Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
(a) This
section applies in the CDS option to an allegation of abuse, neglect, or
exploitation by a staff person or a controlling person:
(1) when the allegation is reported as
required by § 44.311(c) of this chapter (relating to Provider
Responsibilities Related to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of an
Individual in All CMPAS Service Delivery Options);
(2) when the allegation is reported as
required by §44.442 of this division (relating to Individual
Responsibilities in the CDS Option); or
(3) if a provider or individual is notified
by HHSC of an allegation.
(b) A provider must:
(1) take actions to secure the safety of the
individual, including if necessary, ensuring that the alleged perpetrator does
not have contact with the individual or any other individual receiving services
from the provider until HHSC completes the investigation; and
(2) preserve and protect evidence related to
the allegation.
(c)
During an HHSC investigation of an alleged perpetrator who is a staff person or
controlling person:
(1) a provider must:
(A) cooperate with the investigation as
requested by HHSC, including providing documentation and participating in an
interview;
(B) provide HHSC access
to:
(i) sites owned, operated, or controlled
by the provider;
(ii) individuals,
staff persons, and controlling persons; and
(iii) records pertinent to the investigation
of the allegation; and
(C) ensure that staff persons and controlling
persons comply with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph; and
(2) an individual must:
(A) cooperate with the investigation as
requested by HHSC, including providing documentation and participating in an
interview;
(B) provide HHSC access
to:
(i) attendants and substitute attendants;
and
(ii) records pertinent to the
investigation of the allegation; and
(C) ensure that attendants and substitute
attendants comply with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(d) Within four working days after
receiving an initial intake report for an allegation described in subsection
(a) of this section, a provider must:
(1)
convene an IDT meeting in person or by phone to discuss the report and the
actions the individual has taken or will take to protect the individual during
the HHSC investigation; and
(2)
document in writing any actions that have been or will be taken as a result of
the allegation.
(e)
After a provider receives a final investigative report from HHSC for an
investigation described in subsection (a) of this section, the provider must:
(1) within four working days after receiving
the report, if the report confirms the allegation, contains an inconclusive
finding, or includes concerns and recommendations by HHSC:
(A) convene an IDT meeting in person or by
phone to discuss the content of the report, including any concerns and
recommendations by HHSC; and
(B)
document in writing any actions that have been or will be taken by the
individual as a result of the findings in the report or the concerns and
recommendations by HHSC; and
(2) within five working days after receipt of
the report:
(A) use the report to complete
Form 1719, Notification of Investigatory Findings; and
(B) send the completed form to the alleged
perpetrator; and
(3)
take appropriate action within the provider's authority in response to the HHSC
investigation, including disciplinary action against a staff person confirmed
to have committed abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
(f) A provider must maintain in an
individual's record an initial intake report and a final investigative report
received from HHSC and a completed Form 1719.