Governor Abbott Signs Nursing Home 'Three Strikes' Bill

AUSTIN, Texas -- AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson issued the following statement regarding Senate Bill 304, a measure strengthening nursing home regulations that was sponsored by state Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) and which Governor Greg Abbott signed into law on Friday:

“Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature have taken an important step toward providing much-needed improvements in the way the state oversees nursing homes. Senate Bill 304 expresses a clear intent that the state will not tolerate abuse or neglect of nursing home residents in homes licensed by the state.

“While the Legislature could have gone much further this year toward keeping nursing home residents safe by also passing additional and significant reforms offered to them by the Sunset Advisory Commission, all Texans can be very pleased that Senate Bill 304 is in place to limit the harm caused by bad actors in the nursing home business.

“I congratulate Senator Charles Schwertner for having the foresight to champion this valuable legislation, and I congratulate Governor Abbott and the entire Texas Legislature for understanding its importance.”

Known as the Three Strikes Rule bill, Senate Bill 304 requires the Department of Aging and Disability Services to revoke the operating license of nursing homes cited for the most severe violations three times within 24 months. The Texas Senate approved SB 304 on a 30-0 vote and it was approved 138-1 in the Texas House of Representatives. The new law takes effect Sept. 1, 2016

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Governor Abbott Signs Nursing Home 'Three Strikes' Bill