Texas Administrative Code, Title 40 (selections)

Social Services and Assistance

Chapter 749 Subchapter A

§749.1: What is the purpose of this chapter?

The purpose of this chapter is to set forth the rules that apply to child-placing agencies.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3: Who is responsible for complying with the rules of this chapter?

The permit holder must ensure compliance with all rules of this chapter at all times, with the exception of those rules identified for specific types of services that your agency does not offer. For example, if we grant you a permit to offer adoption services only, you do not have to comply with rules that apply to foster care services; however, you must comply with all other rules of this chapter.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter B

Division 1

§749.41: What do certain pronouns mean in this chapter?

The following words have the following meanings in this chapter:

(1) I, my, you, and your--An applicant or permit holder, unless otherwise stated.

(2) We, us, our, and Licensing--The Licensing Division of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.41 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.43: What do certain words and terms mean in this chapter?

The words and terms used in this chapter have the meanings assigned to them under Â§745.21 of this title (relating to What do the following words and terms mean when used in this chapter?), unless another meaning is assigned in this section or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The following words and terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Accredited college or university--An institution of higher education accredited by one of the following:

(A) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges;

(B) Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education;

(D) North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission;

(E) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities;

(F) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities; or

(G) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

(2) Activity space--An area or room used for child activities.

(3) Adaptive functioning--Refers to how effectively a person copes with common life demands and how well the person meets standards of personal independence expected of someone in his particular age group, socio-cultural background, and community setting.

(4) Adoption record--All information received by the child-placing agency that bears the child's name or pertains to the child, including any information about the birth parents and adoptive parents, is considered to be part of the adoption record.

(5) Adult--A person 18 years old or older.

(6) Caregiver--A caregiver:

(A) Is a person counted in the child/caregiver ratio, including employees, foster parents, contract service providers, and volunteers, whose duties include direct care, supervision, guidance, and protection of a child in care. This includes any person that is solely responsible for a child. For example, a child-placement staff that takes a child on an appointment or doctor's visit is considered a caregiver.

(B) Does not include babysitters or respite child-care providers who are not:

(i) Verified foster parents;

(ii) Licensed foster parents; or

(iii) Agency employees.

(i) Provides a specific type of service to your agency for a limited number of hours per week or month; or

(ii) Works with one particular child.

(7) Certified fire inspector--Person certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to conduct fire inspections.

(8) Child/caregiver ratio--The maximum number of children for whom one caregiver can be responsible.

(9) Child in care--A child or a young adult who has been placed by a child-placing agency in a foster or adoptive home, regardless of whether the child is temporarily away from the home, as in the case of a child at school or at work or receiving respite child-care services. Unless a child has been discharged from the child-placing agency, he is considered a child in care.

(10) Child passenger safety seat system--An infant or child passenger restraint system that meets the federal standards for crash-tested restraint systems as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(11) Counseling--A procedure used by professionals from various disciplines in guiding individuals, families, groups, and communities by such activities as delineating alternatives, helping to articulate goals, processing feelings and options, and providing needed information. This definition does not include career counseling.

(12) Days--Calendar days, unless otherwise stated.

(13) De-escalation--Strategies used to defuse a volatile situation, to assist a child to regain behavioral control, and to avoid a physical restraint or other behavioral intervention.

(14) Department--The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

(15) Discipline--A form of guidance that is constructive or educational in nature and appropriate to the child's age, development, situation, and severity of the behavior.

(16) Disinfecting solution--A disinfecting solution may be:

(A) A self-made solution, prepared as follows:

(i) One tablespoon of regular strength liquid household chlorine bleach to each gallon of water used for disinfecting such items as toys, eating utensils, and nonporous surfaces (such as tile, metal, and hard plastics); or

(ii) One-fourth cup of regular strength liquid household chlorine bleach to each gallon of water used for disinfecting surfaces such as bathrooms, crib rails, diaper-changing tables, and porous surfaces, such as wood, rubber or soft plastics; or

(B) A commercial product that meets the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) standards for "hospital grade" germicides (solutions that kill germs) that you must use according to label directions.

(17) Emergency Behavior Intervention--Interventions used in an emergency situation, including personal restraints, mechanical restraints, emergency medication, and seclusion.

(18) Family applicants--All residents, part- or full-time, of a household that are being considered for verification as an agency foster home or approved as an adoptive home.

(19) Family members--An individual related to another individual within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity. For the definitions of consanguinity and affinity, see Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Licensing). The degree of the relationship is computed as described in Government Code, Â§573.023 (relating to Computation of Degree of Consanguinity) and Â§573.025 (relating to Computation of Degree of Affinity).

(20) Food service--The preparation or serving of meals or snacks.

(21) Foster family home--A home that is the primary residence of the foster parent(s) and provides care for six or fewer children or young adults, under the regulation of a child-placing agency.

(22) Foster group home--An operation verified:

(A) After January 1, 2007, that is the primary residence of the foster parent(s) and provides care for seven to 12 children or young adults, under the regulation of a child-placing agency; or

(B) Prior to January 1, 2007, that provides care for seven to 12 children or young adults, under the regulation of a child-placing agency.

(23) Foster home--As referred to in this chapter means both types of homes, foster family homes and foster group homes.

(24) Foster home screening--A written evaluation, prior to the placement of a child in a foster home, of the:

(A) Prospective foster parent(s);

(B) Family of the prospective foster parent(s); and

(25) Foster parent--A person who provides foster care services in the foster home.

(26) Full-time--At least 30 hours per week.

(27) Garbage--Food or items that when deteriorating cause offensive odors and/or attract rodents, insects, and other pests.

(28) Health-care professional--A licensed physician, licensed registered nurse with appropriate advanced practice authorization from the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), a licensed registered nurse (RN), or other licensed medical personnel providing health care to the child within the scope of his license. This does not include medical doctors or medical personnel not licensed to practice in the United States.

(29) Human services field--A field of study that contains coursework in the social sciences of psychology and social work including some counseling classes focusing on normal and abnormal human development and interpersonal relationship skills from an accredited college or university. Coursework in guidance counseling does not apply.

(30) Immediate danger--A situation where a prudent person would conclude that bodily harm would occur if there were no immediate interventions. Immediate danger includes a serious risk of suicide, serious physical injury, or the probability of bodily harm resulting from a child running away if under 10 years old chronologically or developmentally. Immediate danger does not include:

(A) Harm that might occur over time or at a later time; or

(B) Verbal threats or verbal attacks.

(31) Infant--A child from birth through 17 months.

(32) Livestock--An animal raised for human consumption or an equine animal.

(33) Living quarters--A structure or part of a structure where a group of children reside, such as a building, house, cottage, or unit.

(34) Long-term placement--A placement intended to last for more than 90 days.

(35) Master record--The compilation of all required records for a specific person or home, such as a master personnel record, master case record for a child, or a master case record for a foster or adoptive home.

(36) Non-ambulatory--A child that is only able to move from place to place with assistance, such as a walker, crutches, a wheelchair, or prosthetic leg.

(37) Non-mobile--A child that is not able to move from place to place, even with assistance.

(38) Person legally authorized to give consent--The person legally authorized to give consent by the Texas Family Code or a person authorized by the court.

(39) Physical force--Pressure applied to a child's body that reduces or eliminates the child's ability to move freely.

(40) Post-adoptive services--Services available through the child-placing agency (direct or on referral) to birth and adoptive parents and the adoptive child after the adoption is consummated. Examples include counseling, maintaining a registry if a central registry is not used, providing pertinent, new medical information to birth or adoptive parents, or providing the adult adoptee a copy of his record upon request.

(41) Post-placement report--A written evaluation of the assessments and interviews, after the adoptive placement of the child, regarding the:

(A) Child;

(B) Prospective adoptive parent(s);

(D) Environment of the prospective adoptive parent(s) and their family; and

(E) Adjustment of all individuals to the placement.

(42) Pre-adoptive home screening--A written evaluation, prior to the placement of a child in an adoptive home, of the:

(A) Prospective adoptive parent(s);

(B) Family of the prospective adoptive parents; and

(C) Environment of the adoptive parents and their family in relation to their ability to meet the needs of a child, and if a child has been identified for adoption, the needs of that particular child.

(43) PRN--A standard order or prescription that applies "pro re nata" or "as needed according to circumstances."

(44) Professional service provider--Refers to:

(A) A child placement management staff or person qualified to assist in child placing activity;

(B) A psychiatrist licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners;

(D) A master's level social worker or higher licensed by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners;

(E) A professional counselor licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors;

(F) A marriage and family therapist licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists; and

(G) Other professional employees in fields such as drug counseling, nursing, special education, vocational counseling, pastoral counseling, and education who may be included in the professional staffing plan for your agency that provides treatment services if the professional's responsibilities are appropriate to the scope of the agency's program description. These professionals must have the minimum qualifications generally recognized in the professional's area of specialization.

(45) Re-evaluation--Includes an assessment of all factors required for the initial evaluation only for the purpose of determining if any substantive changes have occurred. If substantive changes have occurred, these areas must be fully evaluated.

(46) Regularly--On a recurring, scheduled basis.

(47) Sanitize--A four-step process that must be followed in the subsequent order:

(A) Washing with water and soap;

(B) Rinsing with clear water;

(C) Soaking in or spraying on a disinfecting solution for at least 10 minutes. Rinsing with cool water only those items that a child is likely to place in his mouth; and

(D) Allowing the surface or article to air-dry.

(48) School-age child--A child who is five years old or older and who will attend school in August or September of that year.

(49) Seat belt--A lap belt and any shoulder strap included as original equipment on or added to a motor vehicle.

(50) Service plan--A plan that identifies a child's basic and specific needs and how those needs will be met.

(51) State or local fire inspector--A fire official designated by the city, county, or state government.

(52) State or local sanitation official--A sanitation official designated by the city, county, or state government that is trained in sanitary science to perform duties relating to education and inspections in environmental sanitation.

(53) Substantial bodily harm--Physical injury serious enough that a prudent person would conclude that the injury required professional medical attention. It does not include minor bruising, the risk of minor bruising, or similar forms of minor bodily harm that will resolve healthily without professional medical attention.

(54) Toddler--A child from 18 months through 35 months old.

(55) Treatment director--The person responsible for the overall treatment program providing treatment services. A treatment director may have other responsibilities and may designate treatment director responsibilities to other qualified persons.

(56) Universal precautions--An approach to infection control where all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood-borne pathogens.

(57) Volunteer--A person who provides services:

(A) Child-care services, treatment services, or programmatic services under the auspices of the agency without monetary compensation, including a "sponsoring family;" or

(B) Any type of services under the auspices of the agency without monetary compensation when the person has unsupervised access to a child in care.

(58) Water activities--Activities related to the use of splashing pools, wading pools, swimming pools, or other bodies of water.

(59) Young adult--An adult whose chronological age is between 18 and 22 years, who is currently in a residential child-care agency, and who continues to need child-care services.

Division 2

§749.61: What types of services does Licensing regulate?

We regulate the following types of services:

(1) Child-Care Services--Services that meet a child's basic need for shelter, nutrition, clothing, nurture, socialization and interpersonal skills, care for personal health and hygiene, supervision, education, and service planning;

(2) Treatment Services--In addition to child-care services, a specialized type of child-care services designed to treat and/or support children with:

(A) Emotional Disorders, such as mood disorders, psychotic disorders, or dissociative disorders, and who demonstrate three or more of the following:

(i) A Global Assessment Functioning of 50 or below;

(ii) A current DSM diagnosis;

(iii) Major self-injurious actions, including recent suicide attempts;

(iv) Difficulties that present a significant risk of harm to self or others, including frequent or unpredictable physical aggression; or

(v) A primary diagnosis of substance abuse or dependency and severe impairment because of the substance abuse;

(B) Mental Retardation, who have an intellectual functioning of 70 or below and are characterized by prominent, significant deficits and pervasive impairment in one or more of the following areas:

(i) Conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills to include daily living and self care;

(ii) Communication, cognition, or expressions of affect;

(iii) Self-care activities or participation in social activities;

(iv) Responding appropriately to an emergency; or

(v) Multiple physical disabilities, including sensory impairments;

(C) Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is a category of disorders (e.g. Autistic Disorder or Rett's Disorder) characterized by prominent, severe deficits and pervasive impairment in one or more of the following areas of development:

(i) Conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills to include daily living and self care;

(ii) Communication, cognition, or expressions of affect;

(iii) Self-care activities or participation in social activities;

(iv) Responding appropriately to an emergency; and

(v) Multiple physical disabilities including sensory impairments; or

(D) Primary Medical Needs, who cannot live without mechanical supports or the services of others because of non-temporary, life-threatening conditions, including the:

(i) Inability to maintain an open airway without assistance. This does not include the use of inhalers for asthma;

(ii) Inability to be fed except through a feeding tube, gastric tube, or a parenteral route;

(iii) Use of sterile techniques or specialized procedures to promote healing, prevent infection, prevent cross-infection or contamination, or prevent tissue breakdown; or

(iv) Multiple physical disabilities including sensory impairments; and

(3) Additional Programmatic Services, which include:

(A) Transitional Living Program--A residential services program designed to serve children 14 years old or older for whom the service or treatment goal is basic life skills development toward independent living. A transitional living program includes basic life skills training and the opportunity for children to practice those skills. A transitional living program is not an independent living program;

(B) Assessment Services Program--Services to provide an initial evaluation of the appropriate placement for a child to ensure that appropriate information is obtained in order to facilitate service planning; and

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.61 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.63: Can I provide each type of service that Licensing regulates?

You may provide each type of service that we regulate under the following conditions:

(1) On your permit, we list the type of service that you have been approved to provide; and

(2) Your operational policies and procedures ensure:

(A) Children are admitted appropriately;

(B) The needs of all children in care are met;

(D) Children are protected from one another, if appropriate; and

(E) You meet the applicable rules of this chapter.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.63 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.65: What children are eligible to participate in a transitional living program?

(a) For a child to be eligible to participate in a transitional living program, the child must be 14 years old or older.

(b) For a child to be eligible to receive the level of caregiver supervision described in Â§749.2597 of this title (relating to Where must the caregivers reside in order to supervise children who are in a transitional living program?), the child must be 16 years old or older.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.65 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.67: What are the requirements for a transitional living program?

A transitional living program must have a training program for children that demonstrates competency in the following areas:

(1) Health, general safety, and fire safety practices;

(2) Money management;

(3) Transportation skills;

(4) Accessing community and other resources; and

(5) Child health and safety, child development, and parenting skills, if the child is a parent of a child living with him.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.67 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.69: What is an "independent living program"?

An "independent living program" is a program that provides case management services to a child who lives independently, without supervision and child/caregiver ratio, and the constant presence of an on-site caregiver.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.69 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.71: May I have an independent living program?

Your agency may not provide an independent living program for a child in care under 18 years old.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.71 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter C

Division 1

§749.101: What are my responsibilities as the permit holder before I begin operating?

Before you begin operating, you are responsible for:

(1) Ensuring that your agency is legally established to operate within Texas and complying with all applicable statutes;

(2) Establishing the governing body of the agency;

(3) Having a governing body that is responsible for, and has authority over, the agency's policies and activities;

(4) Having policies that clearly state the responsibilities of the governing body;

(5) Developing operational policies and procedures that comply with or exceed the rules specified in this chapter, Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code, Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Licensing), and other applicable laws;

(6) Developing and providing us your plan for ensuring that:

(A) We are informed of any changes in:

(i) The location of all agency records, offices and agency homes;

(ii) Agency home verification; and

(iii) Your written professional staffing plan;

(B) Agency homes meet all applicable rules of this chapter prior to verification;

(C) Upon our request, you investigate reports of rules violations in a timely manner and submit reports of your agency's actions and findings to us for our review, follow-up, and closure;

(D) Your child placement management staff conduct or review and sign off on all investigations completed by your agency;

(E) Your child placement management staff submits an investigation report to your agency's Licensing representative within 30 days of the request from Licensing; and

(F) You evaluate the effectiveness of your system for meeting rules of this chapter and describe the process your agency will use to address problems that your evaluation system identifies.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.101 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.103: What are my operational responsibilities as the permit holder?

When you begin operating, you must:

(1) Designate a full-time child-placing agency administrator who meets minimum qualifications of Â§749.631 of this title (relating to What qualifications must a child-placing agency administrator meet?);

(2) Operate according to the written policies and procedures adopted by the governing body;

(3) Maintain current, accurate, and complete master records;

(4) Ensure that all required documentation is true, current, accurate, and complete;

(5) Allow us to inspect your child-placing agency during its hours of operation;

(6) Allow us to inspect or monitor one of your foster homes at any time;

(7) Conduct ongoing evaluations of verified foster homes, including documentation of unmet rules of this chapter and correction of all deficiencies;

(8) Display your permit at your agency and a copy at any branch office;

(9) Observe the conditions of your permit;

(10) Not offer unrelated types of services that conflict or interfere with the best interests of a child in care, a caregiver's responsibilities, or space in the homes. If you offer more than one type of service, you must determine and document that no conflict exists;

(11) Maintain liability insurance as required by the Human Resources Code, Â§42.049;

(12) Comply with Chapters 42 and 43 of the Human Resources Code and all other applicable laws and rules of the Texas Administrative Code;

(13) Not act as an agent for unlicensed agencies, institutions, or individuals;

(14) Prior to implementing any changes, inform us of any changes to the plan you developed under Â§749.101 of this title (relating to What are my responsibilities as the permit holder before I begin operating?);

(15) Prepare the annual budget and control expenditures to ensure needs of the children are met;

(16) Ensure that no member of the governing body, member of the executive committee, management staff, or employee is listed as a sustained controlling person; and

(17) Notify us that you are relocating your child-placing agency at least 15 days prior to the move.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.103 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.105: What responsibilities do I have for personnel policies and procedures?

You must:

(1) Develop a written organizational chart showing the administrative, professional, and staffing structures and lines of authority;

(2) Develop written job descriptions, including minimum qualifications and job responsibilities for each position;

(3) Develop written policies on the training requirements for employees and caregivers;

(4) Ensure that personnel policies comply with personnel requirements outlined in Subchapter F of Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Background Checks);

(5) Ensure your employees report serious incidents and suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation as required by the Family Code, Â§261.401;

(6) Ensure that all employees and consulting, contracting, and volunteer professionals who work with a child and others with access to information about a child are informed in writing of their responsibility to maintain child confidentiality; and

(7) Either adopt the model drug testing policy or have a written drug testing policy that meets or exceeds the criteria in the model policy provided in Â§745.4151 of this title (relating to What drug testing policy must my residential child-care operation have?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.105 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.107: What must my conflict of interest policies include?

