Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 255.004. Rapid Response Teams

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 255.004. Rapid Response Teams - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/health-and-safety-code/health-safety-sect-255-004/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard