Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 546.0602.  PROGRAM PRINCIPLES.  The program must adhere to the following principles:
(1)  the intent of the program is to evaluate, through the operation of pilot projects, whether providing the services of a trained volunteer advocate selected by an elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver is effective in achieving the following goals:
(A)  extend the time the elderly individual can remain in an appropriate home setting;
(B)  maximize the efficiency of services delivered to the elderly individual by focusing on services needed to sustain family caregiving;
(C)  protect the elderly individual by providing a knowledgeable third party to review the quality of care and services delivered to the individual and the care options available to the individual and the individual's family; and
(D)  facilitate communication between the elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver and providers of health care and other services;
(2)  a volunteer advocate curriculum must be maintained that incorporates best practices as determined and recognized by a professional organization recognized in the elder health care field;
(3)  the use of pro bono assistance from qualified professionals must be maximized in modifying the volunteer advocate curriculum and the program;
(4)  trainers must be certified on the ability to deliver training;
(5)  training shall be offered through multiple community-based organizations; and
(6)  participation in the program is voluntary and must be initiated by an elderly individual or the individual's designated caregiver.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.