(a) A person, including a facility owner or employee,
who has cause to believe that a resident of a facility has been or
is being subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation,
verbal or emotional abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as those terms
are defined in Chapter 711 of this title (relating to Investigations
of Individuals Receiving Services from Certain Providers), by a person
other than a resident of the facility, must report the alleged abuse,
neglect, or exploitation to the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (DFPS), as required by Chapter 711 of this title (relating
to Investigations of Individuals Receiving Services from Certain Providers),
by calling 1-800-647-7418.
(b) If the person making the report is not an employee
of the facility, such as a resident or visitor, facility staff must
assist the person in making the report, if necessary.
(c) The facility must assist an HHSC investigator by
preserving and safeguarding evidence of the alleged abuse, neglect,
or exploitation and by ensuring that facility employees are made available
upon request by the investigator.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §551.212 adopted to be effective June 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 4469; transferred effective May 1, 2019, as published in the Texas Register April 12, 2019, 44 TexReg 1883; amended to be effective February 24, 2022, 47 TexReg 787 |