Each resident must have a health examination by a physician performed within 30 days before admission or 14 days after admission, unless a transferring hospital or facility has a physical examination in the medical record.

(5) The assisted living facility must secure at the time of admission of a resident the following identifying information:

(A) full name of resident;

(B) social security number;

(C) usual residence (where resident lived before admission);

(D) sex;

(E) marital status;

(F) date of birth;

(G) place of birth;

(H) usual occupation (during most of working life);

(I) family, other persons named by the resident, and physician for emergency notification;

(J) pharmacy preference; and

(K) Medicaid/Medicare number, if available.

(f) Inappropriate placement in Type A or Type B facilities.

(1) A facility is not required to move a resident who a Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) surveyor determines is inappropriately placed if the facility submits the following to DHS not later than the 10th business day after the date the facility is informed in writing of the specific basis of the surveyor's determination:

(A) a written assessment from a physician that states the resident is appropriately placed. The assessment must address the resident's medical conditions and related nursing needs, ambulatory and transfer abilities, and mental status;

(B) a written statement from the resident that he wishes to remain in the facility. If the resident lacks capacity to give a written statement, a family member or guardian may give a statement that he wishes the resident to remain in the facility; and

(C) a statement from the facility that the facility wishes the resident to remain in the facility.

(2) A facility that does not meet all requirements for the evacuation of a designated resident must apply for a waiver from DHS of all applicable requirements for evacuation not met with respect to the resident. Documentation must be submitted not later than the 10th business day after the date the facility is informed in writing of the specific basis of the surveyor's determination.

(A) Documentation. When an evacuation waiver is requested, the following documentation must be submitted to DHS in addition to the documentation required in paragraph (1)(A) - (C) of this subsection:

(i) a detailed plan that explains how the facility will meet the evacuation needs of the resident. The plan should include, for example,

(I) the specific staff positions that will be on duty to assist with evacuation and their shift times;

(II) specific staff positions that will be on duty and awake at night; and

(III) specific staff training that relates to resident evacuation;

(ii) a copy of the facility floor plan that indicates the specific resident's room;

(iii) a copy of the facility's emergency evacuation plan;

(iv) copies of the facility fire drills for the last 12-month period;

(v) a copy of the DHS notice form to the local fire marshal, or state fire marshal, if applicable (authority having jurisdiction), advising that the facility is requesting a waiver of the change of capability of resident evacuation. The DHS form must contain the signature of the fire authority having jurisdiction;

(vi) a copy of the DHS notice form to the local fire suppression authority advising that the facility is requesting a waiver of the change of capability of resident evacuation. The DHS form must contain the signature of the fire suppression authority having jurisdiction;

(vii) a copy of a comprehensive assessment of the resident, completed within the last 60 days, that addresses the areas required by subsection (c) of this section, and the service plan, that addresses all aspects of the resident's care, particularly those areas identified by DHS. The facility must address the resident's medical condition(s) and related nursing needs, hospitalizations within the last 60 days, any significant change in condition in the last 60 days, specific staffing needs, and services that are provided by an outside provider; and

(viii) any other information that relates to the required fire safety features of the facility that will ensure the evacuation capability of any resident.

(B) Criteria. Each facility has specific characteristics that vary from other facilities, which prevents the specification of a universal emergency procedure. A facility must meet the following criteria to receive a waiver from DHS:

(i) The facility must have an emergency plan to meet the evacuation needs of the resident. The plan must ensure that:

(I) staff is adequately trained;

(II) a sufficient number of staff is on all shifts to move all residents to a place of safety;

(III) residents will be moved to appropriate locations, given health and safety issues;

(IV) inclusion of all possible locations of the fire origin area is included in the emergency plan;

(V) the emergency plan addresses all possible locations of fire origin areas and the necessity for full evacuation of the building;

(VI) the fire alarm signal is adequate;

(VII) there is an effective method for warning residents and staff during a malfunction of the building fire alarm system;

(VIII) the plan is effective for communicating the actual location of the fire to staff; and

(IX) the plan satisfies any other safety concerns that could have an effect on the residents' safety in the event of a fire.

(ii) The facility must show that the emergency plan will not have an adverse effect on other residents of the facility who have waivers of evacuation and other residents of the facility who have special needs that require staff assistance. In evaluating whether the emergency plan will have an adverse effect on other residents, DHS may also review the service plans provided by the facility.

(C) Determination. DHS will review the documentation submitted under this subsection to determine whether to grant or deny a request for a waiver under this section. DHS will notify the facility in writing of its determination within 10 working days from the date the request is received in the DHS regional office.

(D) Plan of Action. Upon notification that DHS has approved a waiver of evacuation, the facility must immediately initiate all provisions of the proposed plan of action. If the facility does not follow the proper plan of action, and there are health and safety concerns, DHS may cite the facility for immediate threat to the health or safety of a resident.

(E) Waiver Renewal. A waiver of evacuation from DHS will be reviewed by DHS during the facility's annual renewal licensing inspection.

