Texas Administrative Code
Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Chapter 930 - ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING SERVICES AT STATE FACILITIES
Subchapter A - STATE HOSPITAL ESSENTIAL CAREGIVER
Section 930.5 - Definitions
Current through Reg. 50, No. 13; March 28, 2025
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings.
(1) Adult--An individual who is 18 years of age or older or who is emancipated under the Texas Family Code.
(2) Community Health Risk--Any action or event that places the individuals served by the facility, staff, visitors, or the general public at the chance for or exposure to injury, sickness, or loss. This includes a public safety risk or disaster declaration by government officials.
(3) Day--A calendar day.
(4) Essential Caregiver--A family member, friend, guardian, or other individual a patient or patient's legally authorized representative selects for in-person visits.
(5) HHSC--Texas Health and Human Services Commission, or its designee.
(6) In person--Within the physical presence of another person. In person does not include audiovisual or audio-only communication.
(7) LAR--Legally authorized representative. A person authorized by state law to act on behalf of an individual or patient regarding a matter described by this subchapter, including the parent of a minor child.
(8) Manifestly Dangerous--An individual who, despite receiving appropriate treatment, including treatment targeted to the individual's dangerousness, remains likely to endanger others and requires a maximum-security environment to continue treatment and protect public safety.
(9) Minor--An individual younger than 18 years of age and who has not been emancipated under Chapter 31 of the Texas Family Code.
(10) Ombudsman--The Ombudsman for Behavioral Health Access to Care established by HHSC in accordance with Texas Government Code § 547.0002.
(11) Parent--The biological or adoptive parent, managing conservator, or guardian of a minor.
(12) Patient--An individual receiving services in a state hospital under this subchapter.
(13) Revocation--Action taken to terminate an essential caregiver designation.
(14) State hospital--Texas state hospitals listed under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 552.002, any facilities that HHSC operates as a state hospital, and any contracted state hospital beds funded by HHSC.
(15) Suspension--Temporary prevention of in-person essential caregiver visitation.
