Sec. 247.032. ACCREDITATION SURVEY TO SATISFY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS. (a) In this section, "accreditation commission" means the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), The Joint Commission, or another organization approved by the executive commissioner.

(b) The department shall accept an accreditation survey from an accreditation commission for an assisted living facility instead of an inspection under Section 247.023 or an annual inspection or survey conducted under the authority of Section 247.027, but only if:

(1) the accreditation commission's standards meet or exceed the requirements for licensing of the executive commissioner for an assisted living facility;

(2) the accreditation commission maintains an inspection or survey program that, for each assisted living facility, meets the department's applicable minimum standards as confirmed by the executive commissioner;

(3) the accreditation commission conducts an on-site inspection or survey of the facility at least as often as required by Section 247.023 or 247.027 and in accordance with the department's minimum standards;

(4) the assisted living facility submits to the department a copy of its required accreditation reports to the accreditation commission in addition to the application, the fee, and any report required for renewal of a license;

(5) the inspection or survey results are available for public inspection to the same extent that the results of an investigation or survey conducted under Section 247.023 or 247.027 are available for public inspection; and

(6) the department ensures that the accreditation commission has taken reasonable precautions to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information concerning the residents of the assisted living facility.

(c) The department shall coordinate its licensing activities with each of the accreditation commissions.

(d) Except as specifically provided by this section, this section does not limit the department in performing any power or duty under this chapter or inspection authorized by Section 247.027, including taking appropriate action relating to an assisted living facility, such as suspending or revoking a license, investigating an allegation of abuse, exploitation, or neglect or another complaint, assessing an administrative penalty, or closing the facility.

(e) This section does not require an assisted living facility to obtain accreditation from an accreditation commission.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 579 (H.B. 1558), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2006.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 870 (S.B. 1055), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 917 (H.B. 2972), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.0709, eff. April 2, 2015.