(3) If a DHS surveyor determines that a resident is inappropriately placed at a facility and the facility either agrees with the determination or fails to obtain the written statements required in this subsection, the facility must discharge the resident.

(A) The resident is allowed 30 days after the date of discharge to move from the facility.

(B) A discharge required under this subsection must be made notwithstanding:

(i) any other law, including any law relating to the rights of residents and any obligations imposed under the Property Code; and

(ii) the terms of any contract.

(C) DHS will not assess an administrative penalty against the facility because of the inappropriate placement.

(g) Advance directives.

(1) The facility must maintain written policies regarding the implementation of advance directives. The policies must include a clear and precise statement of any procedure the facility is unwilling or unable to provide or withhold in accordance with an advance directive.

(2) The facility must provide written notice of these policies to residents at the time they are admitted to receive services from the facility.

(A) If, at the time notice is to be provided, the resident is incompetent or otherwise incapacitated and unable to receive the notice, the facility must provide the written notice, in the following order of preference, to:

(i) the resident's legal guardian;

(ii) a person responsible for the resident's health care decisions;

(iii) the resident's spouse;

(iv) the resident's adult child;

(v) the resident's parents; or

(vi) the person admitting the resident.

(B) If the facility is unable, after diligent search, to locate an individual listed under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the facility is not required to give notice.

(3) If a resident who was incompetent or otherwise incapacitated and unable to receive notice regarding the facility's advance directives policies later becomes able to receive the notice, the facility must provide the written notice at the time the resident becomes able to receive the notice.

(4) Failure to inform the resident of facility policies regarding the implementation of advance directives will result in an administrative penalty of $500.

(A) Facilities will receive written notice of the recommendation for an administrative penalty.

(B) Within 20 days after the date on which written notice is sent to a facility, the facility must give written consent to the penalty or make written request for a hearing to DHS.

(C) Hearings will be held in accordance with DHS's formal hearing procedures in Chapter 79 of this title (relating to Legal Services).

(h) Resident records.

(1) Records that pertain to residents must be treated as confidential and properly safeguarded from unauthorized use, loss, or destruction.

(2) Resident records must contain:

(A) information contained in the facility's standard and customary admission form;

(B) a record of the resident's assessments;

(C) the resident's service plan;

(D) physician's orders, if any;

(E) any advance directives;

(F) documentation of a health examination by a physician performed within 30 days before admission or 14 days after admission, unless a transferring hospital or facility has a physical examination in the medical record. Christian Scientists are excluded from this requirement; and

(G) documentation by health care professionals of any services delivered in accordance with the licensing, certification, or other regulatory standards applicable to the health care professional under law.

(3) Records must be available to residents, their legal representatives, and DHS staff.

(i) Personnel records. The facility must keep personnel records on all staff in a central location.

(j) Medications.

(1) Administration. Medications must be administered according to physician's orders.

(A) Residents who choose not to or cannot self-administer their medications must have their medications administered by a person who:

(i) holds a current license under state law that authorizes the licensee to administer medication; or

(ii) holds a current medication aide permit and acts under the authority of a person who holds a current nursing license under state law that authorizes the licensee to administer medication. A medication aide must function under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse on duty or on call by the facility.

(iii) is an employee of the facility to whom the administration of medication has been delegated by a registered nurse, who has trained them to administer medications or verified their training. The delegation of the administration of medication is governed by 22 TAC Chapter 218 (concerning Delegation of Selected Nursing Tasks by Registered Professional Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel), which implements the Nurse Practice Act.

(B) All resident's prescribed medication must be dispensed through a pharmacy or by the resident's treating physician or dentist.

(C) Physician sample medications may be given to a resident by the facility provided the medication has specific dosage instructions for the individual resident.

(D) Each resident's medications must be listed on an individual resident's medication profile record. The recorded information obtained from the prescription label must include, but is not limited to, the medication:

(i) name;

(ii) strength;

(iii) dosage;

(iv) amount received;

(v) directions for use;

(vi) route of administration;

(vii) prescription number;

(viii) pharmacy name; and

(ix) the date each medication was issued by the pharmacy.

(2) Supervision. Supervision of a resident's medication regimen by facility staff may be provided to residents who are incapable of self-administering without assistance to include and limited to:

(A) reminders to take their medications at the prescribed time;

(B) opening containers or packages and replacing lids;

(C) pouring prescribed dosage according to medication profile record;

(D) returning medications to the proper locked areas;

(E) obtaining medications from a pharmacy; and

(F) listing on an individual resident's medication profile record the medication

(i) name;

(ii) strength;

(iii) dosage;

(iv) amount received;

(v) directions for use;

(vi) route of administration;

(vii) prescription number;

(viii) pharmacy name; and

(ix) the date each medication was issued by the pharmacy.

(3) Self-administration.

(A) Residents who self-administer their own medications and keep them locked in their room must be counseled at least once a month by facility staff to ascertain if the residents continue to be capable of self-administering their medications/treatments and if security of medications can continue to be maintained. The facility must keep a written record of counseling.