Your conflict of interest policies must include a:

(1) Code of conduct on the relationship between employees, contract service providers, children in placement, foster and adoptive parents, and children's families;

(2) Statement that it is a conflict of interest for any of the following people or relatives of any of the following to be verified as a foster parent or approved as an adoptive parent of the agency: any current owner, member of the governing body, executive director, or any other employee or contract service provider of your agency; and

(3) Code of conduct on the relationship between your agency's owners, members of the governing body, employees, and prospective and current foster and adoptive parents, including required parameters for entering into independent financial relationships or transactions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.107 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.131: What are the specific responsibilities of the governing body?

(a) The governing body is responsible for:

(1) Ensuring the agency remains fiscally sound;

(2) Overseeing and ensuring the management of the agency's services and programs in compliance with your policies;

(3) Approving and having authority over the agency's operational policies and activities which must comply with rules of this chapter;

(4) Complying with the law, including Chapters 42 and 43 of the Human Resources Code, the applicable rules of this chapter, and other applicable rules in the Texas Administrative Code;

(5) Ensuring that the majority of the voting members of the governing body consist of persons who do not have a conflict of interest that would potentially interfere with objective decision making. Persons who have such a conflict of interest include the following:

(A) Family members of:

(i) An officer;

(ii) A director; or

(iii) A person with a controlling interest in the entity's stock; or

(B) If the governing body is a non-profit entity, persons who benefit financially from the operation, including but not limited to persons employed by or working at the operation, paid consultants, subcontractors, or vendors.

(6) Carrying out governing body responsibilities assigned in the agency's policies and procedures.

(b) Regarding subsection (a)(5) of this section:

(1) Operations granted a permit by us before January 1, 2007, have two years to comply with this paragraph; and

(2) Operations granted a permit by us after January 1, 2007, have two years from the date the operation is licensed by us to comply with this paragraph.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.131 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective September 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 6607

§749.133: After a permit has been issued, what subsequent information regarding my governing body must I provide to Licensing, and when must I provide it?

You must provide to us in writing any change in:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.133 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.161: What are my general fiscal requirements?

(a) You must establish and maintain your agency on a sound fiscal basis.

(b) You must maintain complete financial records.

(c) If you provide adoption services, you must have a fee policy that clearly describes what fees you charge and what services the fees cover. We must approve your fee policy.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.161 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.163: What are my specific fiscal requirements?

You must:

(1) Submit documentation to us of a 12-month budget of income and expenses with the application for a new permit;

(2) Submit documentation to us of reserve funds or available credit at least equal to operating costs for the first three months of operation with the application for a new permit;

(3) Have predictable funds sufficient for the first year of operation;

(4) Demonstrate at all times that you have or will have sufficient funds to provide appropriate services for all children in your care; and

(5) Account for a child's money separately from the funds of your agency and the foster home. No child's personal earnings, allowances, or gifts may be used to pay for the child's room and board, unless such a use is a part of the child's service plan and the child's parent approves it in writing. You must give or send the child's money to the child, parent, or next placement within 30 days of the child's discharge.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.163 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.165: How often must I have a professional audit?

You must have a professional audit completed annually and make it available for our review.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.165 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.191: What type of financial report must I submit to Licensing if I provide adoption services?

(a) You must submit an annual financial report to us on a form that we provide. The report must include:

(1) Information on adoption-related income from all sources, including the source of the income and the amount; and

(2) Adoption-related agency expenses, including the expense category and the category detail.

(b) You must submit the financial report to us within 60 days of the end of your agency's fiscal year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.191 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.193: May I make payments for adoption referrals?

No, you may not make any payments for adoption referrals.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.193 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.195: What types of fees may I collect prior to the completion and approval of a home study?

You may only accept reasonable application fees, home study fees, and fees for education and training of the prospective adoptive parents prior to the completion of the home study.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.195 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.197: For adoption services, what fee policies must I have?

(a) For adoption services, you must have an adoption fee or adoption fee schedule that you apply to all clients. The policy must include the type of expenditures you will meet for birth parents and whether you will do so through an overall fee, pass-through expenses, or some combination. Policies on pass-through expenses must comply with all requirements listed in Â§749.273 of this title (relating to What must I do if I pass through expenses to adoptive families?).

(b) If you charge additional fees, your policy must explain clearly what the fees cover.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.197 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.199: Must I charge the same fees for all adoptions?

No, you are not required to charge the same fees for all adoptions. The fee or fee schedule may take into consideration relevant factors such as adoptive placement of children considered to be hard to place. You may also have a sliding scale fee schedule. The parameters of any differential fee schedules must be specified and equally applied.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.199 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.231: What financial assistance may I provide for a birth mother?

(a) You may provide financial assistance to a birth mother to meet her reasonable and necessary living expenses and legal costs.

(b) Reasonable and necessary living expenses include:

(1) Housing expenses;

(2) Necessary utilities, such as electric, water, or telephone bills;

(3) Food for the birth mother and her minor children that are living with her;

(4) Travel expenses for transportation necessary to support the pregnancy, such as gasoline or bus fares to medical appointments or the grocery store;

(5) Medical costs; and

(6) Child-care or foster care while a birth mother is hospitalized or unable to care for her children.

(1) Any expenses met by a birth mother's existing resources;

(2) Any expenses supporting other family members, with the exception of the birth mother's minor children who are living with her;

(3) Any expenses for recreational and leisure activities; or

(4) The purchase of an automobile.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.231 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.233: During what period of time may I provide financial assistance to a birth mother?

Financial assistance may only be provided:

(1) During the time of the pregnancy; and

(2) After the pregnancy, during the time the birth mother requires inpatient or outpatient postpartum care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.233 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.235: How do I determine the birth mother's need for financial assistance?

(a) You must review the birth mother's financial resources.

(b) Your evaluation must include an evaluation of family support, medical insurance, and other resources available.

(c) The evaluation must justify a payment you make for the birth mother's reasonable and necessary living expenses and legal costs related to the adoption and, if applicable, post partum care.

(d) You must document the evaluation and provide a copy to the birth mother.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.235 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.237: How do I document financial assistance that I provide for a birth mother?

(a) You must document financial assistance that you provide for the birth mother through receipts.

(b) A receipt must include the date, payee identification, purpose of payment, and documentation that the funds were expended for services rendered or goods provided for the birth mother.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.237 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.239: May I provide cash payments to birth mothers?

(a) For reasonable and necessary living expenses, you may provide cash payments to birth mothers to cover the cost of day-to-day routine purchases, such as food, household supplies, personal hygiene or grooming items, and gasoline or public transportation if your policies:

(1) State when and for what purpose you can make cash payments to a birth mother;

(2) Establish a maximum amount per category, per time period, based on the current rates in the community in which the care is provided; and

(3) Require you to obtain documentation from a birth mother acknowledging receipt of the payments.

(b) Each cash disbursement may cover a period of up to one month.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.239 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.241: If a birth mother decides not to relinquish a child for adoption, may I require her to repay my agency or the adoptive parent for expenses and services incurred?

(a) No, you may not require a birth mother to repay you for expenses and/or services incurred.

(b) You must inform a birth mother of this policy in writing upon establishing any formal relationship between your agency and a birth mother and post it in the agency's offices in a place routinely visible to birth mothers. The written policy provided to the birth mother must be in a language spoken and read by the birth mother.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.241 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.243: May I provide foster care services free of charge or at a reduced rate to a birth mother that needs time to make a decision about adoptive placement?

Yes, as long as the foster care services provided free of charge or at a reduced rate are not contingent upon the relinquishment of the child for adoption, you may provide the foster care services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.243 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.245: If a birth mother's needs are met through existing resources, can I disrupt that arrangement?

(a) If a birth mother's needs are met through an existing resource, you must not, by action or advice, disrupt that unless your child placement management staff determines that it is in the best interest of the birth mother and her child that other arrangements be made based on documented proof that her current living situation impacts the basic health or safety of the birth parent or the child, including psychological or emotional abuse. For example, if family members are providing housing at no cost to a birth mother, your agency may not advise the birth mother to move to an apartment for which your agency would pay rent.

(b) This rule applies to any kind of financial assistance.

(c) You must document the impact and determination of best interest before any arrangements are made and/or expenses are paid.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.245 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.271: May I require adoptive families to reimburse me for expenses incurred by the birth mother?

(a) You may pass through to the adoptive parents certain expenses that:

(1) You incur on behalf of the birth mother; or

(2) The birth mother incurs.

(b) You cannot pass through expenses for medical or other services that were met through a birth mother's insurance company or some other source or that were provided free to the birth mother.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.271 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.273: What must I do if I pass through expenses to adoptive families?

You must meet the following requirements if you pass through the birth mother's expenses to adoptive families:

(1) Your fee policy must include a complete description of the types of expenses that you may pass through to adoptive families.

(2) The fee policy must comply with the financial assistance requirements in Division 5 of this subchapter (relating to Financial Assistance to Birth Mothers).

(3) You must prepare an individual report for each case where you pass through expenses to the adoptive family. The report must be organized by expense category and include the date, amount, and a description of each expenditure. You must give the report to the adoptive family. The report must be available for our review.

(4) If requested by an adoptive parent, you must provide an itemized list of how pass though money was expended and if there is a surplus.

(5) With the exception of unforeseeable medical and legal expenses, you must provide to the adoptive family a written estimate of the pass-through expenses you anticipate will be associated with the adoption. You must provide this estimate before the adoptive family makes any financial commitment to the placement.

(6) If you exceed the estimated expenses by more than 10%, you must obtain acknowledgement and agreement in writing from the adoptive parents that they will incur the additional expenses. If you cannot reach an agreement with the adoptive parents, you must incur the additional expenses.

(7) If there is a surplus of pass through money, you must refund the surplus back to the adoptive parents.

(8) You must inform the adoptive family, in writing, that:

(A) A birth mother may choose not to relinquish a child for adoption; and

(B) You are prohibited from seeking repayment from that birth mother for expenses incurred in providing adoption services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.273 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.301: What is a branch office?

(a) A branch office is anywhere the child placement staff and child master records or foster/adoptive home master records are located.

(b) You may operate a branch office if you:

(1) Maintain compliance with the rules of this chapter; and

(2) Are in good standing with us.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.301 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.303: What must I do before opening a branch office?

At least 30 days prior to the opening of a branch office, you must provide us the following information with your request to amend your license:

(1) The address, telephone numbers (if available), and office hours for the branch office;

(2) The name, qualifications, and contact information of the administrative staff person who will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the branch office;

(3) The name(s), qualifications, and contact information of the child placement management staff that will be responsible for child-placing activities of the branch office;

(4) The name(s) and qualifications of other employees who will be involved in child-placing activities at the branch office; and

(5) A written plan describing how child placement staff will supervise child-placement activities provided from the branch office. The plan must describe:

(A) Who will be responsible for the on-going supervision and support to the employees;

(B) How often there will be in-person contact and supervision of the employees;

(D) How employees will be provided with reasonable access to their supervisor(s).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.303 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 8

§749.331: What are the general requirements for my agency's policies?

(a) The requirements for policies only apply to the agency's policies that are required or governed by this chapter.

(b) The policies that we require must be written and they must indicate the approval of the governing body, date of approval, and effective date.

(d) All employees and caregivers must be made aware of and follow your policies and procedures. A copy of your policies and procedures must be maintained at the agency and available for review by an employee or caregiver.

(e) All policies must be available for review by our staff and your clients, upon request.

(f) You must report any significant change to the policies to us at least seven days before implementing the change.

(g) You must maintain copies of all current and previous policies for at least two years.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.331 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.333: What are the requirements for my admission policies?

(a) Your admission policies must:

(1) Have a program statement that describes the program's goals, the services provided, and the population of children served by the program;

(2) Describe the specific characteristics of children the program will serve, such as the age range, gender, and needs of children served; and

(3) Indicate whether you will admit children on an emergency basis.

(b) If you provide treatment services, you must have admission policies describing the emotional disorders, mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorders, or primary medical needs that your program is designed to treat.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.333 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.335: What information must my placement policy contain?

Your placement policy must describe how you will:

(1) Ensure that your agency will not place a child before determining that foster care and/or adoption is appropriate for the child;

(2) Match a child with a foster and/or adoptive home to ensure that the child's needs are met;

(3) Make every effort to place siblings together and document when it is necessary to separate siblings groups; and

(4) Ensure contact between siblings is maintained when siblings are not placed together or document why contact is not appropriate for one or more of the siblings.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.335 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.337: What policies must I provide to the person placing the child?

(a) You must give copies of the following policies to the person legally authorized to place the child:

(1) Fee policies;

(2) Emergency behavior intervention policies;

(3) Discipline policies;

(4) Treatment services policies, if the child is receiving treatment; and

(5) Adoption policies, if applicable.

(b) Upon request you must make available to the person legally authorized to place the child any other policies that are required by us.

(c) The policies listed in subsection (a) of this section must also be made available to employees, contract staff, foster parents, and adoptive parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.337 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.339: What child-care policies must I develop?

You must develop policies that describe:

(1) Visitation rights between the child and family members and the child and friends;

(2) The child's rights to correspond by mail with family members and friends, including any policies regarding mail restrictions and receipt of electronic mail;

(3) The child's rights to correspond by telephone with family members and friends;

(4) The child's rights to receive and give gifts to family, friends, staff or caregivers, or other children in care, including any restrictions on gifts;

(5) Personal possessions a child is or is not allowed to have;

(6) Emergency behavior intervention techniques if the use of emergency behavior intervention is permitted in your agency. If its use is not permitted, you must have a policy disallowing its use;

(7) Discipline policies including techniques and methods for ensuring the appropriateness of discipline techniques used with a child. These policies and procedures must:

(A) Guide employees and caregivers in methods used for discipline of a child in care;

(B) Include measures for positive responses to appropriate behavior;

(D) Emphasize the importance of nurturing behavior, stimulation, and promptly meeting the child's needs;

(8) Any religious program or activity that you offer, including whether children are required to participate in religious activities with caregivers or staff;

(9) The plans for meeting the educational needs of each child;

(10) When trips with caregivers away from the home are allowed and what protocols will be used;

(11) Program expectations and rules that apply to all children;

(12) Child grievance procedures;

(13) The types and frequency of reports to parents;

(14) Procedures for routine and emergency diagnosis and treatment of medical and dental problems;

(15) Routine health care relating to pregnancy and childbirth, if you admit and/or care for a pregnant child;

(16) Your plan for providing health-care services to a child with primary medical needs;

(17) Transitional living policies, if applicable; and

(18) If applicable, the policy required by Â§749.2961(a)(2) of this title (relating to Are weapons, firearms, explosive materials, and projectiles permitted in a foster home?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.339 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.341: What emergency behavior intervention policies must I develop if the use of emergency behavior intervention is permitted in my foster homes?

At a minimum, you must develop emergency behavior intervention policies to implement the requirements in Subchapter L of this chapter (relating to Foster Care Services: Emergency Behavior Intervention). The policies must include the following:

(1) A complete description of emergency behavior interventions that you permit caregivers to use;

(2) The specific techniques that caregivers can use;

(3) The qualifications for caregivers who assume the responsibility for emergency behavior intervention implementation, including required experience and training, and an evaluation component for determining when a specific caregiver meets the requirements of a caregiver qualified in emergency behavior intervention. You must have an on-going program to evaluate caregivers qualified in emergency behavior intervention and the use of emergency behavior interventions;

(4) Your requirements for and restrictions on the use of permitted emergency behavior interventions;

(5) How you will meet the following requirements:

(A) During admission, explain and document the following to a child in a manner that the child can understand:

(i) Who can use an emergency behavior intervention;

(ii) The actions a caregiver must first attempt to defuse the situation and avoid the use of emergency behavior intervention;

(iii) The situations in which emergency behavior intervention may be used;

(iv) The types of emergency behavior intervention you authorize;

(v) When the use of an emergency behavior intervention must cease;

(vi) What action the child must exhibit to be released from the emergency behavior intervention;

(vii) The way to report an inappropriate emergency behavior intervention;

(viii) The way to provide voluntary comments on any emergency behavior intervention; and

(ix) The process for making comments on any emergency behavior intervention, such as comments regarding the incident that led to the emergency behavior intervention, the manner in which a caregiver intervened, and the manner in which the child was the subject or to which they were a witness. You may create a standardized form that is easily accessible or give children the permission to submit comments on regular paper; and

(B) At admission, requirements for obtaining each child's input on preferred de-escalation techniques that caregivers can use to assist the child in the de-escalation process, and revisiting this information with the child and caregivers during each post emergency behavior intervention discussion;

(6) Requirement that caregivers must attempt less restrictive and less intrusive emergency behavior interventions as preventive measures and de-escalating interventions to avoid the need for the use of emergency behavior intervention;

(7) Training for emergency behavior intervention. The policy must include a description of the emergency behavior intervention training curriculum that meets the requirements in the rules of this chapter, the amount and type of training required for different levels of caregivers (if applicable), training content, and how the training will be delivered; and

(8) Prohibitions for discharging or otherwise retaliating against:

(A) An employee, client, resident, or other person for filing a complaint, presenting a grievance, or otherwise providing in good faith information relating to the misuse of emergency behavior intervention at the agency or foster home; or

(B) A client or resident because someone on behalf of the client or resident files a complaint, presents a grievance, or otherwise provides in good faith information relating to the misuse of emergency behavior intervention at the agency or foster home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.341 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.343: What policies must I develop on the discipline of children in foster care and pre-adoptive care?

You must develop policies that guide caregivers in methods used for discipline of children in foster care or adoptive placement prior to consummation, and include:

(1) Measures for positive responses to appropriate behavior;

(2) If you work with infants, a statement that discipline of any type is not appropriate or permitted for infants; and

(3) The importance of nurturing behavior, stimulation, and promptly meeting the child's needs.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.343 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.345: What foster care policies must I develop?

You must develop foster care policies that include the following:

(1) Criteria and procedures for screening and accepting foster parent applicants or agency home caregivers who can meet the needs of the children your agency serves;

(2) Criteria for making decisions about the number, ages, gender, and needs of children who may be placed in a foster home;

(3) Respective rights and responsibilities of the agency and foster parents;

(4) Pre-service and annual training requirements for foster parents or agency home caregivers; and

(5) Policies on how you will provide services if the home provides more than one type of care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.345 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.347: What policies must I develop on the rights and responsibilities of the agency, foster parents, and caregivers?

You must develop a statement of the rights and responsibilities of the agency and foster parents that address the relationship between the agency and the foster parents and must specify:

(1) What decisions you will make, what decisions the foster parents will make, and which ones you and the foster parents must agree upon;

(2) Training requirements for foster parents and caregivers, including:

(A) What part you will provide;

(B) What part the foster parents and caregivers must acquire on their own; and

(3) The channels through which you and the foster parents will communicate with each other;

(4) The amount of reimbursement(s) you will provide the foster parents and when the foster parents will receive it;

(5) The kind and amount of information and pre-placement contact you will provide, so the foster parents can make an informed decision about a placement;

(6) How much discretion the foster parents have in accepting or declining specific placements;

(7) The kind and amount of support provided to all foster families and any services available to foster parents, including respite child-care, homemaker services, or counseling;

(8) The kind and amount of information about a child (including previous placements) that you will give to foster parents when placing or considering placing the child;

(9) The kind of information you expect the foster parents to report to you and within what time frames;

(10) The foster parents' role in the services to children in care, including expectations for the foster parents' participation in service planning and implementation; and

(11) The foster parents' right to appeal your actions and decisions that affect them and the procedures for making an appeal.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.347 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.349: What additional policies must I develop for foster parents that provide treatment services?

You must develop additional policies for foster parents that provide treatment services. These policies must include:

(1) Ongoing assessments of the caregiver's abilities to meet the needs of the children in care;

(2) Safeguards for protecting the children and caregivers;

(3) Emergency back-up and support systems for the caregivers; and

(4) A procedure for your review and approval of paragraphs (1) - (3) of this section.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.349 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.351: What policies must I develop for fosters parents who offer a transitional living program?

If foster parents offer a transitional living program, you must develop policies that address the following:

(1) Criteria used to select participants for the program;

(2) Supervision of participants;

(3) Expected behaviors of participants and consequences for failure to comply;

(4) Training, education, and experiences to be achieved in the program; and

(5) Roles of participants, agency employees, contract staff, and caregivers.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.351 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.353: What policies must I develop for babysitters and respite child-care providers in foster homes?

You must develop policies for babysitters and respite child-care providers in foster homes that include:

(1) Minimum age for care providers;

(2) Minimum amount and type of prior child-care experience that a provider must have;

(3) Amount and type of training a provider must have;

(4) Reference and background information that foster parents must obtain before using the provider;

(5) Amount of time a provider can care for children;

(6) Number of children that a provider can care for;

(7) Information that the foster parents must share with a provider, including information about the children in care and emergency contact information for the foster parent and the agency;

(8) Specific care instructions that the foster parents must share with a provider for children with treatment needs;

(9) A method for contact between the foster parent and provider during the time of the provider's care;

(10) Procedures for agency review and approval of arrangements; and

(11) Requirements for documentation of arrangements, including agency child placement staff review and approval, in the foster home record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.353 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.355: What policies must I develop for a legal risk placement program for foster-adoptive families?

If you operate a legal risk placement program, you must develop policies that specify:

(1) The requirements for foster-adoptive families to participate in this program; and

(2) Criteria used in selecting children for appropriate legal-risk placements.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.355 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.357: What policies must I develop if I offer adoption services?

You must develop policies for adoption services that include:

(1) Procedures and criteria for qualifying, screening, and selecting adoptive parents, including the:

(A) Criteria you will use to evaluate potential adoptive parents;

(B) Criteria you will use to make decisions about placing specific children with an adoptive family; and

(2) Training and programs for the adoptive parents;

(3) Statement of the rights and responsibilities of the agency and adoptive parents prior to the consummation of the adoption;

(4) Plan for review of adoption service plans appropriate to the needs of children served in the adoption program;

(5) How you will assist the adoptive homes on how to best preserve the cultural identity of the children in their care;

(6) Fees charged to adoptive parents and reimbursements to birth mothers;

(7) Services that will be offered to birth parents;

(8) Degree to which birth parents may be involved in planning for and placing their child; and

(9) Post adoption services that will be offered to adoptive parents, adopted children, and birth parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.357 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.359: What policies must I develop if I use volunteers?

If you use volunteers, you must develop policies that:

(1) Include volunteer job descriptions and/or responsibilities;

(2) Address volunteer qualifications, screening and selection procedures, and orientation and training programs;

(3) Address supervision of volunteers; and

(4) Address visitation with children in care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.359 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 9

§749.421: Who are my clients?

(a) Your child clients include children in:

(1) Foster care; and

(2) Pre-consummated adoptive placement.

(b) Your adult clients include:

(1) Birth parent, managing conservator, or whoever has legal responsibility for the child that you are placing;

(2) Foster parent applicants;

(3) Foster parents;

(4) Adoptive applicants;

(5) Adoptive parents prior to consummation of the adoption; and

(6) Adoptive parents and birth parents seeking post adoptive services.

(c) Anyone can call you for information or attend a meeting open to all interested persons, but a person becomes your client when you establish a relationship beyond that available to someone who is merely an interested person.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.421 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.423: What rights do my adult clients have?

You must inform your adult clients:

(1) That the rules of this chapter, the compliance status reports, and your policies are available for review upon their request;

(2) Of their right to appeal agency actions and decisions that affect them, and the procedures for making an appeal; and

(3) Of procedures for making a complaint to us.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.423 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.425: What must my appeal process include?

(a) You must have a written appeal process for your adult clients in regard to your actions and decisions that affect those clients.

(b) The process must describe:

(1) How you will inform clients of their right to appeal;

(2) The procedures for making an appeal;

(3) Who will hear an appeal and make the decision;

(4) How the person who requests an appeal will find out about the decision;

(5) Time frames for making a decision and communicating the decision to the complainant; and

(6) The basis for an appeal decision.

(c) You must provide this information to each birth parent, foster parent applicant, or adoptive applicant before you make that person your client.

(d) Your appeal process does not have to involve anyone from outside your agency. An internal review procedure is sufficient.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.425 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter D

Division 1

§749.501: What is a serious incident?

A serious incident is a non-routine occurrence that has or may have dangerous or significant consequences on the care, supervision, and/or treatment of a child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.501 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.503: When must I report and document a serious incident?

(a) You must report and document the following types of serious incidents involving a child in your care. The reports must be made to the following entities, and the reporting and documenting must be within the specified time frames:

Attached Graphic

(b) If there is a serious incident involving an adult resident, you do not have to report the incident to Licensing, but you must document the incident. You do have to report the incident to law enforcement, as outlined in the chart above. You also have to report the incident to the parents, if the adult resident is not capable of making decisions about his own care.

(c) You must report and document the following types of serious incidents involving your agency, one of your foster homes, an employee, contract staff, or a volunteer to the following entities within the specified time frame:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.503 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.505: What constitutes a suicide attempt by a child?

A suicide attempt includes a child's attempt to take his own life using means or methods for causing his death, including a means or method that the child believes is capable of causing his death.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.505 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.507: When must I report other occurrences?

You must report and document the following occurrences to the following entities within the specified time frame:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.507 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.509: How do I make a report of a serious incident or occurrence to Licensing?

(a) All serious incident reports must be made to the Child Abuse Hotline.

(b) Occurrences that are required to be reported to Licensing in writing must be forwarded to your Licensing representative (See Â§749.507(2) and (3) of this title (relating to When must I report other occurrences?)).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.509 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.511: How must I document a serious incident?

A serious incident must be documented in a written report that includes the following information:

(1) The name of the foster home, physical address, and telephone number;

(2) The time and date of the incident;

(3) The name, age, gender, and date of admission of the child or children involved;

(4) The names of all adults involved and their role in relation to the child(ren);

(5) The names or other means of identifying witnesses to the incident, if any;

(6) The nature of the incident;

(7) The circumstances surrounding the incident;

(8) Interventions made during and after the incident, such as medical interventions, contacts made, and other follow-up actions;

(9) The treating licensed health-care professional's name, findings, and treatment, if any; and

(10) The resolution of the incident.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.511 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.513: What additional documentation must I include with a written serious incident report?

You must include the following additional documentation with a written serious incident report, as applicable:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.513 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.515: Where must I keep incident reports?

(a) You must keep a copy of the incident report on file for two years.

(b) You must permit Licensing to make a copy of incident reports, as requested.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.515 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.531: If I keep electronic records, what procedures must I have for those records?

(a) If you keep electronic records, you must develop procedures that address what must be in the external paper file and what can be in the electronic file.

(b) You must limit access to your electronic files to:

(1) Persons within your agency authorized to see specific information; and

(2) Others outside of your agency authorized by law to have access to specific information.

(1) Computer security systems, including confidentiality, passwords, and employee procedures to ensure security of the system;

(2) Requirements for routine back up of data; and

(3) Anti-virus protection systems.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.531 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.533: What procedures must I have for protecting records?

You must have procedures for protecting electronic and paper records from destruction, loss, and unauthorized access.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.533 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.535: How current must a record be?

(a) All documentation must be in the record:

(1) No later than 30 days after the occurrence or event;

(2) Within 15 days from the end of the month for monthly summaries; or

(3) As otherwise specified in this chapter.

(b) Copies of any records kept by the foster parents must be submitted to you each month. You must file these records in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.535 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.537: Must I make records available for Licensing to review?

(a) You must make all active records available for our immediate review and reproduction.

(b) You must make all archived records available for our review and reproduction within 48 hours.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.537 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.551: Where must I maintain personnel records?

(a) You must maintain active personnel records at the agency.

(b) You must maintain archived personnel records at the agency and/or in a central administratively designated location.

(d) Your system for maintaining all personnel records must be uniform throughout the agency.

(e) You must maintain a master list of active and archived personnel records and their location in the main office of the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.551 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.553: What information must the personnel record of an employee include?

For each employee, excluding foster parents, the personnel record must include:

(1) Documentation showing the date of employment;

(2) Documentation showing how the person meets the minimum age and qualifications for the position;

(3) A current job description;

(4) Evidence of any valid professional licensures, certifications, or registrations the person must have to meet qualifications for the job position, such as a current renewal card or a letter from the credentialing entity verifying that the person has met the required renewal criteria;

(5) A copy of the record of tuberculosis screening conducted prior to the person having contact with children in care showing that the employee is free of contagious tuberculosis as provided in Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?);

(6) A notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form as specified in Human Resources Code, Â§42.059;

(7) A statement signed and dated by the employee that he has read a copy of the:

(A) Operational policies; and

(B) Personnel policies;

(8) A statement signed and dated by the employee indicating that he must immediately report any suspected incident of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Child Abuse Hotline and the agency's administrator or administrator's designee;

(9) Proof of request for background checks;

(10) A copy of the valid driver's license for each person who transports a child;

(11) A record of training and training hours;

(12) Any documentation of the person's tenure with the agency; and

(13) The date and reason for the person's separation from the agency, if applicable.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.553 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.555: How long must I maintain personnel records?

(a) You must maintain annual training records for current personnel for the last full training year and current training year.

(b) With the exception of subsection (a) of this section, you must keep personnel records for a year after an employee's last day on the job, or until any investigation involving the employee is resolved, whichever is longer.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.555 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.571: What client records must I maintain?

You must maintain master records for all clients. The records must be individualized, current, and complete.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.571 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.573: Where must I maintain active master records for clients?

(a) You must maintain the active master case record for a child at the office where the child placement staff that is managing the child's placement is located.

(b) You must maintain the active master record for a foster or adoptive home at the office where the child placement staff that is managing the home is located.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.573 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.575: What is an active record for a child?

An active child record consists of the child's record for the most recent 12 months of service.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.575 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.577: What information must an active child record include?

For each child, the active record must include:

(1) The child's full name and another method of identifying the child, such as a client number;

(2) Documentation of known allergies and chronic conditions on the exterior of the child's record or in another location where the information is clearly visible to persons with access to the record; and

(3) The date of each data entry and the name of the person who makes the data entry.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.577 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.579: How must I maintain an active child record?

On an on-going basis, you must ensure that each child's record is:

(1) Kept accurate and current;

(2) Locked and kept in a safe location or locations; and

(3) Kept confidential as required by law.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.579 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.581: Where must I maintain archived client records?

(a) You must maintain archived client records at the agency and/or in a central administratively designated location.

(b) You may archive entire closed client records electronically.

(d) You must maintain a master list of archived client records and their location in the main office of the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.581 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.583: Who must consent to the release of a child's record?

Unless you are releasing information to a parent, to us, or as required by law, you may not release any portion of a child's record to any agency, organization, or individual without the written consent of the person legally authorized to consent to the release.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.583 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.585: How long must I maintain client records?

(a) For children placed in adoption, you must maintain complete child, birth parent, and adoptive family records permanently or transfer them, as appropriate, to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

(b) You must maintain complete child records for a child placed in foster care:

(1) For at least two years after the child is discharged; and

(2) Until the resolution of any investigation of a serious incident that occurred while the child was in care with your agency.

(c) You must maintain records for foster homes for at least five years after the foster home is closed. This includes foster homes that did not receive placements.

(d) You must maintain records for approved adoptive applicants with whom you did not place a child for at least five years after the family withdraws or you close consideration of the family for a placement.

(e) You must maintain records for applicants for foster or adoptive homes whom you did not approve for at least one year after denial of the application.

(f) You do not have to maintain records of foster or adoptive home applicants who drop out before the completion of a home study.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.585 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.587: How must I handle adoption records if I cease operating?

(a) If you cease operating, you must transfer adoption records to:

(1) The Department of State Health Services, Bureau of Vital Statistics; or

(2) Another licensed child-placing agency. If you transfer your records to another child-placing agency, you must inform the Bureau of Vital Statistics, in writing, of the closing and of the location of the adoption records. You must send a copy of the letter you send to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to the local Licensing office.

(b) You must transfer the records within the time frame specified by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.587 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter E

Division 1

§749.601: What must my written professional staffing plan include?

Your written and implemented professional staffing plan must:

(1) Demonstrate that the number, qualifications, and responsibilities of professional staff, including the child-placing agency administrator, are appropriate for the size and scope of your services and that workloads are reasonable enough to meet the needs of the children in care;

(2) Describe in detail the qualifications, duties, responsibilities, and authority of professional positions. For each position, the plan must show whether employment is on a full-time, part-time, or continuing consultative basis. For part-time and consulting positions, the plan must specify the number of hours and/or frequency of services; and

(3) Describe how staff or service providers support clients served through branch offices.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.601 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.603: Does education received outside of the United States count toward educational qualifications?

Yes, however you must provide supporting information indicating that the education is equivalent to the minimum educational qualifications for the position for which the person is applying. Documents written in a foreign language must be translated into English.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.603 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.605: What minimum qualifications must all employees meet?

(a) An employee's behavior or health status must not present a danger to children in care.

(b) Each employee who is regularly or frequently present while children are in care must:

(1) Meet the requirements in Subchapter F of Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Background Checks);

(2) Have a record of a tuberculosis screening, showing the employee is free of contagious TB as provided in Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?);

(3) Be physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of performing assigned tasks and must have the skills necessary to perform assigned tasks; and

(4) Complete a notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form, as specified in Human Resources Code, Â§42.059.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.605 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.607: What general responsibilities do all employees and caregivers have?

Regardless of whether the employee is counted in the child/caregiver ratio, each employee must:

(1) Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, and self-control in the presence of children and when performing assigned responsibilities;

(2) Report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation to the Child Abuse Hotline and to the designated administrator or supervisor; and

(3) Know and comply with applicable rules of this chapter, Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code, Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Licensing), and any other applicable laws.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.607 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.609: What are the requirements for tuberculosis screening?

Before having contact with children in care, all caregivers, employees, contract staff, volunteers, foster home household members, and employees in foster homes must be screened for tuberculosis as provided in Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.609 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.631: What qualifications must a child-placing agency administrator meet?

A child-placing agency administrator must:

(1) Meet the qualifications established by the agency's governing body;

(2) Be a Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator according to Chapter 43 of the Human Resources Code and Subchapter N of Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Administrator's Licensing); and

(3) Be a full-time employee of the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.631 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.633: Can a child-placing agency administrator be an administrator for two residential child-care operations?

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a child-placing agency administrator can be an administrator for two residential child-care operations, including a general residential operation or residential treatment center, if:

(1) Both operations are in good standing with Licensing;

(2) The size and scope of the operation are manageable by one person, which is clarified in the written professional staffing plans; and

(3) The person also holds a valid Child-Care Administrator License, if applicable; and

(4) At least one child-placing agency is not managing more than 25 foster homes.

(b) An agency that provides an assessment services program may designate their child-placing agency administrator or another employee as the person responsible for administering those services. The person designated must:

(1) Be a Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator;

(2) Have a master's degree in social work or a human services field from an accredited college or university and at least two years of supervised child-placing experience. The degree must include:

(A) A minimum of nine credit hours in graduate level courses that focus on family and individual function and interaction; and

(B) At least 350 hours of formal, supervised field placement or practicum with a social service or human services agency; or

(3) Have a master's degree in a human services field and at least three years of supervised child-placing experience.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.633 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.635: What responsibilities must the child-placing agency administrator designated to be responsible for the administration of the agency have?

The child-placing agency administrator must:

(1) Have daily supervision and overall administrative responsibility for all of your offices, including your main office and any branch.

(2) Be responsible for or assign responsibility for:

(A) Administering and managing the agency according to the policies adopted by the governing body;

(B) Ensuring that the agency complies with applicable rules of this chapter, Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code, Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Licensing), and other applicable laws;

(C) Personnel matters, including hiring, assigning duties, training, supervision, evaluation of employees, and terminations; and

(D) Ensuring persons whose behavior or health status presents a danger to children are not allowed at the agency or foster homes.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.635 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.637: Who must have overall administrative responsibility when the child-placing agency administrator is absent on a frequent and/or extended basis?

(a) The child-placing agency administrator must designate an employee to be responsible for the overall administration of the agency while the administrator is absent from the agency on a frequent and/or extended basis.

(b) The designee must be a Licensed Child-Placing Agency Administrator as required in Chapter 43 of the Human Resources Code.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.637 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.661: What employees must my agency have to perform child placement activities?

Your agency must have the following employees identified:

(1) Child placement staff; and

(2) Child placement management staff.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.661 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.663: What are the responsibilities of child placement staff?

(a) Child placement staff are responsible for:

(1) Deciding whether to admit a child for placement, including completion of an admission assessment and any other evaluation of a child for placement;

(2) Placing a child into a foster home, adoptive home, or any other substitute living arrangement;

(3) Managing the case of a child in any substitute living arrangement, including:

(A) Developing and updating of service plans;

(B) Stewarding direct contact with the child and the adoptive parents, foster parents, or other caregivers; and

(4) Case management and service delivery to birth parents;

(5) Orientation, assessment, and verification of foster parents;

(6) Orientation, assessment, and approval of adoptive parents; and

(7) Monitoring and providing support services to foster parents, including the initiation of development plans, corrective actions, or adverse actions.

(b) Child placement management staff may directly perform any of these responsibilities.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.663 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.665: What are the requirements for contact between child placement staff and children in care?

(a) Child-placement staff must have monthly face-to-face contact with a child in care. However, staff can miss two visits per year, provided a child does not go longer than 60 days without a visit. These contacts are to ensure the:

(1) Needs of a child are being met; and

(2) Placement continues to be appropriate.

(b) If the child is able to communicate in a meaningful way, the contact with the child must:

(1) Be for a length of time sufficient to address the child's needs and determine the appropriateness of the placement;

(2) Provide an opportunity to meet in private; and

(3) Provide an opportunity for the child to express his feelings about how the placement is working out.

(c) If the child is non-verbal or pre-verbal, the contact with the child must be for a length of time sufficient for an appropriate observation of the child's placement, including verification that the placement is meeting the child's needs as specified in the service plan.

