Sec. 255.004.  RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS.  (a)  In this section:
(1)  "Abuse" has the meaning assigned by Section 260A.001.
(2)  "Immediate threat to health and safety" means a situation in which immediate corrective action is necessary because the facility's noncompliance with one or more requirements has caused, or is likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident.
(3)  "Neglect" has the meaning assigned by Section 260A.001.
(a-1)  The department shall create rapid response teams composed of health care experts that can visit a long-term care facility that:
(1)  is identified as high risk through the department's early warning system; or
(2)  if the long-term care facility is a nursing institution, has committed three violations described by Section 242.061(a-1), within a 24-month period, that constitute an immediate threat to health and safety related to the abuse or neglect of a resident.
(a-2)  A long-term care facility shall cooperate with a rapid response team deployed under this section to improve the quality of care provided at the facility.
(b)  Rapid response teams may visit long-term care facilities that request the department's assistance.  A visit under this subsection may not occur before the 60th day after the date of an exit interview following an annual or follow-up survey or inspection.
(c)  The rapid response teams may not be deployed for the purpose of helping a long-term care facility prepare for a regular inspection or survey conducted under Chapter 242, 247, or 252 or in accordance with Chapter 32, Human Resources Code.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1284, Sec. 7.03, eff. June 15, 2001.
Amended by: 
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1142 (S.B. 304), Sec. 4, eff. June 19, 2015.