(B) Residents who choose to keep their medications locked in the central medication storage area may be permitted entrance or access to the area for the purpose of self-administering their own medication/treatment regimen. A facility staff member must remain in or at the storage area the entire time any resident is present.

(4) General.

(A) Facility staff will immediately report to the resident's physician and responsible party any unusual reactions to medications or treatments.

(B) When the facility supervises or administers the medications, a written record must be kept when the resident does not receive or take his/her medications/treatments as prescribed. The documentation must include the date and time the dose should have been taken, and the name and strength of medication missed; however, the recording of missed doses of medication does not apply when the resident is away from the assisted living facility.

(5) Storage.

(A) The facility must provide a locked area for all medications. Examples of areas include, but are not limited to:

(i) central storage area;

(ii) medication cart; and

(iii) resident room.

(B) Each resident's medication must be stored separately from other resident's medications within the storage area.

(C) A refrigerator must have a designated and locked storage area for medications that require refrigeration, unless it is inside a locked medication room.

(D) Poisonous substances and medications labeled for "external use only" must be stored separately within the locked medication area.

(E) If facilities store controlled drugs, facility policies and procedures must address the prevention of the diversion of the controlled drugs.

(6) Disposal.

(A) Medications no longer being used by the resident for the following reasons are to be kept separate from current medications and are to be disposed of by a registered pharmacist licensed in the State of Texas:

(i) medications discontinued by order of the physician;

(ii) medications that remain after a resident is deceased; or

(iii) medications that have passed the expiration date.

(B) Needles and hypodermic syringes with needles attached must be disposed as required by 25 TAC §§1.131 - 1.137 (Definition, Treatment, and Disposal of Special Waste from Health Care-Related Facilities).

(C) Medications kept in a central storage area are released to discharged residents when a receipt has been signed by the resident or responsible party.

(k) Accident, injury, or acute illness.

(1) In the event of accident or injury that requires emergency medical, dental or nursing care, or in the event of apparent death, the assisted living facility will:

(A) make arrangements for emergency care and/or transfer to an appropriate place for treatment, such as a physician's office, clinic, or hospital;

(B) immediately notify the resident's physician and next of kin, responsible party, or agency who placed the resident in the facility; and

(C) describe and document the injury, accident, or illness on a separate report. The report must contain a statement of final disposition and be maintained on file.

(2) The facility must stock and maintain in a single location first aid supplies to treat burns, cuts, and poisoning.

(3) Residents who need the services of professional nursing or medical personnel due to a temporary illness or injury may have those services delivered by persons qualified to deliver the necessary service.

(l) Resident finances. The assisted living facility must keep a simple financial record on all charges billed to the resident for care and these records must be available to DHS. If the resident entrusts the handling of any personal finances to the assisted living facility, a simple financial record must be maintained to document accountability for receipts and expenditures, and these records must be available to DHS. Receipts for payments from residents or family members must be issued upon request.

(m) Food and nutrition services.

(1) A person designated by the facility is responsible for the total food service of the facility.

(2) At least three meals or their equivalent must be served daily, at regular times, with no more than a 16-hour span between a substantial evening meal and breakfast the following morning. All exceptions must be specifically approved by DHS.

(3) Menus must be planned one week in advance and must be followed. Variations from the posted menus must be documented. Menus must be prepared to provide a balanced and nutritious diet, such as that recommended by the National Food and Nutrition Board. Food must be palatable and varied. Records of menus as served must be filed and maintained for 30 days after the date of serving.

(4) Therapeutic diets as ordered by the resident's physician must be provided according to the service plan. Therapeutic diets that cannot customarily be prepared by a layperson must be calculated by a qualified dietician. Therapeutic diets that can customarily be prepared by a person in a family setting may be served by the assisted living facility.

(5) Supplies of staple foods for a minimum of a four-day period and perishable foods for a minimum of a one-day period must be maintained on the premises.

(6) Food must be obtained from sources that comply with all laws relating to food and food labeling. If food, subject to spoilage, is removed from its original container, it must be kept sealed, and labeled. Food subject to spoilage must also be dated.

(7) Plastic containers with tight fitting lids are acceptable for storage of staple foods in the pantry.

(8) Potentially hazardous food, such as meat and milk products, must be stored at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Hot food must be kept at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above during preparation and serving. Food that is reheated must be heated to a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

(9) Freezers must be kept at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below and refrigerators must be 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Thermometers must be placed in the warmest area of the refrigerator and freezer to assure proper temperature.

(10) Food must be prepared and served with the least possible manual contact, with suitable utensils, and on surfaces that have been cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized before use to prevent cross-contamination.

(11) Facilities must prepare food in accordance with established food preparation practices and safety techniques.

(12) A food service employee, while infected with a communicable disease that can be transmitted by foods, or who is a carrier of organisms that cause such a disease or while afflicted with a boil, an infected wound, or an acute respiratory infection, must not work in the food service area in any capacity in which there is a likelihood of such person contaminating food or food-contact surfaces with pathogenic organisms or transmitting disease to other persons.