(d) The required contacts must be significant and must be documented in the child's record. The documentation in the child's record must be sufficient to address the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(e) Child placement management staff must review and approve documentation of contacts.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.665 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.667: What are the responsibilities of child placement management staff?

Child placement management staff must:

(1) Review and approve:

(A) All child placement activities, as outlined in Â§749.663 of this title (relating to What are the responsibilities of child placement staff?);

(B) Investigation findings; and

(2) Supervise less qualified or experienced employees, if any, including planning for the employee's professional development and taking any other appropriate action in regard to their child-placing decisions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.667 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.669: How do child placement management staff document approval?

Child placement management staff must review and approve by signing and dating the following documents:

(1) Assessment/admission forms;

(2) Initial and subsequent placement documents;

(3) Foster and adoptive home studies;

(4) Investigation reports;

(5) Foster home development and/or corrective action plans;

(6) Initial and updated service plans;

(7) Discharge or transfer plans and summaries;

(8) Any restrictions imposed on the child for more than seven days that have not been approved by the treatment director or service planning team, and any monthly re-evaluations of a restriction that continues for more than 30 days;

(9) Any restrictions to communication and visitation with family imposed on a child;

(10) Any restrictions to a particular room or building for more than 24 hours imposed on a child; and

(11) Child placement staff contacts with children per Â§749.665 of this title (relating to What are the requirements for contact between child placement staff and children in care?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.669 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.671: What is a corrective or adverse action?

A corrective or adverse action can be anything that places a restriction or condition on the foster homes verification, including the removal of the verification.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.671 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.673: What are the qualifications that an employee must have to perform child placement activities?

In addition to the requirements that all employees must meet, employees who perform child placement activities must meet the following qualifications:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.673 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.675: What are the qualifications an employee must have to perform child placement management activities?

In addition to the requirements that all employees must meet, employees who perform child placement management activities must meet the following qualifications:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.675 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.677: What are the requirements for child placement management staff at a branch office?

(a) You must have a child placement management staff assigned for each branch office to perform the child-placement activities.

(b) Your child placement management staff must have and document at least 10 monthly supervision conferences per year with a branch-office employee who performs child-placing activities.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.677 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.679: What are the requirements for the caseloads of my child placement staff?

There are no caseload requirements for child placement staff; however, you must ensure manageable caseloads that allow child placement staff to meet the needs of children in care and adequately support foster and adoptive homes.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.679 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.721: Must I have a treatment director?

You must have a treatment director if you provide treatment services to 30 or more children at any one time, or to more than 50% of the children in your care. Your treatment director must be a full-time employee of your agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.721 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.723: What are the responsibilities of my treatment director?

(a) Your treatment director:

(1) Is responsible for your overall treatment program, including clinical responsibility for the management of your agency's therapeutic interventions; and

(2) Provides direction and overall management of your treatment program.

(b) When assigning responsibilities to your treatment director, you must ensure that the treatment director can oversee the treatment of all children receiving treatment services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.723 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.725: What qualifications must a treatment director have?

(a) A treatment director that provides or oversees treatment services for children with mental retardation or children with pervasive developmental disorders must be:

(1) Licensed as a psychiatrist, psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or registered nurse; or

(2) Certified by the Texas Education Agency as an education diagnostician, have a master's degree in special education or a human services field and have three years of experience working with children with mental retardation or a pervasive developmental disorder.

(b) A treatment director that provides or oversees treatment services for children with primary medical needs must be a physician or a licensed registered nurse.

(1) Be a psychiatrist or psychologist;

(2) Have a master's degree in a human services field from an accredited college or university and three years of experience providing treatment services for children with an emotional disorder, including one year in a residential setting; or

(3) Be a licensed master social worker, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed professional counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist, and have three years of experience providing treatment services for children with an emotional disorder, including one year in a residential setting.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.725 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.727: If I provide more than one type of treatment service, can I have one treatment director?

Yes, you can have one treatment director if he meets the required qualifications for the most prevalent treatment services your agency offers.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.727 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.741: What treatment services must a registered nurse provide if I support a child with primary medical needs?

(a) A registered nurse must be on staff or on contract, individually or through an agency, to respond to emergencies, questions, or other medical issues.

(b) A registered nurse must:

(1) Perform a nursing assessment of the child to include documentation of the child's diagnosed medical needs and selection of placement;

(2) Lead the service planning process for the child's care including registered nurse delegation of tasks or exemption from RN delegation in compliance with 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 224 and 225 of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners rules;

(3) Review medical records, including compliance with written physician orders;

(4) Contact other professionals, as needed, for the child's care;

(5) Monitor the implementation of the child's service plan; and

(6) Document outcomes for interventions used in the child's care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.741 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.743: In what circumstances may a physician or registered nurse (including an advanced practice registered nurse) delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed caregivers?

The physician or registered nurse may delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed caregivers only if all delegation criteria are met for the task to be delegated, including, but not limited to:

(1) Compliance with 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 224 and 225 of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners rules;

(2) The nursing task is one that a reasonable and prudent physician or registered nurse would find is within the scope of sound nursing judgment to delegate;

(3) The physician or registered nurse determines that the nursing task can be properly and safely performed by the unlicensed caregiver without jeopardizing the child's welfare;

(4) The agency employing or contracting with the unlicensed caregivers develops and follows a protocol, with input from a physician or registered nurse, for the instruction and training of unlicensed caregivers performing nursing tasks. The protocol must address:

(A) An established mechanism for identifying those individuals to whom nursing tasks may be designated;

(B) The manner in which the instruction addresses the complexity of the delegated task;

(D) The mechanism for re-evaluation of the competency;

(5) The training protocol recognizes that the final decision as to what nursing tasks can be safely delegated in any specific situation is within the specific scope of the physician's or registered nurse's professional judgment; and

(6) A physician or registered nurse instructs unlicensed caregivers in performing nursing tasks.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.743 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.761: What are the requirements for a volunteer?

(a) You must maintain a personnel record for each volunteer.

(b) The personnel record must include a statement signed and dated by the volunteer indicating he must immediately report any suspected incident of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Child Abuse Hotline and the agency's administrator or administrator's designee.

(c) If the volunteer provides short-term services through an agency or an organization, you must be aware of and approve the organization or agency's policies on volunteer short-term services before the volunteer can have contact with children.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.761 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.763: Are there additional requirements for a volunteer or contractor that performs employee or caregiver functions?

(a) A volunteer or contractor that performs any employee or caregiver function must meet the same requirements as an employee or caregiver who performs that function.

(b) You must maintain records documenting how these requirements are met.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.763 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.767: Is a volunteer who is part of another agency or organization subject to my policies and procedures?

If the volunteer is a part of an organization, including another agency, that provides screening, training, and supervision, you do not have to duplicate these services. However, you must determine that the volunteer program's policies and procedures meet the intent of these rules, before the volunteer can have contact with children.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.767 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.769: Can I use a volunteer that is on probation, parole, or referred for community service through the courts?

No, a person that is not being compensated may not provide services to an operation, if that person is on probation or parole, or is referred for community services through the courts because of criminal activity, including as an alternative to incarceration. This prohibition applies even if the services do not involve contact with children in care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.769 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.771: Is a family or organization that invites a child in care for an overnight or weekend a "volunteer"?

(a) When a family or organization takes a child who is in care for an overnight or weekend visit, this is not a volunteer activity.

(b) In order for a family or organization to take a child out of care for more than 48 hours, you must get written approval from the parent.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.771 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter F

Division 1

§749.801: What do certain words and terms mean in this subchapter?

The words and terms used in this subchapter have the following meanings:

(1) CEU--Continuing education unit.

(2) CPR--Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(3) Hours--Clock hours.

(4) Instructor led training--Training that is characterized by the communication and interaction that takes place between the student and the instructor and must include an opportunity for the student to timely interact with the instructor to obtain clarifications and information beyond the scope of the training materials, including answering questions, providing feedback on skills practice, providing guidance or information on additional resources, and proactively interacting with students. Examples of this type of training include classroom training, on-line distance learning, video-conferencing, or other group learning experiences.

(5) Self instructional training--Training that is designed to be used by one individual working alone and at their own pace to complete lessons or modules. Examples of this type of training include computer based training, written materials, or video training.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.801 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.831: What is the orientation requirement for caregivers and employees?

(a) Prior to beginning job duties or having contact with children in care, each caregiver or employee must have orientation that includes:

(1) An overview of the relevant and applicable rules of this chapter;

(2) Your philosophy, organizational structure, policies, and a description of the services and programs you offer; and

(3) The needs and characteristics of children that you serve.

(b) You must document the completion of the orientation in the appropriate personnel record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.831 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.833: Must I provide orientation to a person who was previously a caregiver or an employee at my agency?

(a) You do not have to provide orientation to a person who was a caregiver or employee at your agency during the past 12 months. However, before this person can be the only caregiver for a group of children, you must:

(1) Discuss with the employee any changes in your services or programs that have occurred since the previous employment; and

(2) Ensure the employee has received training during the past 12 months from your agency on preventing, identifying, treating, and reporting child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

(b) You must document this discussion and the previous training in the person's personnel record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.833 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.861: What are the pre-service experience requirements for caregivers?

(a) For caregivers providing care to children only receiving child-care services and/or programmatic services, there are no pre-service experience requirements.

(b) Before a caregiver can provide care to a child receiving treatment services, you must ensure that the caregiver has the experience to care for the child's treatment need. If a caregiver does not have the necessary experience, your child-placement management staff must prescribe a regimen of specific child-care experience that the caregiver must complete before you place a child with treatment needs in the caregiver's home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.861 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.863: What are the pre-service hourly training requirements for caregivers and employees?

(a) Caregivers and certain employees must complete the following training hours before the noted timeframe:

Attached Graphic

(b) You must document the completion of each training requirement in the appropriate personnel record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.863 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.865: Can time spent in orientation training count towards pre-service training?

No, the orientation training must be separate from the pre-service hourly training requirement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.865 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.867: Must I provide pre-service training to a caregiver or employee who was previously a caregiver or employee for a child-placing agency?

(a) A caregiver is exempt from completing the eight hours of general pre-service training if he has been a caregiver for a residential child-care operation during the past 12 months.

(b) A caregiver or employee is exempt from completing the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention if he:

(1) Has been a caregiver for or employed by a residential child-care operation during the past 12 months;

(2) Has received training during the past 12 months in the types of emergency behavior intervention used at your agency; and

(3) Can demonstrate knowledge and competency of the training material, both in writing and in physical techniques.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.867 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.869: What are the instructor requirements for providing pre-service training?

(a) A qualified instructor must deliver the pre-service training.

(b) The training must be instructor led.

(c) A health-care professional or a pharmacist must provide training in administering psychotropic medication. The trainer must assess each participant after the training to ensure that the participant has learned the course content.

(d) To provide training in emergency behavior intervention the:

(1) Instructor must be certified in a recognized method of emergency behavior intervention, or be able to document knowledge of:

(A) The emergency behavior intervention;

(B) The course material;

(D) Training evaluation or assessment methods and techniques;

(2) Training must be competency-based and require participants to demonstrate skill and competency at the end of the training.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.869 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.881: What curriculum components must be included in the general pre-service training?

The general pre-service training curriculum must include the following components:

(1) Topics appropriate to the needs of children for whom the caregiver will be providing care, such as developmental stages of children, fostering children's self-esteem, constructive guidance and discipline of children, strategies and techniques for monitoring and working with these children, and age-appropriate activities for the children;

(2) The different roles of caregivers;

(3) Measures to prevent, identify, treat, and report suspected occurrences of child abuse (including sexual abuse), neglect, and exploitation;

(4) Procedures to follow in emergencies, such as weather related emergencies, volatile persons, and severe injury or illness of a child or adult; and

(5) Preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.881 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.883: Are there additional general pre-service training requirements for a caregiver who will care for children younger than two years old?

Yes. You must ensure that each caregiver providing care for children younger than two years old receives training on:

(1) Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome;

(2) Preventing sudden infant death syndrome; and

(3) Understanding early childhood brain development.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.883 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.885: Are there additional general pre-service training requirements for a caregiver that administers psychotropic medication?

Yes. You must ensure that each caregiver that administers psychotropic medication receives training on:

(1) Identification of psychotropic medications;

(2) Basic pharmacology (the actions and side effects of, and possible adverse reactions to, various psychotropic medications);

(3) Techniques and methods of administering medications;

(4) Who is legally authorized to provide consent for the psychotropic medication; and

(5) Any related policies and procedures.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.885 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.901: If I do not allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, what curriculum components must be included in the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention?

If you do not allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, your pre-service training curriculum regarding emergency behavior intervention must focus on early identification of potential problem behaviors and strategies and techniques of less restrictive interventions, including the following components:

(1) Developing and maintaining an environment that supports positive and constructive behaviors;

(2) The causes of behaviors potentially harmful to children, including aspects of the environment;

(3) Early signs of behaviors that may become dangerous to the child or others;

(4) Strategies and techniques the child can use to avoid harmful behaviors;

(5) Teaching children to use the strategies and techniques of your agency's de-escalation protocols to avoid harmful behavior, and supporting the children's efforts to progress into a state of self-control;

(6) Less restrictive strategies caregivers can use to intervene in potentially harmful behaviors;

(7) Less restrictive strategies caregivers can use to work with oppositional children; and

(8) The risks associated with the use of prone or supine restraints, including positional, compression, or restraint asphyxia.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.901 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.903: If I allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, what curriculum components must be included in the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention?

(a) If you allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, at least 75% of the pre-service training curriculum regarding emergency behavior intervention must focus on early identification of potential problem behaviors and strategies and techniques of less restrictive interventions, including the components listed in Â§749.901 of this title (relating to If I do not allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, what curriculum components must be included in the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention?).

(b) The training does not have to address the use of any type of emergency behavior intervention that your policies do not allow.

(c) The other 25% of the pre-service training curriculum regarding emergency behavior intervention must include the following components:

(1) Different roles and responsibilities of caregivers qualified in emergency behavior intervention versus employees or volunteers who are not qualified in emergency behavior intervention;

(2) Escape and evasion techniques to prevent harm to the child and caregiver without requiring the use of an emergency behavior intervention;

(3) Safe implementation of the restraint techniques and procedures that are appropriate for the age and weight of children served and permitted by the rules in this chapter and your policies and procedures;

(4) The physiological impact of emergency behavior intervention;

(5) The psychological impact of emergency behavior intervention, such as flashbacks from prior abuse;

(6) How to adequately monitor the child during the administration of an emergency behavior intervention to prevent injury or death;

(7) Monitoring physical signs of distress and obtaining medical assistance;

(8) Health risks for children associated with the use of specific techniques and procedures;

(9) Drawings, photographs, or videos of each personal restraint permitted by your policy; and

(10) Strategies for re-integration of children into the environment after the use of emergency behavior intervention, including the debriefing of caregivers and the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.903 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.931: What are the annual training requirements for caregivers and employees?

Caregivers and employees must complete the following training hours:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.931 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2010, 35 TexReg 882

§749.933: When must an employee or caregiver complete the annual training?

(a) Each person must complete the annual training:

(1) Within 12 months from the date of his employment; and

(2) During each subsequent 12-month period.

(b) You have the option of prorating the person's annual training requirements from the date of employment to the end of the calendar year or the end of the agency's fiscal year and then beginning a new 12-month period that coincides with the calendar or fiscal year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.933 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.935: What types of hours or instruction can be used to complete the annual training requirements?

(a) If the training complies with the other rules in this division (relating to Annual Training), annual training may include hours or CEUs earned through:

(1) Workshops or courses offered by local school districts, colleges or universities, or Licensing;

(2) Conferences or seminars;

(3) Self-instructional training, excluding training on emergency behavior intervention, first-aid, and CPR;

(4) Planned learning opportunities provided by child-care associations or Licensing; or

(5) Planned learning opportunities provided by a child-placing agency administrator, professional contract service provider, professional service provider, treatment director, child placement management staff, child placement staff, contractor, or caregiver who meets minimum qualifications in the rules of this chapter; or

(6) The hours attending college or a professional credentialing or registry program.

(b) For annual training hours, you may count:

(1) The hours of annual training that a person received at another child-placing agency, general residential operation, or residential treatment center, if the person:

(A) Received the training within the time period you are using to calculate the person's annual training; and

(B) Provides documentation of the training;

(2) Annual emergency behavior intervention training;

(3) First-aid and CPR training;

(4) The hours of pre-service training that the person earns in addition to the required pre-service hours. For example, if a person completes 24 hours of pre-service emergency behavior intervention training, and is required to obtain 16 hours, that person may count eight of the hours toward annual training requirements;

(5) Half of the hours spent developing initial training curriculum that is relevant to the population of children served. No additional credit hours for training curriculum development are permitted for repeated training sessions; and

(6) One-fourth of the hours spent updating and making revisions to training curriculum that is relevant to the population of children served.

(1) Orientation training;

(2) Pre-service training;

(3) The hours involved in case staffings and conferences with the supervisor; or

(4) The hours presenting training to others.

(d) No more than one-third of the required annual training hours may come from self-instructional training.

(e) If a person earns more than the minimum number of training hours required during a particular year, the person can carry over to the next year a maximum of 10 training hours.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.935 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.937: Does Licensing approve training resources or trainers for annual training hours?

No. We do not approve or endorse training resources or trainers for training hours. You must, however, ensure the employees receive reliable training relevant to the population of children served, which includes:

(1) Specifically stated learning objectives;

(2) A curriculum, which includes experiential or applied activities;

(3) An evaluation/assessment tool to determine whether the person has obtained the information necessary to meet the stated objectives; and

(4) A certificate, letter, or a signed and dated statement of successful completion from the training source.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.937 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.939: What are the instructor requirements for providing annual training?

The annual training instructors must meet the same requirements in Â§749.869 of this title (relating to What are the instructor requirements for providing pre-service training?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.939 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.941: What areas or topics are appropriate for annual training?

Annual training must be in areas appropriate to the needs of children for whom the caregiver provides care, which include:

(1) Developmental stages of children;

(2) Constructive guidance and discipline of children;

(3) Fostering children's self-esteem;

(4) Positive interaction with children;

(5) Strategies and techniques for working with the population of children served;

(6) Supervision and safety practices in the care of children; and

(7) Preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.941 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.945: For a caregiver that administers psychotropic medication, what annual training is required?

If you permit a caregiver to administer psychotropic medication, his annual training must meet the requirements in Â§749.885 of this title (relating to Are there additional general pre-service training requirements for a caregiver that administers psychotropic medication?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.945 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.947: What must annual training regarding emergency behavior intervention include?

(a) The annual training regarding emergency behavior intervention must reinforce basic principles covered in pre-service training, see Â§749.901 of this title (relating to If I do not allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, what curriculum components must be included in the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention?) and Â§749.903 of this title (relating to If I allow the use of emergency behavior intervention, what curriculum components must be included in the pre-service training regarding emergency behavior intervention?), and develop and refine the caregiver's skills.

(b) You may determine the content of the training based on your evaluation of your emergency behavior intervention programs.

(c) The training may repeat pre-service training components, including training in the proper use and implementation of emergency behavior intervention.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.947 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.949: What documentation must I maintain for annual training?

(a) You must keep documentation verifying completion of annual training in the appropriate personnel record. The documentation may be a certificate, letter, or a signed and dated statement of successful completion from the training source.

(b) The documentation must include the following information:

(1) The participant's name;

(2) Date of the training;

(3) Title or subject of the training;

(4) The trainer's name and qualifications, or the source of the training for self-instructional training; and

(5) Length of the training in hours.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.949 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.981: What first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification must caregivers have?

(a) Before a caregiver can be the only caregiver responsible for a child in care, the caregiver must be certified in:

(1) First-aid, with rescue breathing and choking; and

(2) CPR for infants, children, and adults.

(b) A caregiver who is a health professional can use documentation of the following in lieu of these certifications:

(1) The training to be a health professional includes the knowledge covered in first aid and/or CPR training; and

(2) The person's employment ensures that these skills are kept current.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.981 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.983: When must a caregiver renew first-aid and Cpr certification?

Each caregiver must complete any new first-aid training or CPR training, as required to maintain a current certification.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.983 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.985: Who can provide first-aid and Cpr certification?

(a) The following may provide first-aid and CPR certification:

(1) The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or a training program that has been approved by the local Emergency Medical Services Authority, or is offered through a local hospital; or

(2) A person with a current certification to provide the training.

(b) A caregiver may not obtain first-aid or CPR certification through self-instructional training.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.985 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.987: What must the first-aid and Cpr training include?

(a) First-aid and CPR training and re-certification must consist of a curriculum that includes both written and hands-on skill-based instruction, practice (for CPR, the practice is through the use of a CPR mannequin), and testing.

(b) CPR training and re-certification must include CPR for infants, children, and adults.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.987 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.989: What documentation must I maintain for first-aid and Cpr certification?

(a) You must document the completion of each training requirement in the appropriate personnel records. The documentation may be a certificate, letter, or a statement of successful completion, that is signed and dated, from the training source. A photocopy of the original first-aid and/or CPR certificate or letter may be maintained in the personnel record, as long as the employee can provide an original document upon request by Licensing.

(b) The documentation must include the following information:

(1) The participant's name;

(2) Date of the training;

(3) Title or subject of the training;

(4) The trainer's name and qualifications;

(5) The expiration date of the certification as determined by the organization providing the certification; and

(6) Length of the training in hours.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.989 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter G

§749.1001: How must I protect the rights of children served by my child-placing agency?

(a) You must protect the rights of children while they are in foster care or in adoptive placement prior to the consummation of the adoption.

(b) You must ensure that a caregiver or an adoptive parent, prior to consummation of the adoption, does not restrict or deny a child's rights.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1001 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1003: What rights does a child in care have?

(a) A child's rights are cumulative of any other rights granted by law or other Licensing rules.

(b) You must adhere to the child's rights, including:

(1) The right to appropriate care and treatment in the least restrictive setting available that can meet the child's needs;

(2) The right to be free from discrimination on the basis of gender (if your agency accepts both genders), race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation;

(3) The right to have his physical, emotional, developmental, educational, social and religious needs met;

(4) The right to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation as defined in Texas Family Code Â§261.401;

(5) The right to be free from any harsh, cruel, unusual, unnecessary, demeaning, or humiliating punishment, which includes:

(A) Shaking the child;

(B) Subjecting the child to corporal punishment;

(D) Any unproductive work that serves no purpose except to demean the child, such as moving rocks from one pile to another or digging a hole and then filling it in;

(E) Denying the child food, sleep, toileting facilities, mail, or family visits as punishment;

(F) Subjecting the child to remarks that belittle or ridicule the child or the child's family; and

(G) Threatening the child with the loss of placement or shelter as punishment;

(6) The right to discipline that is appropriate to the child's age and developmental level;

(7) The right to have restrictions or disciplinary consequences explained to him when the measures are imposed;

(8) The right to a humane environment, including any treatment environment, which provides reasonable protection from harm and appropriate privacy for personal needs;

(9) The right to receive educational services appropriate to the child's age and developmental level;

(10) The right to training in personal care, hygiene, and grooming;

(11) The right to reasonable opportunities to participate in community functions, including recreational and social activities such as Little League teams, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and extracurricular school activities outside of the agency to the extent that is appropriate for the child;

(12) The right to have adequate personal clothing, which must be suitable to his age and size and comparable to the clothing of other children in the community;

(13) The right to have personal possessions at his home and to acquire additional possessions within reasonable limits;

(14) The right to be provided with adequate protective clothing against natural elements such as rain, snow, wind, cold, sun, and insects;

(15) The right to maintain regular contact with his family unless the child's best interest, appropriate professionals, or court necessitates restrictions;

(16) The rights to send and receive uncensored mail, to have telephone conversations, keep a personal journal and to have visitors, unless the child's best interest, appropriate professionals, or court order necessitates restrictions;

(17) The right to hire independent mental health professionals, medical professionals, and attorneys at his own expense;

(18) The right to be compensated for any work done for the agency or home as part of the child's service plan or vocational training, with the exception of assigned routine duties that relate to the child's living environment, such as cleaning his room, or other chores, or work assigned as a disciplinary measure;

(19) The right to have personal earnings, allowances, possessions, and gifts as the child's personal property;

(20) The right to be able to communicate in a language or any other means that is understandable to the child at admission or within a reasonable time after an emergency admission of a child, if applicable. You must make every effort to place a child with foster parent(s) who can communicate with the child. If these efforts are not successful, you must document in the preliminary service plan your plan to meet the communication needs of the child;

(21) The right to confidential care and treatment;

(22) The right to consent in writing before permitting any publicity or fund raising activity for the agency, including the use of his photograph;

(23) The right not to be required to make public statements acknowledging his gratitude to the foster home or agency;

(24) The right to be free of unnecessary or excessive medication;

(25) The right to have a comprehensive service plan that addresses the child's needs, including transitional and discharge planning;

(26) The right to participate in the development and review of his service plan within the limits of the child's comprehension and ability to manage the information;

(27) The right to receive emotional, mental health, or chemical dependency treatment separately from adults (other than young adults) who are receiving services;

(28) The right to receive appropriate treatment for physical problems that affect his treatment or safety;

(29) The right to be free from pressure to get an abortion, relinquish her child for adoption, or to parent her child, if applicable; and

(30) The right to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violation of personal rights without fear of punishment, interference, coercion, or retaliation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1003 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1005: How must I inform a child and the child's parents of their rights?

(a) Within seven days after you admit a child into your agency, you must review the child's rights with the child and a child's parent, unless the parent's consent is not required. You must also provide the child and a child's parent with a written copy of the child's rights.

(b) Child rights must be written in:

(1) Simple, non-technical terms; and

(2) English, unless the person does not understand English. The child's rights must be written in the person's primary language, if possible.

(c) If the person you are informing has a visual or auditory impairment, you must explain the child's rights in a manner that is understandable to the person.

(d) The person you are informing of the child's rights must sign a statement indicating that the person has read and understands these rights. You must put the signed copy in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1005 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1007: What are a child's rights regarding education?

(a) A child must have an appropriate education through participation in an educational/vocational program in the most appropriate and least restrictive educational settings, for example: attending regular classes conducted in an accredited elementary, middle, or secondary school within the community.

(b) Foster parents and caregivers must, as applicable:

(1) Attend and participate in school staffings, conferences, and education planning meetings;

(2) Make reasonable efforts to allow the child to participate in extracurricular activities; and

(3) Make reasonable efforts to allow the child to participate in school extracurricular activities to the extent of his interests and abilities and in accordance with his service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1007 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1009: What right does a child have regarding contact with a parent?

(a) You must allow contact between a child and his parent whose parental rights have not been terminated according to:

(1) Your policies; and

(2) The provisions of a court order or any visitation agreement.

(b) You must document in the child's record:

(1) Any plans for contact between the child and a parent; and

(2) Any decision to limit contact with a parent.

(c) Before you can temporarily restrict ongoing contacts or communication between the child and a parent, your child placement management staff must:

(1) Explain the reasons for the restrictions to the child and the child's parent; and

(2) Document the reasons in the child's record.

(d) Restrictions imposed by you that continue more than 30 days must be re-evaluated monthly by your child placement management staff, who also must:

(1) Explain the reasons for the continued restrictions to the child and the child's parents; and

(2) Document the reasons in the child's record.

(e) If you limit communications or visits with a parent for practical reasons, such as geographical distance or expense, you must discuss the limits with the child and the child's parents. You must document the limits in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1009 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1011: What right does a child have regarding contact with siblings?

(a) A child must have a reasonable opportunity for sibling visits and contacts in an effort to preserve sibling relationships.

(b) You must address plans for sibling visits and contacts in the child's record.

(c) When contact is restricted or not allowed, you must include justification in the child's record. If the restriction lasts more than 90 days, you must document the justification for continuing the restriction in the child's record at least every 90 days.

(d) If barriers to visits exist, such as unavoidable geographic distance and expense issues, the agency must make provisions for sibling contact through letters, telephone calls, or some other means.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1011 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1013: What right to privacy does a child have with respect to his contact with others?

(a) Except as determined by child placement management staff or the child's parent, you may not:

(1) Open or read the child's incoming or outgoing mail, including electronic mail, unless necessary to assist the child with reading or writing; or

(2) Listen to or screen the child's telephone calls unless the child needs assistance with using the telephone.

(b) You must document in the child's record:

(1) Any reason for restricting the child's mail or telephone calls; and

(2) A listing of the mail or telephone calls that you restrict.

(d) Restrictions that continue for more than 30 days must be re-evaluated monthly by your child placement management staff, who also must:

(1) Explain the reasons for the continued restrictions to the child; and

(2) Document the reasons in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1013 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1015: Under what circumstances may I conduct a search for prohibited items or items that endanger a child's safety?

(a) A child's possessions must be free of unreasonable searches and unreasonable removal of personal items.

(b) You may search a child, his possessions, or his room only when you have reasonable suspicion:

(1) Of the presence of a prohibited item or an item that endangers the child's safety;

(2) That the child made suicidal threats or threatened to hurt himself or others; or

(3) That the child or children was involved in theft.

(c) Only a caregiver may conduct searches that involve the removal of clothing, other than outer clothing, such as coats, jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, or socks.

(d) If a search of a child who is five years old or younger involves the removal of clothing (other than outer clothing), another adult must witness the search.

(e) If a search of a child who is over the age of five involves the removal of clothing (other than outer clothing), an adult of the same gender must witness the search.

(f) The caregiver must ensure that other children do not witness a search that involves the removal of clothing, other than outer clothing.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1015 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1017: May a caregiver conduct a body cavity search of a child in care?

With the exception of a child's mouth, a caregiver may not conduct a body cavity search of a child in care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1017 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1019: What must a caregiver document regarding a search?

A caregiver must document the following in the child's record when conducting a search if it results in the removal of personal items or clothing worn by the child:

(1) The date of the search;

(2) The name of the child;

(3) Reason for the search;

(4) A description of what was searched;

(5) The articles of clothing removed, if applicable;

(6) The name of the person conducting the search;

(7) The name of the witness, if applicable;

(8) The results of the search; and

(9) The resolution of the issue with the child or children involved.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1019 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1021: What techniques am I prohibited from using on a child?

You may not use any of the following techniques on a child:

(1) Chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, and seclusion. For more information on emergency behavior intervention, see Subchapter L of this chapter (relating to Foster Care Services: Emergency Behavior Intervention);

(2) Aversive conditioning, which includes, but is not limited to, any technique designed to or likely to cause a child physical pain, the application of startling stimuli, and the release of noxious stimuli or toxic sprays, mists, or substances in proximity to the child's face;

(3) Pressure points;

(4) Rebirthing therapy; and

(5) Hug and/or holding therapy.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1021 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter H

Division 1

§749.1101: What children may I admit?

(a) You may only admit children who meet your admission policy guidelines and whose needs you can meet. If you adopt a change in your admission policies that requires a change in the conditions of your permit, you must request an amendment to your permit with us. You can only accept children:

(1) Whose age and gender are specified on your permit; and

(2) Needing the services that are specified on your permit.

(b) Each placement must meet the child's physical, medical, recreational, educational, and emotional needs as identified in the child's admission assessment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1101 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1103: After a child in my care turns 18 years old, may the person remain in my care?

(a) A young adult may remain in your care up to the age of 22 years old in order to:

(1) Transition to independence, including attending college or vocational or technical training;

(2) Attend high school, a program leading to a high school diploma, or GED classes;

(3) Complete your program; or

(4) Stay with a minor sibling.

(b) A young adult who turns 18 in your care may remain in your care indefinitely if the person:

(1) Continues to need the same level of care; and

(2) Is unlikely to physically and/or intellectually progress over time.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1103 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1105: May I admit a young adult into care?

You may admit a young adult into your care:

(1) From another residential child-care operation if the reason for admittance is consistent with a condition listed in Â§749.1103 of this title (relating to After a child in my care turns 18 years old, may the person remain in my care?); or

(2) If the child is in the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1105 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1107: What information must I document in the child's record at the time of admission?

(a) You must include the following in the child's record at the time of admission:

(1) The child's name, gender, race, religion, date of birth, and birthplace;

(2) Court orders establishing who is the managing conservator for the child, if applicable;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the managing conservator(s), the primary caregivers for the child, any person with whom the child is allowed to leave the foster home, and any other individual who has the legal authority to consent to the child's medical care;

(4) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of biological or adoptive parents, unless parental rights have been terminated;

(5) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of siblings;

(6) The date of admission;

(7) Medication the child is taking;

(8) The child's immunization record;

(9) Allergies, such as food, medication, sting, and skin allergies;

(10) Chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes;

(11) Known contra-indications of the use of restraint;

(12) Identification of the child's treatment needs, if applicable, and any additional treatment services or programmatic services the child is receiving; and

(13) A copy of the placement agreement, if applicable.

(b) For emergency admissions, you must meet the requirements in Division 4 of this subchapter (relating to Emergency Admission).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1107 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1109: What is a placement agreement?

A placement agreement is your agreement with a child's parent that defines your roles and responsibilities and authorizes you to obtain or provide services for the child. The placement agreement must include:

(1) Authorization permitting you to care for the child;

(2) A medical consent form signed by a person authorized by the Texas Family Code to provide consent; and

(3) The reason for placement and anticipated length of time in care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1109 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1111: What orientation must I provide a child?

(a) Within seven days of admission, you must provide orientation to each newly admitted child who is not an infant or a toddler. You must gear orientation to the intellectual level of the child.

(b) For a child functioning at a school age level, orientation must include information about your policies on the following:

(1) Visitation, including family visitation and overnight visitation;

(2) Mail;

(3) Telephone calls;

(4) Gifts;

(5) Personal possessions, including any limits placed on the possessions the child may or may not have;

(6) Emergency behavior intervention, including your agency's policies and practices on the use of personal restraint;

(7) Discipline;

(8) The religious program and practices;

(9) The educational program;

(10) Trips away from the home;

(11) Program expectations and rules; and

(12) Grievance procedures.

(c) For a child functioning above toddler age and below school age, orientation must include as many of the items in subsection (b) of this section as possible.

(d) You must document in the child's record when the orientation occurred, any item that the orientation did not include, and the reason that the orientation did not include that item.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1111 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1113: What information must I share with the parent at the time of placement?

(a) The parent must be able to determine whether your program and/or practices are appropriate for the child and can meet the child's needs.

(b) At admission, you must review and provide written materials to the parent placing the child that explain:

(1) Information about the policies that you would present a child during orientation;

(2) Your policies regarding the:

(A) Use of volunteers or sponsoring families;

(B) Type and frequency of notifications made to parents; and

(3) The parent's right to refuse to or withdraw consent for a child to participate in:

(A) Research programs; and/or

(B) Publicity and/or fund raising activities for the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1113 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1115: What information must I provide caregivers when I admit a child?

(a) By the day you admit the child for care, you must provide the caregivers responsible for the child's care with information about the child's immediate needs, such as enrolling the child in school or obtaining needed medical care or clothing.

(b) You must inform appropriate caregivers of any special needs, such as medical or dietary needs or conditions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1115 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.1131: When must I complete the admission assessment?

You must complete a non-emergency admission assessment according to the time frames required in Â§749.1133 of this title (relating to What information must an admission assessment include?). For an emergency admission assessment, see Â§749.1187 of this title (relating to For an emergency admission, when must I complete all of the requirements for an admission assessment?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1131 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1133: What information must an admission assessment include?

(a) An admission assessment must provide an initial evaluation of the appropriate placement for a child, and ensure that you obtain the information necessary for you to facilitate service planning.

(b) Prior to a child's non-emergency admission, an admission assessment must be completed which includes:

(1) The child's legal status;

(2) A description of the circumstances that led to the child's referral for substitute care;

(3) A description of the child's behavior, including appropriate and maladaptive behavior, and any high-risk behavior posing a risk to self or others;

(4) Any history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect;

(5) Current medical and dental status, including the available results of any medical and dental examinations;

(6) Current mental health and substance abuse status, including available results of any psychological or psychiatric examination;

(7) The child's current developmental level of functioning;

(8) The child's current educational level, and any school problems;

(9) Any applicable requirements of Â§749.1135 of this title (relating to What are the additional admission requirements when I admit a child for treatment services?);

(10) Documentation indicating efforts made to obtain any of the information in paragraphs (1)-(9) of this subsection, if any information is not obtainable;

(11) The services you plan to provide to the child;

(12) Immediate goals of placement;

(13) The parent's expectations for placement, duration of the placement, and family involvement;

(14) The child's understanding of the placement;

(15) A determination of whether you can meet the immediate needs of the child: and

(16) A rationale for the appropriateness of the admission.

(c) Prior to completing a child's initial service plan, the following information must be added to the admission assessment:

(1) The child's social history. The history must include information about past and existing relationships with the child's birth parents, siblings, extended family members, and other significant adults and children, and the quality of those relationships with the child;

(2) A description of the child's home environment and family functioning;

(3) The child's birth and neonatal history;

(4) The child's developmental history;

(5) The child's mental health and substance abuse history;

(6) The child's school history, including the names of previous schools attended and the dates the schools were attended, grades earned, and special achievements;

(7) The child's history of any other placements outside the child's home, including the admission and discharge dates and reasons for placement;

(8) The child's criminal history, if applicable;

(9) The child's skills and special interests;

(10) Documentation indicating efforts made to obtain any of the information in paragraphs (1)-(9) of this subsection, if any information is not obtainable;

(11) The services you plan to provide to the child, including long-range goals of placement;

(12) Recommendations for any further assessments and testing;

(13) A recommended behavior management plan;

(14) A determination of whether you can meet the needs of the child, based on an evaluation of the child's special strengths and needs; and

(15) A rationale for the appropriateness of the admission.

(d) You must attempt to obtain a signed authorization, so you can subsequently request in writing materials from the child's current or most recent placement, such as the admission assessment, professional assessments, and the discharge summary. You must consider information from these materials when you complete your admission assessment if they are made available to you.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1133 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1135: What are the additional admission requirements when I admit a child for treatment services?

When you admit a child for treatment services, you must do the following, as applicable:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1135 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1137: What if I cannot obtain the required information for an admission assessment?

(a) You must make reasonable efforts to obtain all required information.

(b) If you and the child's parent determine that attempting to get information at the time of placement would not be in the child's best interests, you may postpone attempting to acquire the information.

(1) Particular piece of information is unavailable; or

(2) Delay obtaining a piece of information is necessary, including efforts made to obtain the information.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1137 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.1151: What are the medical requirements when I admit a child into care?

(a) You must ensure that the child has a medical examination by a health-care professional within 30 days after the date of admission, unless you have documentation that the child has had a medical examination within the past year.

(b) If you admit a child with primary medical needs, you must provide the child with a medical examination by a health-care professional within seven days before or three days after admission.

(c) If a child admitted shows symptoms of abuse or illness, a health-care professional must examine the child immediately.

(d) The reports and findings of any medical examination must be signed and dated by the health-care professional who performed the examination and must be documented in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1151 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1153: What are the dental requirements when I admit a child into care?

(a) If the child is younger than three years old and a physician recommends a dental examination, then you must ensure that a dentist examines the child.

(b) A child three years old or older must have a dental appointment scheduled with a dentist within 30 days after the date of admission, and the examination must occur within 90 days after the date of admission. A dental examination is not required if you have documentation that the child has had a dental examination within the past year.

(c) The report and findings of the dental examination must be signed and dated by the dentist and must be documented in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1153 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1155: What must I document when I re-admit a child for care?

For re-admission, you must complete the admission documentation as if the child was never in your care; or for children that were discharged from your agency within the last 12 months, you may update the previous admission documentation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1155 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.1181: For which of my programs may I accept emergency admissions?

You may accept emergency admissions in all of your programs with the exception of a transitional living program.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1181 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1183: What constitutes an emergency admission to my child-placing agency?

You may admit a child on an emergency basis if the child:

(1) Is being removed from a situation involving alleged abuse or neglect;

(2) Is an alleged perpetrator of abuse and cannot be served in the child's current placement due to his perpetrating behaviors;

(3) Displays behavior that is an immediate danger to himself or to others and cannot function or be served in his current setting;

(4) Is abandoned and after exercising reasonable efforts the child's identity cannot be immediately determined. The efforts made to obtain information on the child's identity must be documented in the child's record;

(5) Is removed from his home or placement, and there is an immediate need to find a residence for the child;

(6) Is released to your authorized child-placing agency by a law enforcement or juvenile probation officer; or

(7) Is without adult care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1183 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1185: May I take possession of a child from a law enforcement or juvenile probation officer?

You may take possession of a child from a law enforcement or juvenile probation officer only if you meet the requirements of Division 7, Subchapter H of Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Taking Possession of a Child Through Law Enforcement or a Juvenile Probation Officer).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1185 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1187: For an emergency admission, when must I complete all of the requirements for an admission assessment?

(a) For an emergency admission, you must complete all of the requirements (see Division 1 of this subchapter (relating to Admissions)) for an admission assessment within 40 days from the date of the child's admission.

(b) In an emergency admission of a child receiving treatment services, the child must not continue in care for more than 30 days after the date of admission unless the child has received the required psychological, psychiatric, psychometric, or physician's evaluation that is required by Â§749.1135 of this title (relating to What are the additional admission requirements when I admit a child for treatment services?), and the evaluation indicates manifestations of the disorder requiring treatment services. All evaluations must be signed, dated, and documented in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1187 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1189: At the time of an emergency admission, what information must I document in the child's record at admission?

At the time of the emergency admission you must document in the child's record:

(1) A brief description of the circumstances necessitating the emergency admission;

(2) The date and time of admission;

(3) Allergies, such as food, medication, sting, and skin allergies;

(4) Chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes;

(5) Known contra-indications to the use of restraint; and

(6) For the purpose of providing treatment services:

(A) A brief description of the child's history;

(B) The child's current behavior; and

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1189 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.1251: What are the requirements for pre-placement visits for a child?

(a) A child over six months of age must visit the foster home at least once before placement.

(b) There must be a meaningful interval between the pre-placement visit and the placement. This interval must be at least sufficient to allow a child and foster parents to have privacy, an opportunity to discuss and consider placement, and to have their questions, opinions, and concerns addressed.

(d) Pre-placement visits are not required for emergency admissions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1251 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1253: What must staff do to prepare a child for a placement?

(a) The child-placement staff must discuss with the child the circumstances that make the placement necessary, as appropriate to the child's age and ability to respond orally and behaviorally to such a discussion. The discussion must take place prior to or at the time of the placement of a child.

(b) You must document into the child's record:

(1) That the discussion occurred; and

(2) The child's understanding of and response to the discussions and the placement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1253 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1255: What information from an admission assessment must I share with the caregivers responsible for the child's care?

(a) In a non-emergency placement, you must share all information from the admission assessment with the foster parents or caregiver responsible for the child's care prior to placement.

(b) In an emergency placement, you must share with the foster parents or caregiver responsible for the child's care:

(1) At the time of placement, all available information relating to the child's needs and your plans for care and management; and

(2) Within 10 days of completing the admission assessment, all information from the admission assessment.

(1) The information you share with the caregiver;

(2) Any information you do not share and the reason why you did not share the information; and

(3) How the placement is capable of meeting the child's needs.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1255 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.1281: What are the requirements when I move a child from one foster home to another?

(a) If the move is not an emergency, child placement management staff must:

(1) Review and approve the move before you move the child to the new placement;

(2) Document the review and approval in the child's record, including signature and date; and

(3) Comply with the pre-placement requirements in Â§749.1251 of this title (relating to What are the requirements for pre-placement visits for a child?).

(b) If the move is an emergency, child placement management staff must:

(1) Give verbal approval before the move; and

(2) Document the verbal approval in the child's record within 10 days of the placement. Documentation must be signed and dated and include the date verbal approval was given and circumstances of the emergency placement.

(c) For all moves, child-placing staff must prepare a child according to Â§749.1253 of this title (relating to What must staff do to prepare a child for a placement?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1281 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter I

Division 1

§749.1301: What are the requirements for a preliminary service plan?

(a) You must complete a preliminary service plan that addresses the immediate needs of the child, such as enrolling the child in school or obtaining needed medical care or clothing, within 72 hours of the child's admission.

(b) In addition, for a child receiving treatment services the preliminary service plan must include

(1) A description of the child's immediate treatment and care needs;

(2) A description of the child's immediate, educational, medical, and dental needs, including possible side effects of medications or treatment prescribed to the child;

(3) A description of how you will meet the child's needs, including any necessary increased supervision or follow-up actions of possible side effects of medication or treatment provided to the child;

(4) The identification of any issues or concerns the child may have that could escalate a child's behavior. Identification of a child's issues or concerns must serve to avoid the use of unnecessary emergency behavior interventions with the child. Child concerns may include issues with food, eye contact, physical touch, personal property, or certain topics; and

(5) A designation of who will be responsible for meeting each of the child's needs.

(d) You must document the plan in the child's record.

(e) You must inform each professional service provider and caregiver working with a child about the child's preliminary service plan.

(f) You must implement and follow the preliminary service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1301 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1305: Who must be involved in developing the preliminary service plan?

The child placement staff must develop, sign, and date the preliminary service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1305 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1307: When must I complete an initial service plan?

You must complete the initial service plan within 40 days after you admit the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1307 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1309: What must a child's initial service plan include?

(a) You must base the child's initial service plan on the child's needs identified in the child's admission assessment. The service planning team may prioritize the child's service planning goals and objectives based on the child's admission assessment. However, any required service plan components not initially addressed must have a justification for the delay in addressing the needs.

(b) The child's initial service plan must be documented in the child's record and include those items that a preliminary plan must include (see Â§749.1301 of this title (relating to What are the requirements for a preliminary service plan?)), and the items noted below for each specific type of service that you provide the child:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1309 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1311: Who must be involved in developing an initial service plan?

(a) A service planning team must develop the service plan. The team must consist of:

(1) At least one of the child's current caregivers;

(2) At least one professional service provider who provides direct services to the child; and

(3) If you are providing treatment services to the child, at least two of the following professionals:

(A) A licensed professional counselor;

(B) A psychologist;

(D) A licensed registered nurse;

(E) A licensed masters level social worker;

(F) A licensed or registered occupational therapist; or

(G) Any other person in a related discipline or profession that is licensed or regulated in accordance with state law.

(b) The child, as appropriate, and the parents must be invited to the meeting to develop the service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1311 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1313: When must I inform the child's parent(s) of an initial service plan meeting?

(a) You must give the child's parent(s) at least two weeks advance notice of the review.

(b) The child's record must include documentation of the notice and any responses from the parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1313 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1315: Must a professional service provider or a professional who must participate in a child's service plan be an employee of my agency?

No. You may employ or contract with a professional service provider or any other professional who participates in a child's service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1315 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1317: What roles do professional service providers have in service planning?

The roles of professional service providers in service planning include:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1317 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1319: What must I document regarding a professional service provider's participation in the development of an initial service plan?

(a) You must document the professional service provider's:

(1) Name; and

(2) Date of participation.

(b) The professional service provider must sign and date the document. If the provider disagrees with any portion of the plan, the provider must document the issue(s) of contention before signing it.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1319 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1321: With whom do I share the initial service plan?

(a) You must give a copy or summary of the initial service plan to the:

(1) Child, when appropriate;

(2) Child's parents; and

(3) Child's caregivers.

(b) If you do not share the service plan or summary with the child, you must document your justification for not sharing the plan in the child's record.

(c) You must document in the child's record that you provided a copy or summary of the service plan to the child's parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1321 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1323: When must I implement a service plan?

You must implement and follow an initial service plan as soon as all of the service planning team members have reviewed and signed the plan, but no later than 10 days after the date of the service-planning meeting.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1323 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.1331: How often must I review and update a service plan?

Except for when the child's placement within your agency changes because of a change in the child's needs, you must review and update the service plan as follows:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1331 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1333: How does a child's transfer affect the timing of the review of the child's service plan?

(a) You must review a child's service plan whenever the child's placement changes because of a change in the child's needs.

(b) If the child's placement changes for another reason:

(1) The child' service planning team must approve the decision not to review the plan; and

(2) You must document the decision not to review the plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1333 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1335: How do I review and update a service plan?

To review and update a service plan, you must:

(1) Evaluate the child's progress and the effectiveness of strategies and techniques used toward meeting identified needs, including educational progress reports and medical interventions;

(2) Identify any new needs and strategies or techniques to meet these needs, including instructions to appropriate employees;

(3) Document any achieved or changed objectives;

(4) If the review shows no progress towards meeting the identified needs of the child, document reasons for continued placement;

(5) Evaluate the possible effectiveness and side effects in the use of psychotropic medications prescribed for the child, any change in psychotropic medications during the period since the last review, and the behaviors and reactions of the child observed by caregivers, professional service providers, and parents, if applicable;

(6) Document visitation and contacts between the child and the child's parents, the child and the child's siblings, and the child and the child's extended family;

(7) Update the estimated length-of-stay and discharge plans, if changed;

(8) Determine for children receiving treatment services for emotional disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, or primary medical needs whether to:

(A) Continue the placement;

(B) Continue the placement as child-care services;

(D) Refer the child to an inpatient hospital;

(9) Evaluate the use and effectiveness of emergency behavior intervention techniques, if used, since the last service plan. If applicable, this evaluation must focus on:

(A) The frequency, patterns, and effectiveness of types of emergency behavior interventions;

(B) Strategies to reduce the need for emergency behavior interventions overall; and

(10) Document in the child's record the review and update of the plan; and

(11) Document the names of the persons participating in the review and update.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1335 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1337: Are the notification, participation, implementation, and documentation requirements for a service plan review and update the same as for an initial service plan?

Yes, the same requirements found in Division 1 of this subchapter (relating to Service Plans) apply to a service plan review and update.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1337 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1339: How often must I re-evaluate the intellectual functioning of a child receiving treatment services for mental retardation?

(a) Each child's intellectual functioning must be re-evaluated at least every three years by a psychologist qualified to provide psychological testing; or

(b) A psychologist must determine the need and frequency for a specific child's intellectual functioning to be re-evaluated, such as a young child who may require more frequent testing. This determination, including justification for the time frame, must be documented in the child's record annually by the service planning team.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1339 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.1361: What does "the transfer of a child in care" mean?

A transfer refers to a child in care who is moved from one of your programs or foster homes to another one of your programs or foster homes operated under the same permit or at the same location.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1361 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1363: Who must plan a child's non-emergency discharge or transfer?

(a) You must involve at least the following persons in planning the child's non-emergency discharge or transfer:

(1) At least one of the child's current caregivers; and

(2) At least one professional service provider involved in the child's service planning.

(b) You must invite the following persons to participate in planning the child's non-emergency discharge or transfer, if appropriate:

(1) The child;

(2) The child's parent(s); and

(3) Any other person pertinent to the child's care.

(c) If you are unable to plan the transfer or discharge with the persons required in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, you must document in the child's record the reason why.

(d) If a child in your care is not receiving treatment services, you must inform him of his non-emergency discharge or transfer at least four days prior to the date of the discharge or transfer, unless your licensed child-placing agency administrator or child placement management staff has clear justification for not giving him such notice. The licensed child-placing agency administrator or child placement management staff who determines the justification for the child not having the advance notice of the discharge or transfer, must put the justification in writing and sign and date it. The justification must be in the child's record.

(e) If a child in your care is receiving treatment services, you must inform him of his non-emergency discharge or transfer at least four days prior to the date of the discharge or transfer, unless your treatment director, three members of the child's service planning team, or the child's psychiatrist or psychologist has a justification for not giving him such notice. Whoever determines the justification for the child not having the advance notice of the discharge or transfer must put the justification in writing and sign and date it. The justification must be in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1363 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1365: May a foster home release a child to any person without my consent?

No, the foster home must not release a child to any person without your consent.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1365 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1367: To whom can I discharge a child in a non-emergency situation?

You must discharge a child to the child's parent or to anyone with written authorization from the parent or a person authorized by the court or by law to assume custody of the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1367 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1369: How do I discharge or transfer a child who is an immediate danger to himself or others?

The child's caregiver(s) or the child placement staff must accompany the child to the receiving operation, agency, or person unless the child's parent or law enforcement transports the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1369 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1371: What must I document in the child's record regarding a planned discharge or transfer?

Your documentation of a planned discharge or transfer is called a "discharge or transfer summary" and must include:

(1) A discharge or transfer summary showing services provided to the child, accomplishments, assessment of remaining needs, and recommendations about the services to meet those needs;

(2) The date and circumstances of the discharge or transfer;

(3) Discharge or transfer medications and/or prescriptions for medications;

(4) Support resources for the child, including telephone numbers and addresses;

(5) Aftercare plans and recommendations, including medical, psychiatric, psychological, dental, educational, and social appointments;

(6) Date and time the child was informed of his discharge or transfer; and

(7) For discharges, the name, address, telephone number and relationship of the person to whom you discharge the child, unless the child legally consents to his discharge. If the child legally consents to his discharge and does not want to involve the child's parent(s), you must document this in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1371 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1373: When I discharge a child to another agency or residential child care operation, what information must I provide them?

(a) On or before the child's discharge, you must attempt to obtain legal consent to release the discharge summary and the information in subsection (b) of this section. If consent is not obtained, your attempt to obtain consent must be documented in the child's record. If consent is obtained, the information must be provided to the receiving operation within 30 days of the date the child is discharged.

(b) Copies of the following information from the child's record must also be released with the discharge summary:

(1) The child's background information, including progress notes for the past 60 days if applicable;

(2) Any unresolved incidents or investigations involving the child, if applicable;

(3) Assessments and/or evaluations that you have performed for the child, including the child's admission assessment, diagnostic assessment, educational assessment, neurological assessment, and psychiatric or psychological evaluation;

(4) The child's service plans while in your care for the past 12 months;

(5) A list of medications the child is taking, the dosage, frequency, and reason the medication was prescribed; and

(6) Any treatment for a physical condition that is in progress and requires continuing or follow-up medical care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1373 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1375: To whom do I provide a copy of the discharge summary when I discharge a child to his home?

You must send a copy of the discharge summary to the child's parent within 30 days after you discharge the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1375 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1377: What constitutes an emergency discharge or transfer?

An emergency transfer or discharge occurs when:

(1) The parent withdraws a child unexpectedly from care;

(2) There is a medical emergency requiring inpatient care;

(3) The child is absent from the home and cannot be located; or

(4) There is an immediate danger to the child or others and you determine that you cannot serve the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1377 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1379: What must I document in the child's record at the time of an emergency discharge or transfer?

At the time of an emergency discharge or transfer, you must document the following in the child's record:

(1) The circumstances necessitating the emergency discharge or transfer;

(2) The explanation given to the child regarding the reason for the discharge or transfer;

(3) The child's reaction to the discharge or transfer;

(4) The date of discharge or transfer; and

(5) The name, address, and relationship of the person to whom you transfer or discharge the child, where applicable.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1379 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter J

Division 1

§749.1401: What general medical requirements must my agency meet?

(a) A child in your care must receive medical care:

(1) Initially, according to the requirements in Â§749.1151 of this title (relating to What are the medical requirements when I admit a child into care?);

(2) As needed for injury, illness, and pain; and

(3) As needed for ongoing maintenance of medical health.

(b) The child's record must include a written record of each medical examination specifying:

(1) The date of the examination;

(2) The procedures completed;

(3) The follow-up treatment recommended and any appointments scheduled;

(4) The child's refusal to accept medical treatment, if applicable;

(5) The results of the medical examination that is signed and dated by the health-care professional who performed the examination; and

(6) If the medical examination is a result of an injury or medical incident, the documentation of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the date and time of the incident.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1401 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1403: Who determines the need and frequency for ongoing maintenance of medical care and treatment for a child?

A health-care professional determines the need and frequency for ongoing maintenance of medical care and treatment for a child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1403 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1405: Who must perform medical care examinations and provide medical treatment for a child?

A health-care professional licensed in the United States to practice in an appropriate medical or health-care discipline must perform medical care examinations and provide medical treatment for a child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1405 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1409: What general dental requirements must my agency meet?

(a) A children in your care must receive dental care:

(1) Initially, according to the requirements in Â§749.1153 of this title (relating to What are the dental requirements when I admit a child into care?);

(2) At as early an age as necessary;

(3) As needed for relief of pain and infections; and

(4) As needed for ongoing maintenance of dental health.

(b) The child's record must include a written record of each dental examination specifying the:

(1) Date of the examination;

(2) Procedures completed;

(3) Follow-up treatment recommended and any appointments scheduled;

(4) The child's refusal to accept dental treatment, if applicable; and

(5) The results of the dental examination that is signed and dated by the health-care professional who performed the examination.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1409 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1411: Who must determine the frequency and need for ongoing maintenance of dental health for a child?

A licensed dentist must determine the frequency and need for ongoing maintenance of dental health for a child. You must comply with dentist recommendations for examinations and treatment for each child

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1411 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1413: Who must perform dental examinations and provide dental treatment?

A health-care professional licensed in the United States to practice dentistry must provide dental care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1413 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1415: What health precautions must I take if a person in care, employee, caregiver, someone else in one of my foster homes, or someone else in my agency has a communicable disease?

(a) You must notify the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) after you become aware that a person in your care, an employee, a contract service provider, a caregiver, someone else in one of your foster homes, or a volunteer has contacted a communicable disease that the law requires you to report to the DSHS as specified in 25 TAC 97, Subchapter A (relating to Control of Communicable Diseases).

(b) If a person in your care has symptoms of a communicable disease that is reportable to the DSHS, you must:

(1) Consult a health-care professional about the person's treatment;

(2) Follow the treating physician's orders, which may include separating the person from others;

(3) Notify the person's parent, if applicable; and

(4) Sanitize all items used by the sick person before another person uses one of them.

(c) If a health-care professional diagnoses a person in care with a communicable disease that is reportable to Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a health-care professional must authorize the person's participation in routine activity at the foster home. The authorization must:

(1) Be in the person's record;

(2) Include a written statement that the person will not pose a serious threat to the health of others; and

(3) Include any specific instructions and precautions to be taken for the protection of others.

(d) If an employee, a contract service provider, a caregiver, someone else in one of your foster homes, or a volunteer has a communicable disease that is reportable to DSHS, you must obtain written authorization from a health-care professional for the person to be present at the agency or foster home. The written authorization must include a statement that the person will not pose a serious threat to the health of others.

(e) You must follow any written instructions and precautions specified by a health-care professional.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1415 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective September 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 6607

§749.1417: Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?

(a) All persons over the age of one year old who live, work, or volunteer at your agency or in one of your foster homes must be screened for tuberculosis as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This includes contract service providers.

(b) If a person over one year old has lived, worked, or volunteered at a regulated residential child-care operation within 12 months prior to living, working, or volunteering at your agency or foster home, a new baseline tuberculosis screening is not required. However, you must have documentation of the person's previous screening on file at your agency. For example, an employee beginning employment in a regulated residential child-care operation for the first time would need a baseline tuberculosis screening. Employment in a different residential child-care operation would not require a new screening as long as a copy of the screening documentation went with the employee to each new place of employment. If the employee left employment in regulated residential child-care for more than 12 months and then returned, a new screening would be required.

(c) A copy of medical documentation of results of TB screening, chest radiograph, and/or treatment (if treatment is required) must be maintained in the person's file at the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1417 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1421: What immunizations must a child in my care have?

(a) Each child that you admit must meet and continue to meet applicable immunization requirements specified by Â§42.043 of the Human Resources Code and the Department of State Health Services.

(b) You must maintain current immunizations records for each child in your care.

(1) Be completed by the date of admission; or

(2) Begin within 30 days after admission.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1421 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1423: What are the exemptions from immunization requirements?

Exemptions for immunization requirements must meet criteria specified by:

(1) Â§42.043 of the Human Resources Code; or

(2) The Department of State Health Services rules in 25 TAC Â§97.62 (relating to Exclusions from Compliance).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1423 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1425: What documentation is acceptable for an immunization record?

(a) An original or facsimile of the immunization record must include:

(1) The child's name and birth date;

(2) The number of doses and vaccine type;

(3) The month, day, and year the child received each vaccination; and

(4) One of the following:

(A) A signature or rubber stamp signature from the health-care professional who administered the vaccine; or

(B) A registered nurse's documentation of the immunization that is provided by a health-care professional, as long as the health-care professional's name and qualifications are documented.

(b) Documentation of an immunization record on file at your agency may be:

(1) The original record;

(2) A photocopy;

(3) An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority, such as a registry; or

(4) A record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1425 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1427: Must children in my care have a vision and hearing screening?

(a) You must ensure that each child you admit is screened for possible vision and hearing problems that meet the requirements of the Special Senses and Communication Disorders Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 36. If problems are detected, the child must have a professional vision and hearing examination.

(b) For each child required to be screened, you must keep one of the following in each child's record:

(1) The individual vision and hearing screening results;

(2) A signed statement from the child's parent that the child's screening records are current and on file at the program or school the child attends away from the agency. The statement must be dated and include the name, address, and telephone number of the program or school; or

(3) An affidavit from the child's parent stating that the vision or hearing screening and/or examination conflicts with the tenets or practices of a church or religious denomination of the parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1427 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1429: What must I do if a child in my care is identified as needing a diagnostic vision or hearing examination?

You must:

(1) Schedule the child for professional examination and needed health services;

(2) Ensure the professional and medical recommendations are carried out; and

(3) Convey the information concerning the child's visual and/or hearing difficulty to the educational and agency caregivers, so the recommended adjustments can be made in programs.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1429 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1431: What special equipment must I provide for a child with a physical disability?

When recommended by a physician or other health-care professional, you must ensure that a child with a physical disability has any special equipment recommended that can be reasonably obtained.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1431 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1433: How often must the physician review a child's primary medical needs?

(a) A licensed physician must review a child's primary medical needs:

(1) At least every 90 days or on a schedule recommended by the child's physician; and

(2) Whenever a medical or related problem occurs.

(b) The review must address:

(1) Whether the child can continue to be cared for appropriately in the foster home; and

(2) Any new or changed orders regarding the items outlined in Â§749.1135 of this title (relating to What are the additional requirements when I admit a child for treatment services?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1433 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1435: What are the requirements for using a nasogastric tube?

(a) Only the following may insert a nasogastric tube:

(1) A physician;

(2) A licensed nurse according to a physician's written orders; or

(3) A caregiver instructed by a licensed nurse according to a physician's written orders.

(b) The caregiver must document each insertion in the child's record. The documentation for each insertion must include the:

(1) Signature of the nurse or caregiver who inserted the tube; and

(2) Date of the insertion.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1435 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.1461: What consent must I obtain to administer medications?

(a) You must obtain a general written consent to administer routine, preventive, and emergency medications.

(b) You must obtain a written, signed, and dated consent, specific to the psychotropic medication to be administered, from the person legally authorized to give medical consent before administering a new psychotropic medication to a child, per Â§749.1603 of this title (relating to If my agency employs or contracts with a health-care professional who prescribes psychotropic medications to a child in care, what information must I provide the person legally authorized to give consent before requesting his consent for the child to be placed on psychotropic medication?) or Â§749.1605 of this title (relating to If my agency does not employ or contract with the health-care professional who prescribes psychotropic medications to a child in care, what information must I provide the person legally authorized to give medical consent prior to the health-care professional prescribing psychotropic medications to a child in care?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1461 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1463: What medication requirements must caregivers meet?

(a) To the best of their knowledge, caregivers must inform the person legally authorized to give medical consent of the benefits, risks, and side effects of all prescription medication and treatment procedures used and the medical consequences of refusing them, and/or provide the name and telephone number of the prescribing health-care professional for more information.

(b) Caregivers must:

(1) Be informed about possible side effects of medications administered to the child;

(2) Store all medication in the original container unless you have an additional container with the same label and instructions;

(3) Administer all medications according to the instructions on the label or according to a prescribing health-care professional's subsequent signed orders;

(4) Administer each child's medication immediately after preparation;

(5) Ensure the child has taken the medication as prescribed;

(6) Ensure a person trained in and authorized to administer prescription medication administers the medication to a child in care unless the child is on a self-medication program;

(7) Maintain any documentation provided by the health-care professional on the administration of current prescription medication;

(8) Not physically force a child to take prescription medication;

(9) Ensure that your employees do not provide any prescription medication or treatment to a child except on written orders of a health-care professional;

(10) Not borrow or administer prescription medication to a child that is prescribed to another person; and

(11) Not administer prescription medication to more than one child from the same container. Only the child for whom the prescription medication was prescribed may use the medication.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1463 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1469: What are the requirements for administering nonprescription medication and vitamins?

(a) You must follow the label and ensure the nonprescription medication is not contraindicated with any other medication prescribed to the child or the child's medical conditions.

(b) You may give nonprescription medication or vitamins to more than one child from one container.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1469 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.1501: What are the requirements for a self-medication program?

For a child to be on a self-medication program:

(1) The child's health-care professional must give written authorization for the child to be on the program;

(2) The child's service plan must include the self-medication program and any requirements for caregiver supervision; and

(3) You must notify the parent and the person legally authorized to give medical consent that the child is on the program.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1501 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1503: Who must record a medication dosage if the child is on a self-medication program?

When a child who is on a self-medication program takes a dosage of the medication, the child may:

(1) Record the dosage if you have a system for reviewing the child's medication each day; or

(2) Report the medication to a caregiver, who must then do the actual recording.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1503 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.1521: What medication storage requirements must a foster home meet?

A foster home must:

(1) Store medication in a locked container;

(2) Keep medication inaccessible other than to caregivers responsible for stored medication;

(3) Ensure the medication storage area has a separate container where medications "for external use only" are stored separately from other medications;

(4) Store medication covered by Section II of the Texas Controlled Substances Act under double lock in a separate container. For example, a double lock can include a lock on the cabinet or filing cabinet and the door to the closet where medications are stored;

(5) Make provisions for securely storing medication that requires refrigeration;

(6) Keep medication storage area(s) clean and orderly;

(7) Remove discontinued medication immediately and destroy it in a way that ensures that children do not have access to it;

(8) Remove medication on or before the expiration date and destroy it in a way that ensures that children do not have access to it;

(9) Remove medication of a discharged or deceased child immediately and destroy it in a way that ensures that children do not have access to it; and

(10) Provide prescription medication to the person to whom a child is discharged or transferred if the child is taking the medication at that time.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1521 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1523: What are the requirements for discontinued or expired medication?

Foster parents must properly destroy medication in accordance with state and federal law and in a way that ensures children do not have access to it, within 30 days after:

(1) It has been discontinued for a child;

(2) The expiration date has passed; or

(3) The child has left care without the medication.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1523 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.1541: What records must caregivers maintain for each child receiving medication?

(a) Caregivers must maintain a cumulative record of all prescription medication dispensed to a child and all nonprescription medication, excluding vitamins, dispensed to a child under five years old. Caregivers must maintain the medication record during the time that they provide services to the child. This record must include the:

(1) Child's full name;

(2) Prescribing health-care professional's name, if applicable;

(3) Medication name, strength, and dosage;

(4) Date (day, month, and year) and the time the medication was administered;

(5) Name and signature of the person who administered the medication;

(6) Child's refusal to accept medication, if applicable; and

(7) Reasons for administering the medication, including the specific symptoms, condition, and/or injuries of the child that the caregiver is treating, for PRN prescriptions and nonprescription medications (excluding vitamins) for children under five years old.

(b) Identification of any prohibited prescription medication, nonprescription medication, and vitamins for each child must be maintained in the medication record, which must be incorporated into the child's record.

(c) The medication records of prescription and nonprescription medication dispensed to the child must be incorporated into the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1541 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1543: Where must a child's medication records be maintained?

(a) The foster parents must maintain at the foster home the child's medication records for 30 days.

(b) Foster parents must submit copies of the child's medication records to you each month. You must file these medication records in the child's record.

(c) You must maintain copies of all the child's medication records for the length of time that you provide services to the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1543 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1545: What other requirements must I meet regarding medication records?

You must make suitable forms available to caregivers for maintaining adequate records of all medications administered to a child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1545 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.1561: What is a medication error?

A medication error includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) A child receives the wrong medication;

(2) A child receives medication prescribed to someone else;

(3) A child receives the wrong dosage of medication;

(4) A child receives medication at the wrong time;

(5) A medication dose is skipped or missed;

(6) A child receives expired medication;

(7) Not following the medication administration instructions, such as giving a child medication on an empty stomach when the medication should be given with food; and

(8) A child receives medication that was not stored as required to maintain the effectiveness of the medication, such as refrigerating or not refrigerating the medication or exposing the medication to heat or sunlight.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1561 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1563: What must a caregiver do if the caregiver finds a medication error?

(a) If a caregiver finds a medication error regarding a prescribed medication, the caregiver must contact a health-care professional immediately, unless the error is the type described in paragraph (4) or (5) of Â§749.1561 of this title (relating to What is a medication error?), and follow the health-care professional's recommendations.

(b) If a caregiver finds a medication error regarding a nonprescription medication, the caregiver must take the appropriate and necessary actions as required by the circumstances.

(1) The time and date of the error;

(2) The medication error;

(3) The time and date of the call(s) to the licensed health-care professional, if applicable;

(4) The name and title of the health-care professional contacted, if applicable; and

(5) The health-care professional's medical recommendations for ensuring the child's safety, if applicable.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1563 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1565: What must a caregiver do if the caregiver finds a medication label error?

If a caregiver finds a medication label error, the caregiver must:

(1) Report the error to the pharmacist; and

(2) Have the label on the medication container corrected as soon as possible but no later than the next business day.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1565 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.1581: What must caregivers do if a child has an adverse reaction to a medication?

If a child has an adverse reaction to a medication, the caregiver must:

(1) Immediately report the reaction to a health-care professional;

(2) Follow the health-care professional's recommendations;

(3) Seek further medical care for the child if the child's condition appears to worsen; and

(4) Document in the child's medical record the:

(A) Adverse reactions that the child had to the medication;

(B) Time and date of call(s) to the health-care professional;

(D) Health-care professional's medical recommendations for ensuring the child's safety.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1581 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1583: What must a caregiver do if a child experiences side effects from any medications?

If a child experiences side effects from any medication, the caregiver must:

(1) Document the observed and reported side effects;

(2) Immediately report any serious side effects to the child's physician; and

(3) Report any other side effect to the prescribing physician within 72 hours.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1583 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 8

§749.1603: If my agency employs or contracts with a health-care professional who prescribes psychotropic medications to a child in care, what information must I provide the person legally authorized to give consent before requesting his consent for the child to be placed on psychotropic medication?

(a) Before requesting the person's written consent to give the child psychotropic medication, the prescribing health-care professional must give the following in writing or document a discussion with the person or a combination of both:

(1) The child's diagnosis;

(2) The nature of the child's mental illness or condition;

(3) An explanation of the purpose of the medication;

(4) A description of the benefits expected;

(5) A description of any accompanying discomforts and risks, including those which could result from long-term use of the medication, and possible side effects, including side effects that are known to frequently occur in persons, side effects to which the child may be predisposed, and the nature and possible occurrence of irreversible symptoms;

(6) A statement of whether the medication is habituating in nature;

(7) Alternative interventions to the use of psychotropic medication that have been attempted and that have been unsuccessful;

(8) Other alternative treatments or procedures to the use of the psychotropic medication;

(9) Risks and benefits of the alternative treatments or procedures;

(10) Risks and benefits of not receiving or undergoing a treatment or procedure;

(11) An explanation that the person legally authorized to give medical consent may ask questions about the child's response to the medication, and may review your daily records on request; and

(12) An explanation that the person legally authorized to give medical consent may withdraw consent and request the medication be discontinued at any time.

(b) The health-care professional must offer to answer any questions the person legally authorized to give consent has about the medication.

(c) The person must sign a consent form that acknowledges that you have provided all of the information set forth in subsection (a) of this section. A copy of this signed consent form must be filed in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1603 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1605: If my agency does not employ or contract with the health-care professional who prescribes psychotropic medications to a child in care, what information must I provide the person legally authorized to give medical consent prior to the health-care professional prescribing psychotropic medications to a child in care?

If you are requesting consent and the person legally authorized to give consent is not privy to this information, you must:

(1) Before requesting the person's written consent to give the child psychotropic medication, provide information in writing or document a discussion with the person regarding:

(A) The nature of the child's mental illness or condition;

(B) A general explanation of the purpose of the medication;

(D) An explanation that the person may ask questions about the child's response to the medication; and

(E) An explanation that the person may withdraw medical consent and request the medication be discontinued at any time.

(2) Offer to answer any questions the person legally authorized to give medical consent has about the medication and/or provide the name and telephone number of the prescribing health-care professional for further information.

(3) Obtain a signed consent form from the person legally authorized to give medical consent that acknowledges that you have provided all of the information set forth in paragraph (1) of this section. A copy of this signed consent form must be filed in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1605 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1607: What are the requirements if a physician orders administration of a psychotropic medication to a child in an emergency?

(a) If a physician has made a determination that there is an emergency according to Â§266.009 of the Family Code and the emergency requires the administration of a psychotropic medication, then you must follow the physician's orders and do not have to obtain consent prior to the administration of the medication.

(b) Within 72 hours after you have administered the medication, you must notify the parent and the person legally authorized to give medical consent.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1607 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1609: What information must be documented about a child's use of psychotropic medication?

(a) You must ensure that caregivers maintain a daily record of the child's use of such medication according to the requirements in Â§749.1541 of this title (relating to What records must caregivers maintain for each child receiving medication?).

(b) Caregivers must document in the child's record a description of any noticeable change in the child's behavior in response to the medication.

(c) You must provide the information in subsection (b) of this section to the prescribing health-care professional or the child's current health-care professional to use in evaluating the appropriateness of continuing the medication. You must document the health-care professional's evaluation and review in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1609 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1611: If my agency employs or contracts with a health-care professional who prescribes psychotropic medications to a child in care, what are the requirements for evaluating whether a child should continue taking a psychotropic medication?

(a) If a child takes psychotropic medications, the prescribing health-care professional must evaluate and document in the child's medication record a description of the child's response to the medication and an assessment of its effectiveness and the appropriateness of continuing the medication on at least a quarterly basis. The written evaluation must include any reasons for discontinuing the medication.

(b) If the health-care professional decides that he can evaluate the appropriateness of continuing the medication without seeing the child, you do not have to schedule an appointment for the evaluation.

(c) The health-care professional must consider the target symptoms and treatment goals in evaluating the child's use of psychotropic medications.

(d) The health-care professional must document whether the child needs to continue taking the medication. You must document the health-care professional's decision in the child's record.

(e) If the health-care professional does not substantiate the effectiveness of a specific psychotropic medication within 90 days, the health-care professional must provide a written rationale for continuing the medication for an additional period. The continuation of the medication may not exceed an additional 90 days (for a total of 180 days) if the health-care professional does not substantiate effectiveness. A copy of the written rationale must be documented in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1611 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 9

§749.1641: What is a protective device?

(a) A protective device:

(1) Protects a person from involuntary self-injurious behavior or permits wounds to heal; and

(2) Does not prohibit a person's mobility.

(b) Examples of a protective device are helmets, elbow guards, mittens, bedrails, and wheelchair seat belts.

