HBA-JRA, NIK H.B. 2914 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2914
By: Pitts
Human Services
4/6/1999
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The purpose of H.B. 2914 is to inform potential consumers of home and
community support services, licensed convalescent and nursing homes, and
other related institutions of the employee drug testing policies of such
organizations and to encourage health care employers to maintain a
drug-free environment.   H.B. 2914 requires agencies that provide home and
community support services, licensed convalescent and nursing homes, and
other related institutions to provide potential consumers with a statement
regarding their employee drug testing policies. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 142, Health and Safety Code, by
adding an appropriately numbered section as follows: 

Sec.____.  Requires the information provided by an agency licensed under
this chapter (Home And Community Support Services) to include a statement
briefly describing the agency's policy regarding drug testing of employees
who have direct contact with clients if a consumer requests information
about or applies for service from the agency. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, by
adding an appropriately numbered section as follows: 

Sec.____.  Requires the information provided by an institution licensed
under this chapter (Convalescent And Nursing Homes And Related
Institutions) to include a statement briefly describing the institution's
policy regarding drug testing of employees who have direct contact with
clients if a consumer requests information about or applies for service
from the institution. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.