(13) Effective hair restraints must be worn to prevent the contamination of food.

(14) Tobacco products must not be used in the food preparation and service areas.

(15) Kitchen employees must wash their hands before returning to work after using the lavatory.

(16) Dishwashing chemicals used in the kitchen may be stored in plastic containers if they are the original containers in which the manufacturer packaged the chemicals.

(17) Sanitary dishwashing procedures and techniques must be followed.

(18) Facilities that house 17 or more residents must comply with 25 TAC §§229.161 - 229.171 and §§229.173 - 229.175 (Texas Food Establishment rules) and local health ordinances or requirements must be observed in the storage, preparation, and distribution of food; in the cleaning of dishes, equipment, and work area; and in the storage and disposal of waste.

(n) Infection control.

(1) Each facility must establish and maintain an infection control policy and procedure designated to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.

(2) The facility must comply with departmental rules regarding special waste in 25 TAC §§1.131 - 1.137.

(3) The name of any resident of a facility with a reportable disease as specified in 25 TAC §§97.1 - 97.13 (Control of Communicable Diseases) must be reported immediately to the city health officer, county health officer, or health unit director having jurisdiction, and appropriate infection control procedures must be implemented as directed by the local health authority.

(4) The facility must have written policies for the control of communicable disease in employees and residents, which includes tuberculosis (TB) screening and provision of a safe and sanitary environment for residents and employees.

(A) If employees contract a communicable disease that is transmissible to residents through food handling or direct resident care, the employee must be excluded from providing these services as long as a period of communicability is present.

(B) The facility must maintain evidence of compliance with local and/or state health codes or ordinances regarding employee and resident health status.

(C) The facility must screen all employees for TB within two weeks of employment and annually, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) screening guidelines. All persons who provide services under an outside resource contract must, upon request of the facility, provide evidence of compliance with this requirement.

(D) All residents should be screened upon admission and after exposure to TB, in accordance with the attending physician's recommendations and CDC guidelines.

(5) Personnel must handle, store, process, and transport linens so as to prevent the spread of infection.

(6) Universal precautions must be used in the care of all residents.

(o) Access to residents. The facility must allow an employee of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) or an employee of a local mental health and mental retardation authority into the facility as necessary to provide services to a resident.

(p) Restraints. All restraints for purposes of behavioral management, staff convenience, or resident discipline are prohibited. Seclusion is prohibited. For more information regarding restraints, see §92.125 of this chapter (relating to Resident's Bill of Rights and Provider Bill of Rights).

§92.53.Standards for Certified Alzheimer's Assisted Living Facilities.

(a) Manager qualifications and training.

(1) The manager of the certified Alzheimer facility or the supervisor of the certified Alzheimer unit must be 21 years of age, and have:

(A) an associate's degree in nursing, health care management;

(B) a bachelor's degree in psychology, gerontology, nursing, or a related field; or

(C) proof of graduation from an accredited high school or certification of equivalency of graduation and at least one year of experience working with persons with dementia.

(2) The manager or supervisor must complete six hours of annual continuing education regarding dementia care.

(b) Staff training.

(1) All staff members must receive four hours of dementia-specific orientation prior to assuming any job responsibilities. Training must cover, at a minimum, the following topics:

(A) basic information about the causes, progression, and management of Alzheimer's disease;

(B) managing dysfunctional behavior; and

(C) identifying and alleviating safety risks to residents with Alzheimer's disease.

(2) Direct care staff must receive 16 hours of on-the-job supervision and training within the first 16 hours of employment following orientation. Training must cover:

(A) providing assistance with the activities of daily living;

(B) emergency and evacuation procedures specific to the dementia population;

(C) managing dysfunctional behavior; and

(D) behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints.

(3) Direct care staff must annually complete 12 hours of in-service education regarding Alzheimer's disease. One hour of annual training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints. Training for these subjects must be competency-based. Subject matter must address the unique needs of the facility. Additional suggested topics include:

(A) assessing resident capabilities and developing and implementing service plans;

(B) promoting resident dignity, independence, individuality, privacy and choice;

(C) planning and facilitating activities appropriate for the dementia resident;

(D) communicating with families and other persons interested in the resident;

(E) resident rights and principles of self-determination;

(F) care of elderly persons with physical, cognitive, behavioral and social disabilities;

(G) medical and social needs of the resident;

(H) common psychotropics and side effects; and

(I) local community resources.

(c) Staffing. A facility must employ sufficient staff to provide services for and meet the needs of its Alzheimer's residents. In large facilities or units with 17 or more residents, two staff members must be immediately available when residents are present.

(d) Pre-admission. The facility must establish procedures, such as an application process, interviews, and home visits, to ensure that prospective residents are appropriate and their needs can be met.

(1) Prior to admitting a resident, facility staff must discuss and explain the disclosure statement with the family or responsible party.

(2) The facility must give the required Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) disclosure statement to any individual seeking information about the facility's care or treatment of residents with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

(e) Assessment. The facility must make a comprehensive assessment of each resident within 14 days of admission and annually. The assessment must include the items listed in §92.41(c)(1)(A) - (T) of this chapter (relating to Standards for Type A, Type B, and Type E Assisted Living Facilities).

(f) Service plan. Facility staff, with input from the family, if available, must develop an individualized service plan for each resident, based upon the resident assessment, within 14 days of admission. The service plan must address the individual needs, preferences, and strengths of the resident. The service plan must be designed to help the resident maintain the highest possible level of physical, cognitive, and social functioning. The service plan must be updated annually and upon a significant change in condition, based upon an assessment of the resident.

(g) Activities. A facility must encourage socialization, cognitive awareness, self-expression, and physical activity in a planned and structured activities program. Activities must be individualized, based upon the resident assessment, and appropriate for each resident's abilities.

(1) The activity program must contain a balanced mixture of activities addressing cognitive, recreational, and activity of daily living (ADL) needs.

(A) Cognitive activities include, but are not limited to, arts, crafts, story telling, poetry readings, writing, music, reading, discussion, reminiscences, and reviews of current events.

(B) Recreational activities include all socially interactive activities, such as board games and cards, and physical exercise. Care of pets is encouraged.

(C) Self-care ADLs include grooming, bathing, dressing, oral care, and eating. Occupational ADLs include cleaning, dusting, cooking, gardening, and yard work. Residents must be allowed to perform self-care ADLs as long as they are able to promote independence and self worth.

(2) Residents must be encouraged, but never forced, to participate in activities. Residents who choose not to participate in a large group activity must be offered at least one small group or one-on-one activity per day.

(3) Facilities must have an employee responsible for leading activities.

(A) Facilities with 16 or fewer residents must designate an employee to plan, supply, implement, and record activities.

(B) Facilities with 17 or more residents must employ, at a minimum, an activity director for 20 hours weekly. The activity director must be a qualified professional who:

(i) is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist, therapeutic recreation assistant, or an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body, such as the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, or the Consortium for Therapeutic Recreation/Activities Certification, Inc.; or

(ii) has two years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last five years, one year of which was full-time in an activities program in a health care setting; or

(iii) has completed an activity director training course approved by the National Association for Activity Professionals or the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.

(4) The activity director or designee must review each resident's medical and social history, preferences, and dislikes, in determining appropriate activities for the resident. Activities must be tailored to the residents' unique requirements and skills.

(5) The activities program must provide opportunities for group and individual settings. On weekdays, each resident must be offered at least one cognitive activity, two recreational activities and three ADL activities each day. The cognitive and recreational activities (structured activities) must be at least 30 minutes in duration, with a minimum of six and a half hours of structured activity for the entire week. At least an hour and a half of structured activities must be provided during the weekend and must include at least one cognitive activity and one physical activity.

(6) The activity director or designee must create a monthly activities schedule. Structured activities should occur at the same time and place each week to ensure a consistent routine within the facility.

(7) The activity director or designee must annually attend at least six hours of continuing education regarding Alzheimer's disease or related disorders.

(8) Special equipment and supplies necessary to accommodate persons with a physical disability or other persons with special needs must be provided as appropriate.

(h) Physical plant. Alzheimer's units, if segregated from other parts of the Type B facility with approved security devices, must meet the following requirements within the Alzheimer's unit:

(1) Resident living area(s) must be in compliance with §92.62(m)(3) of this chapter (relating to General Requirements).

(2) Resident dining area(s) must be in compliance with §92.62(m)(4) of this chapter.

(3) Resident toilet and bathing facilities must be in compliance with §92.62(m)(2) of this chapter.

(4) A monitoring station must be provided within the Alzheimer's unit with a writing surface such as a desk or counter, chair, task illumination, telephone or intercom, and lockable storage for resident records.

(5) Access to at least two approved exits remote from each other must be provided in order to meet the Life Safety Code requirements.

(6) In large facilities, cross corridor control doors, if used for the security of the residents, must be similar to smoke doors, which are each 34 inches in width and swing in opposite directions. A latch or other fastening device on a door must be provided with a knob, handle, panic bar, or other simple type of releasing device.

(7) An outdoor area of at least 800 square feet must be provided in at least one contiguous space. This area must be connected to, be a part of, be controlled by, and be directly accessible from the facility.

(A) Such areas must have walls or fencing that do not allow climbing or present a hazard and meet the following requirements. These minimum dimensions do not apply to additional fencing erected along property lines or building setback lines for privacy or to meet requirements of local building authorities.

(i) Minimum distance of the enclosure fence from the building is 8 feet if the fence is parallel to the building and there are no window openings;

(ii) Minimum distance of the enclosure fence (parallel with building walls) from bedroom windows is 20 feet if the fencing is solid and 15 feet from bedroom windows if the fencing is open; or

(iii) For unusual or unique site conditions, areas of enclosure may have alternate configurations with DHS approval.

(B) Access to at least two approved exits remote from each other must be provided from the enclosed area in order to meet the Life Safety Code requirements.

