Legislative Work
TALA is committed to ensuring that assisted living’s voice is heard at the Texas Capitol and by state regulators.
TALA monitors and aggressively advocates to protect and promote the interest of assisted living in Texas through legislative initiatives. During the recent 87th Legislative Session, TALA worked with key legislators to pass a pandemic-related limited liability shield for assisted living communities (Senate Bill 6), to close a background check loophole for new employees moving to Texas from another state (SB 271), and to defend against new mandates.
During the 87th Legislative session, TALAL also provided input and impacted other legislation that will affect assisted living communities. To see what passed and what did not, please view the “Impactful Legislative Summary.”
Grass Roots Development
Having people at the Capitol informed about assisted living issues gives us an edge during the legislative session. Getting legislators and their staff out to your Texas communities helps them understand the incredible work that assisted living providers are doing and understand the challenges you face.
Please contact TALA if you would like to host a legislator for a tour or invite them to an event at your community.
On the Regulatory Horizon
The Health and Human Services Commission is the primary regulatory agency for assisted living communities in Texas. The Long-Term Care Regulatory division within the state agency leads the development of regulations, publishes provider letters for clarification, and oversees on-site surveyors in regulated long-term care facilities. TALA provides the Long-Term Care Regulatory staff with feedback on proposed changes, and we monitor communications from the Health and Human Services Commission for potential impact to our members and the assisted living industry as a whole.
Responding to and preventing the spread of COVID-19 continues to be the most pressing issue impacting assisted living communities. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has shifted its short-term focus to address related provider and resident concerns. As communities move from emergency response into longer-term mitigation and re-establishment of normalcy, TALA expects the Long-Term Care Regulatory division to do the same. TALA will continue to send out proposed rule changes for feedback and general awareness through our frequent e-blast and member communications.