(C) If the enclosed area involves a required exit from the building, the following additional requirements must be met:

(i) A minimum of two gates must be remotely located from each other if only one exit is enclosed. If two or more exits are enclosed by the fencing and entry access can be made at each door, a minimum of one gate is required.

(ii) The gate(s) must be located to provide a continuous path of travel from the building exit to a public way, including walkways of concrete, asphalt, or other approved materials.

(iii) If gate(s) are locked, the gate nearest the exit from the building must be locked with an electronic lock that operates the same as electronic locks on control doors and/or exit doors and is in compliance with the National Electrical Code for exterior exposure. Additional gates may also have electronic locks or may have keyed locks provided staff carry the keys. All gates may have keyed locks, provided all staff carry the keys, and the outdoor area has an area of refuge which:

(I) extends beyond a minimum of 30 feet from the building; and

(II) the area of refuge allows at least 15 square feet per person (resident, staff, visitor) potentially present at the time of a fire.

(8) Locking devices may be used on the control doors provided the following criteria are met:

(A) The building must have an approved sprinkler system and an approved fire alarm system to meet the licensing standards.

(B) The locking device must be electronic and must be released when any one of the following occurs:

(i) activation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system;

(ii) power failure to the facility; or

(iii) activation of a switch or button located at the monitoring station and at the main staff station.

(C) A key pad or buttons may be located at the control doors for routine use by staff.

(9) Locking devices may be used on the exit doors provided:

(A) the locking arrangements meet §5-2.1.6 of the Life Safety Code; or

(B) the following criteria are met:

(i) The building must have an approved sprinkler system and an approved fire alarm system to meet the licensing standards.

(ii) The locking device must be electro-magnetic; that is, no type of throw-bolt is to be used.

(iii) The device must release when any one of the following occurs:

(I) activation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system;

(II) power failure to the facility; or

(III) activation of a switch or button located at the monitoring station and at the main staff station.

(iv) A key pad or buttons may be located at the control doors for routine use by staff.

(v) A manual fire alarm pull must be located within five feet of each exit door with a sign stating, "Pull to release door in an emergency."

(vi) Staff must be trained in the methods of releasing the door device.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302653

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter D. FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

40 TAC §§92.61, 92.62, 92.64

The amendments are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The amendments implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

§92.64.Plans, Approvals, and Construction Procedures.

At the option of the applicant, the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) reviews plans for new buildings, additions, conversion of buildings not licensed by DHS, or remodeling of existing licensed facilities. DHS informs the applicant of the results of the review within 30 days. If the plans comply with DHS's architectural requirements, DHS may not subsequently change the architectural requirement applicable to the project unless the change is required by federal law or the applicant fails to complete the project within a reasonable time.

(1) Submittal of plans.

(A) For review of plans, before construction is begun, submit one copy of working drawings and specifications (contract documents) in sufficient detail to interpret compliance with these standards and assure proper construction. Documents must be prepared according to accepted architectural practice and must include general construction, special conditions, and schedules.

(B) Final copies of plans must have (in the reproduction process by which plans are reproduced) a title block showing name of facility, person, or organization preparing the sheet, sheet numbers, facility address, and drawing date. Sheets and sections covering structural, electrical, mechanical, and sanitary engineering final plans, designs, and specifications must bear the seal of a registered professional engineer approved by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers to operate in Texas. Contract documents for additions, remodeling, and construction of an entirely new facility must be prepared by an architect licensed by the Texas State Board of Architectural Examiners. Drawings must bear the seal of the architect.

(C) A final plan for a major addition to a facility must include a basic layout to scale of the entire building onto which the addition connects. North direction must be shown. Usually the entire basic layout can be to scale such as 1/16 inch per foot or 1/32 inch per foot for very large buildings.

(D) Plans and specifications for conversions or remodeling must be complete for all parts and features involved.

(E) The sponsor is responsible for employing qualified personnel to prepare the contract documents for construction. If the contract documents have errors or omissions to the extent that conformance with standards cannot be reasonably assured or determined, a revised set of documents for review may be requested.

(F) The review of plans and specifications by DHS is based on general utility, the minimum licensing standards, and conformance of the Life Safety Code, and is not to be construed as all-inclusive approval of the structural, electrical, or mechanical components, nor does it include a review of building plans for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards as administered and enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(G) Fees for plan review will be required in accordance with §92.20 of this title (relating to License Fees).

(2) Contract documents.

(A) Site plan documents must include grade contours; streets (with names); North arrow; fire hydrants, fire lanes, utilities, public or private; fences; and unusual site conditions, such as ditches, low water levels, other buildings on-site, and indications of buildings five feet or less beyond site property lines.

(B) Foundation plan documents must include general foundation design and details.

(C) Floor plan documents must include room names, numbers, and usages; doors (numbered) including swing; windows; legend or clarification of wall types; dimensions; fixed equipment; plumbing fixtures; kitchen basic layout; and identification of all smoke barrier walls (outside wall to outside wall) or fire walls.

(D) For both new construction and additions or remodeling to existing buildings, an overall plan of the entire building must be drawn or reduced to fit on an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sheet.

(E) Schedules must include door materials, widths, and types; window materials, sizes, and types; room finishes; and special hardware.

(F) Elevations and roof plan must include exterior elevations, including material note indications and any roof top equipment; roof slopes, drains, gas piping, etc., and interior elevations where needed for special conditions.

(G) Details must include wall sections as needed, especially for special conditions; cabinet and built-in work, basic design only; cross sections through buildings as needed and miscellaneous details and enlargements as needed.

(H) Building structure documents must include structural framing layout and details (primarily for column, beam, joist, and structural building); roof framing layout (when cannot be adequately shown on cross section); and cross sections in quantity and detail to show sufficient structural design and structural details as necessary to assure adequate structural design and calculated design loads.

(I) Electrical documents must include electrical layout, including lights, convenience outlets, equipment outlets, switches, and other electrical outlets and devices; service, circuiting, distribution, and panel diagrams; exit light system (exit signs and emergency egress lighting); emergency electrical provisions (such as generators and panels); staff communication system; fire alarm and similar systems (such as control panel, devices, and alarms); and sizes and details sufficient to assure safe and properly operating systems.

(J) Plumbing documents must include plumbing layout with pipe sizes and details sufficient to assure safe and properly operating systems, water systems, sanitary systems, gas systems, and other systems normally considered under the scope of plumbing, fixtures, and provisions for combustion air supply.

(K) Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) documents must include sufficient details of HVAC systems and components to assure a safe and properly operating installation including, but not limited to, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning layout, ducts, protection of duct inlets and outlets, combustion air, piping, exhausts, and duct smoke and/or fire dampers; and equipment types, sizes, and locations.

(L) Sprinkler system documents must include plans and details of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) designed systems; plans and details of partial systems provided only for hazardous areas; and electrical devices interconnected to the alarm system.

(M) Specifications must include installation techniques; quality standards and/or manufacturers; references to specific codes and standards; design criteria; special equipment; hardware; finishes; and any others as needed to amplify drawings and notes.

(N) Other layout, plans, or details as may be necessary for a clear understanding of the design and scope of the project, including plans covering private water or sewer systems, must be reviewed by local health or wastewater authority having jurisdiction.

(3) Construction phase.

(A) DHS must be notified in writing prior to construction start.

(B) All construction not done in accordance with the completed plans and specifications as submitted for review and as modified in accordance with review requirements will require additional drawings if the change is significant.

(4) Initial survey of completed construction.

(A) Upon completion of construction, including grounds and basic equipment and furnishings, a final construction inspection (initial survey) of the facility must be performed by DHS prior to admitting residents, unless a provisional license has been granted. An initial architectural inspection will be scheduled after DHS receives a notarized licensure application, required fee, fire marshal approval, and a letter from an architect or engineer stating to the best of their knowledge that the facility meets the architectural requirements for licensure.

(B) After DHS surveys the completed construction and finds it acceptable, DHS forwards this information to the Facility Enrollment Section as part of the information needed to issue a license to the facility. In the case of additions or remodeling of existing facilities, a revision or modification to an existing license may be necessary. Note that the building, including basic furnishings and operational needs, grades, drives, and parking must be essentially 100% complete at the time of this initial visit for occupancy approval and licensing. A facility may accept up to three residents between the time it receives initial approval from DHS and the time the license is issued unless a provisional license has been granted.

(C) The following documents must be available to DHS's NFPA 101 inspecting surveyor at the time of the survey of the completed building:

(i) written approval of local authorities as required in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;

(ii) written certification of the fire alarm system by the installing agency (Form FML-009) of the Texas State Fire Marshal);

(iii) documentation of materials used in the building which are required to have a specific limited fire or flame spread rating, including special wall finishes or floor coverings, flame retardant curtains (including cubicle curtains), rated ceilings, etc., and, in the case of carpeting, a signed letter from the installer verifying that the carpeting installed is named in the laboratory test document;

(iv) approval of the completed sprinkler system installation by the Texas Department of Insurance or designing engineer. A copy of the material list and test certification must be available;

(v) service contracts for maintenance and testing of alarm systems, sprinkler systems, etc.;

(vi) a copy of gas test results of the facility's gas lines from the meter;

(vii) a written statement from an architect/engineer stating, to the best of his/her knowledge, the building was constructed in substantial compliance with the construction documents, the Life Safety Code, DHS licensure standards, and local codes; and

(viii) any other such documentation as needed.

(5) Nonapproval of new construction.

(A) If, during the initial on-site survey of completed construction, the surveyor finds certain basic requirements not met, DHS may recommend that the facility not be licensed and approved for occupancy. Such items may include the following:

(i) substantial changes made during construction which were not submitted to DHS for review and which may require revised "as-built" drawings to cover the changes. This may include architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical items as specified in paragraph (3)(B) of this section;

(ii) construction which does not meet minimum code or licensure standards, such as corridors being less than required width, ceilings installed at less than the minimum seven-foot six-inch height, resident bedroom dimensions less than required, and other such features which would disrupt or otherwise adversely affect the residents and staff if corrected after occupancy;

(iii) no written approval by local authorities;

(iv) fire protection systems, including, but not limited to, fire alarm systems, emergency power and lighting, and sprinkler systems, not completely installed or not functioning properly;

(v) required exits not all usable according to NFPA 101 requirements;

(vi) telephone not installed or not properly working;

(vii) sufficient basic furnishings, essential appliances, and equipment not installed or not functioning; and

(viii) any other basic operational or safety feature which would preclude safe and normal occupancy by residents on that day.

(B) If the surveyor encounters only minor deficiencies, licensure may be recommended based on an approved written plan of correction from the facility's administrator.

(C) Copies of reduced size floor plans on an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sheet must be submitted in duplicate to DHS for record/file use and for the facility's use for evacuation plan, fire alarm zone identification, etc. The plan must contain basic legible information such as scale, room usage names, actual bedroom numbers, doors, windows, and any other pertinent information.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302654

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter E. INSPECTIONS, SURVEYS, AND VISITS

40 TAC §92.82

The amendment is adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The amendment implements the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302655

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter H. ENFORCEMENT

40 TAC §§92.151 - 92.158

The repeals are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The repeals implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302656

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


1. GENERAL INFORMATION

40 TAC §92.151, §92.152

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302657

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


2. ACTIONS AGAINST A LICENSE: SUSPENSION

40 TAC §§92.201 - 92.220

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001 - 247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302658

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


3. ACTIONS AGAINST A LICENSE: REVOCATION

40 TAC §92.251 - 92.267

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302659

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


4. ACTIONS AGAINST A LICENSE: TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND INJUNCTIONS

40 TAC §92.301, §92.302

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302660

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


5. ACTIONS AGAINST A LICENSE: EMERGENCY LICENSE SUSPENSION AND CLOSING ORDER

40 TAC §§92.351 - 92.374

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302661

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


6. ACTIONS AGAINST A LICENSE: CIVIL PENALTIES

40 TAC §92.401, §92.402

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302662

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


7. TRUSTEES: INVOLUNTARY APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE

40 TAC §§92.451 - 92.456

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302663

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


8. TRUSTEES: APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE BY AGREEMENT

40 TAC §§92.501 - 92.506

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302664

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


9. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES

40 TAC §§92.551 - 92.595

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302665

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


10. AMELIORATION

40 TAC §§92.601 - 92.616

The new sections are adopted under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247, which authorizes DHS to license and regulate assisted living facilities.

The new sections implement the Health and Safety Code, §§247.001-247.068.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 28, 2003.

TRD-200302666

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Effective date: September 1, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Part 5. TEXAS VETERANS LAND BOARD

Chapter 175. GENERAL RULES OF THE VETERANS LAND BOARD

Subchapter A. GENERAL RULES AND CONTRACTING FINANCING

40 TAC §175.20

The Veterans Land Board of the State of Texas (the "Board") adopts an amendment to Title 40, Part 5, Chapter 175 of the Texas Administrative Code, §175.20 relating to Delinquencies and Forfeiture Procedures, of the General Rules of the Veteran Land Board, without changes to the text as published in the March 14, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2288). The adopted amendment to §175.20(d) makes it clear that the Chairman can reinstate a contract in the name of the last approved assignee if the last approved assignee corrects the reasons for forfeiture and complies with all other Board requirements before the order for sale date. This amendment also allows the chairman to reinstate the contract in the name of the most recently approved assignee if there is more than one person that is eligible to reinstate the contract.

Section 161.317 of the Tex. Nat. Res. Code gives the original purchaser or his vendee the right to reinstate a forfeited contract. The Board finds that the present rule, §175.20(d), does not specifically state that the last approved assignee can reinstate the contract if all past due amounts, penalties, and charges are paid. Also, under the present rule the Board decides which party reinstates a contract if more than one party is eligible to reinstate. The Board finds that it is in the best interest of the program and the public to provide for a fair and orderly manner of resolving contested requests for reinstatement. The Board finds that it is in the best interest of the program and the public if the order of reinstatement is from the most recent approved assignee to the original purchaser. The adopted amendment to §175.20(d) clarifies that the Chairman may reinstate a contract in the name of the last approved assignee. The adopted amendment also allows the Chairman to reinstate a contract in the name of the most recently approved assignee if more than one person is eligible for reinstatement, with no Board review or decision required.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendment.

The amendment to this section is adopted under the Natural Resources Code, Title 7, Chapter 161, §§161.001, 161.061, 161.063, 161.218, 161.222, 161.233, and 161.283. These sections authorize the Board to adopt rules that it considers necessary and advisable for the Land Program.

The adopted amendment affects §161.317 of the Tex. Nat. Res. Code.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 25, 2003.

TRD-200302648

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Texas Veterans Land Board

Effective date: May 15, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129