(c) If used appropriately, devices intended to encourage mobility or minimally restrain a young child for safety purposes, such as wheelchairs, car seats, high chairs, strollers, bed rails, and child leashes manufactured and sold specifically to harness a young child for safety purposes, are not protective devices.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1641 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1643: What does "involuntary self-injurious behavior" mean when used in this division?

Involuntary self-injurious behavior means a person's physical movements that are automatic and not subject to control of the person's will that may inflict injury to the person.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1643 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1645: May I use protective devices?

(a) You may use protective devices if a licensed physician orders their use for a specific child. The orders must indicate the circumstances under which the protective device is permitted.

(b) You may not use protective devices as:

(1) Punishment;

(2) Retribution or retaliation;

(3) A means to get a child to comply;

(4) A convenience for caregivers or other persons; or

(5) A substitute for effective treatment or habilitation.

(c) You must document the use of protective devices in the child's record, service plan, and service plan reviews. The service planning team must discuss and document in the child's service plan reviews:

(1) Clinical justification for continued use of protective devices; and

(2) Ways to reduce the need for protective devices.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1645 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1647: Who may use Prn orders with respect to protective devices?

A licensed physician ordering protective devices may use PRN orders. The physician must review PRN orders for protective devices at least every 90 days.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1647 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 10

§749.1671: What is a supportive device?

(a) A supportive device used:

(1) To support a person's posture;

(2) To assist a person who cannot obtain and/or maintain normal physical functioning to improve his mobility and independent functioning; or

(3) As an adjunct to proper care and treatment, for example physical therapy.

(b) The purpose of a supportive device is not to restrict movement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1671 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1673: May I use supportive devices?

(a) You may use supportive devices if a licensed physician orders their use for a specific child. The orders must indicate the circumstances under which the supportive device is permitted.

(b) You may not use a supportive device as a substitute for appropriate nursing care.

(d) You may not use supportive devices as:

(1) Punishment;

(2) Retribution or retaliation;

(3) Means to get a child to comply;

(4) A convenience for caregivers or other persons; or

(5) A substitute for effective treatment or habilitation.

(e) If a device is not specifically for assisting with sleep or safety during sleep, you must remove the device during rest periods.

(f) You must document the use of supportive devices in the child's record, service plan, and service plan reviews. The service planning team must discuss and document in the child's service plan reviews:

(1) Clinical justification for continued use of supportive devices; and

(2) Ways to reduce the need for supportive devices.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1673 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1675: Who may use Prn orders with respect to supportive devices?

A licensed physician ordering supportive devices may use PRN orders. The physician must review PRN orders for supportive devices at least every 90 days.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1675 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter K

Division 1

§749.1801: What do certain words mean in this division?

These words have the following meanings in this division:

(1) Baby bungee jumper--A bucket seat that is suspended from a doorway by an elastic bungee cord that allows an infant to bounce while sitting in the seat.

(2) Baby walker--A baby walker allows an infant to sit inside the walker equipped with rollers or wheels and move across the floor.

(3) Bouncer seat--A stationary seat designed to provide gentle rocking or bouncing motion by an infant's movement or by battery-operated movement. This type of equipment is designed for an infant's use from birth until the child can sit up unassisted.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1801 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1803: What are the basic care requirements for an infant?

(a) Each infant must receive individual attention, including playing, talking, cuddling, and holding.

(b) A caregiver must provide prompt attention to an infant's physical needs, such as feeding and diapering.

(c) An infant's caregiver must ensure that the environment is safe. For example, free the area of objects that may choke or harm the infant, take measures to prevent electric shock, free the area of furniture that is in disrepair or unstable, and allow no unsupervised access to water to prevent the risk of drowning.

(d) An infant's caregiver must never leave the infant unsupervised. A sleeping infant is considered supervised if the caregiver is within eyesight or hearing range of the child and can intervene as needed, or if the caregiver uses a video camera or audio monitoring device to monitor the child and is close enough to the child to intervene as needed.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1803 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1805: What furnishings and equipment must I have in an infant care area?

An infant care area must at a minimum include the following furnishings and equipment:

(1) An individual crib for each infant; and

(2) A sufficient number of toys to keep each child engaged in activities.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1805 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1807: What specific safety requirements must my cribs meet?

(a) All cribs must have:

(1) A firm, flat mattress that snugly fits the sides of the crib. The mattress must not be supplemented with additional foam material or pads;

(2) Sheets that fit snugly and do not present an entanglement hazard;

(3) A mattress that is waterproof or washable;

(4) Secure mattress support hangers, and no loose hardware or improperly installed or damaged parts;

(5) A maximum of 2 3/8 inches between crib slats or poles;

(6) No corner posts over 1/16 inch above the end panels;

(7) No cutout areas in the headboard or footboard that would entrap a child's head or body; and

(8) Drop rails, if present, which fasten securely and cannot be opened by a child.

(b) Caregivers must sanitize each crib when soiled and before reassigning the crib to a different child.

(d) The foster home must not have stackable cribs.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1807 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1809: Are mesh cribs or port-a-cribs allowed?

A foster home may use a full-size, portable, or mesh-side crib if:

(1) Caregivers follow the manufacturer's instructions;

(2) The crib has:

(A) Mesh that is securely attached to the top rail, side rail, and floor plate; and

(B) Folded sides that securely latch in place when raised;

(3) Caregivers never leave a child in a mesh-sided crib with a side folded down; and

(4) If you become aware of a recall for the port-a-crib used, you must discontinue its use.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1809 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1811: What equipment must have safety straps before I can use it with an infant?

(a) A high chair, swing, stroller, infant carrier, rocker, bouncer seat, or a similar type of equipment that a foster home uses for an infant must be equipped with safety straps; and

(b) The safety straps must be fastened whenever the infant is using the equipment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1811 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1813: What types of equipment may a foster home not use with infants?

(a) A foster home may not use any of the following types of equipment with infants:

(1) Baby walkers;

(2) Baby bungee jumpers;

(3) Accordion safety gates; and

(4) Toys that are small enough to swallow or choke a child.

(b) Children may not sleep on bean bags, waterbeds, or foam pads.

(c) A foster home may not use soft bedding, such as stuffed toys, quilts, pillows, bumper pads, and comforters in a crib for an infant six months old or younger.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1813 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1815: Are infants required to sleep on their backs?

Yes. Caregivers must place an infant not yet able to turn over on his own in a face-up sleeping position unless a health-care professional orders otherwise.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1815 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1817: If an infant has difficulty falling asleep, may the infant's head or crib be covered?

No. An Infant must not have his head, face, or crib covered at any time by an item such as a blanket, linen, or clothing.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1817 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1819: What are the specific requirements for feeding an infant?

(a) Caregivers must feed an infant based on the recommendations of the infant's licensed physician.

(b) Unless recommendations from the service team are contrary, caregivers must hold the infant while feeding him if the infant is:

(1) Birth through six months old; or

(2) Unable to sit unassisted in a high chair or other seating equipment during feeding.

(d) A caregiver who cares for more than one infant must:

(1) Not permit the infant to share bottles or training cups; and

(2) Clean high chair trays before each use.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1819 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.1841: What are the basic care requirements for a toddler?

(a) Each toddler must receive individual attention, including playing, talking, and cuddling.

(b) A toddler's caregiver must ensure that the environment is safe. For example, free the area of objects that may choke or harm the toddler, take measures to prevent electric shock, free the area of furniture that is in disrepair or unstable, and allow no unsupervised access to water to prevent the risk of drowning.

(c) A toddler's caregiver must never leave the toddler unsupervised. A sleeping toddler is considered supervised if the caregiver is within eyesight or hearing range of the child and can intervene as needed, or if the caregiver uses a video camera or an audio monitoring device to monitor the child and is close enough to the child to intervene as needed.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1841 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.1861: What information must I provide a pregnant child regarding her pregnancy?

You must:

(1) Ensure information, training, and counseling is available regarding health aspects of pregnancy, preparation for child birth, and recovery from child birth;

(2) Ensure the pregnant child receives nutritional counseling and guidance that meets generally accepted standards, including nutrition during pregnancy, lactation, and foods to avoid; and

(3) Inform the child of her right to be free from pressure to get an abortion, relinquish her child for adoption, or to parent her child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1861 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1863: Is the use of emergency behavior intervention of a pregnant child permitted in a foster home?

If your policies allow for the use of personal restraints on a pregnant child:

(1) The health-care professional attending to the child's pregnancy must document whether any type of emergency behavior intervention that your policies allow is inadvisable; and

(2) You may not use any emergency behavior intervention that the child's health-care professional attending to her pregnancy finds inadvisable.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1863 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1865: If my policies permit the admission of adolescent parents with their child(ren), who is responsible for the care of an adolescent's child?

If your policies permit the admission of adolescent parents with their child(ren):

(1) An adolescent parent must provide most of the care for her child;

(2) Caregivers must be available to the adolescent parent as a resource and support; and

(3) When you care for an adolescent's child in the adolescent parent's absence, you are responsible for that child as if the child is in your care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1865 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.1891: What responsibilities do I have for the education of a child in care?

(a) You must arrange an appropriate education for each child, including:

(1) Ensuring the child in care attends an educational facility or program that is approved or accredited by the Texas Education Agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission unless approved by the child's service planning team with documented justification;

(2) Ensuring a school-age child has the training and education in the least restrictive setting necessary to meet the child's needs and abilities;

(3) For a child attending an accredited educational facility or program, ensuring the facility or program that implements a special education student's individual education plan (IEP); and

(4) Advocating that a school-age child receives the educational and related services to which he is entitled under provisions of federal and state law and regulations.

(b) For children receiving treatment services you must designate a liaison between the agency and the child's school.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1891 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1893: What responsibilities do caregivers have for the educational needs of a child in their care?

Caregivers must:

(1) Review report cards and other information received from teachers or school authorities with the child and provide necessary information to agency staff;

(2) Counsel and assist the child regarding adequate classroom performance;

(3) Permit, encourage, and make reasonable efforts to involve the child in extracurricular activities to the extent of the child's interests and abilities and in accordance with the child's service plan;

(4) Provide a quiet, well-lighted space for the child to study and allow regular times for homework and study;

(5) Know what emergency behavior interventions are permitted and being used with the child;

(6) Request ARD, IEP, and ITP meetings if concerned with the child's educational program or if the child does not appear to be making progress; and

(7) Attend ARD, IEP, ITP meetings, other school staffings, and conferences to represent the child's educational best interests, including the child being evaluated for and provided with services needed for the child to benefit from educational services, and positive behavior supports designed to decrease the need for negative disciplinary techniques or interventions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1893 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1895: What are the specific requirements for the educational program of a child diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder?

You must ensure that the educational program for a child with a pervasive development disorder:

(1) Encourages normalization through appropriate stimulation and by encouraging self-help skills; and

(2) Is appropriate to his intellectual and social functioning.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1895 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.1921: What responsibilities do foster parents have for providing a child with opportunities for recreational activities?

(a) Caregivers must provide daily indoor and outdoor recreational and other activities appropriate to the needs, interests, and abilities of the children so every child may participate.

(b) Except for written medical orders to the contrary, your programs for non-ambulatory children must include:

(1) Physical fitness development that prescribes a variety of body positions; and

(2) Changes in environment.

(d) Caregivers must provide the following types of recreational activities based on each individual child's needs:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1921 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1923: What physical fitness activities must caregivers provide for a child receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation?

(a) A child receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation must have a minimum of one hour of physical stimulation each day.

(b) Training programs for non-mobile children must include development of physical fitness. This must include a variety of body positions and changes in environment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1923 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1925: What type of daily schedule must caregivers provide for a child receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation?

A child receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation must have a schedule that is based on the normalization principle. In order to help the child obtain an existence as normal as possible, the daily schedule must:

(1) Demonstrate an understanding of normal child development; and

(2) Enhance the child's physical, emotional, and social development.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1925 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1927: To what extent must a child receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation have community living experiences?

The child's surroundings and experiences must reflect normal patterns of community living as closely as possible and as appropriate for the child's special needs.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1927 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.1951: What are the requirements for disciplinary measures?

(a) Only a caregiver known to and knowledgeable of a child may discipline the child.

(b) Each disciplinary measure must:

(1) Be consistent with your policies and procedures;

(2) Not be physically or emotionally damaging to the child;

(3) Be individualized to meet each child's needs;

(4) Be appropriate to the child's level of understanding, age, and developmental level; and

(5) Be appropriate to the incident and severity of the behavior demonstrated.

(c) The goal of each disciplinary measure must be to teach the child acceptable behavior and self-control. The caregiver must explain the reason for the disciplinary measure when the caregiver imposes the measure.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1951 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1953: May I use corporal punishment for children in care?

(a) You may not use or threaten to use corporal punishment with any child in care.

(b) Corporal punishment is the infliction of physical pain on any part of a child's body as means of controlling or managing the child's behavior. It includes:

(1) Hitting or spanking a child with a hand or instrument; or

(2) Forcing or requiring the child to do any of the following as a method of managing or controlling behavior:

(A) Perform any form of physical exercise, such as running laps or doing sit ups or push ups;

(B) Hold a physical position, such as kneeling or squatting; or

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1953 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1955: What is "unproductive work"?

(a) "Unproductive work" is work that serves no purpose except to demean the child. Examples include moving rocks or logs from one pile to another or digging a hole and then filling it in. Unproductive work is never an appropriate behavior management tool.

(b) "Unproductive work" does not include work that corrects damage that the child's behavior caused. For example, you may require a child who defaces a fence or wall to repaint it. This example includes a logical consequence and an acceptable behavior management tool.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1955 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1957: What other methods of punishment are prohibited?

In addition to corporal punishment, prohibited discipline techniques include, but are not limited to:

(1) Any harsh, cruel, unusual, unnecessary, demeaning, or humiliating discipline or punishment;

(2) Denial of mail or visits with their families as discipline or punishment;

(3) Threatening with the loss of placement as discipline or punishment;

(4) Using sarcastic or cruel humor and verbal abuse;

(5) Maintaining an uncomfortable physical position, such as kneeling, or holding his arms out;

(6) Pinching, pulling hair, biting, or shaking a child;

(7) Putting anything in or on a child's mouth, such as soap or tape;

(8) Humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child;

(9) Subjecting a child to abusive or profane language;

(10) Placing a child in a dark room, bathroom, or closet;

(11) Requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child's age;

(12) Confining a child to a highchair, box, or other similar furniture or equipment as discipline or punishment;

(13) Denying basic child rights as a form of discipline or punishment;

(14) Withholding food that meets the child's nutritional requirements; and

(15) Using or threatening to use emergency behavior intervention as discipline or punishment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1957 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1959: To what extent may a caregiver restrict a child's activities as a behavior management tool?

(a) Within limits, a foster parent may restrict a child's activities as a behavior management tool.

(b) Restrictions of activities, other than school or chores, which will be imposed on a child for more than 30 days, must be reviewed with and approved by the child placement management staff or treatment director prior to or within 24 hours of imposing the restriction.

(c) Restrictions to a particular room or building that will be imposed on a child for more than 24 hours must have approval from the service planning team, a professional service provider, or treatment director prior to or within 24 hours of imposing the restriction.

(d) You must inform the child and parent about any such restrictions you place on the child.

(e) Documentation of all approvals, justification for the restriction, and informing the child and parents must be in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1959 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.1961: May a person in care discipline or punish another person in care?

No. A person in care must not discipline or punish another person in care except when babysitting under Â§749.2599 of this title (relating to Can a child serve as a caregiver?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.1961 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter L

Division 1

§749.2001: What do certain words mean in this subchapter?

These words have the following meaning in this subchapter:

(1) Chemical restraint--A type of emergency behavior intervention that uses chemicals or pharmaceuticals through topical application, oral administration, injection, or other means to immobilize or sedate a child as a mechanism of control. The use of medications that have a secondary effect of immobilizing or sedating a child, but are prescribed by a treating health-care professional and administered solely for medical or dental reasons, is not chemical restraint and is not regulated as such under this chapter.

(2) De-escalation--See Â§749.43(13) of this title (relating to What do certain words and terms mean in this chapter?).

(3) Emergency behavior intervention--See Â§749.43(17) of this title.

(4) Emergency medication--A type of emergency behavior intervention that uses chemicals or pharmaceuticals through topical application, oral administration, injection, or other means to modify a child's behavior. The use of medications that have a secondary effect of modifying a child's behavior, but are prescribed by a treating health-care professional and administered solely for medical or dental reasons (e.g. benadryl for an allergic reaction or medication to control seizures), is not emergency medication and is not regulated as such under this chapter.

(5) Emergency situation--A situation in which attempted preventative de-escalatory or redirection techniques have not effectively reduced the potential for injury and it is immediately necessary to intervene to prevent:

(A) Imminent probable death or substantial bodily harm to the child because the child attempts or continually threatens to commit suicide or substantial bodily harm; or

(B) Imminent physical harm to another because of the child's overt acts, including attempting to harm others. These situations may include aggressive acts by the child, including serious incidents of shoving or grabbing others over their objections. These situations do not include verbal threats or verbal attacks.

(6) Mechanical restraint--A type of emergency behavior intervention that uses the application of a device to restrict the free movement of all or part of a child's body in order to control physical activity.

(7) Personal restraint--A type of emergency behavior intervention that uses the application of physical force without the use of any device to restrict the free movement of all or part of a child's body in order to control physical activity. Personal restraint includes escorting, which is when a caregiver uses physical force to move or direct a child who physically resists moving with the caregiver to another location.

(8) PRN--See Â§749.43(43) of this title.

(9) Prone restraint--Placing a child in a chest down restraint hold.

(10) Seclusion--A type of emergency behavior intervention that involves the involuntary separation of a child from other residents and the placement of the child alone in an area from which the resident is prevented from leaving by a physical barrier, force, or threat of force.

(11) Short personal restraint--A personal restraint that does not last longer than one minute before the child is released.

(12) Supine restraint--Placing a child in a chest up restraint hold.

(13) Transitional hold--The use of a temporary restraint technique that lasts no longer than one minute as part of the continuation of a longer personal or mechanical restraint.

(14) Triggered review--A review of a specific child's placement, treatment plan, and orders or recommendations for intervention, because a certain number of interventions have been made within a specified period of time.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2001 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective June 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 4196

Division 2

§749.2051: What types of emergency behavior intervention may I administer?

(a) If permitted in your policies and you meet the requirements of this subchapter, a caregiver may administer the following types of emergency behavior intervention to a child in your care:

(1) Short personal restraint;

(2) Personal restraint; and

(3) Emergency medication.

(b) You may never administer chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, or seclusion.

(c) Protective and supportive devices, used appropriately, are not considered emergency behavior interventions. For information on protective and supportive devices, see Divisions 9 and 10 of Subchapter J of this chapter (relating to Foster Care Services: Medical and Dental).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2051 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2053: Who may administer emergency behavior intervention?

Only a caregiver qualified in emergency behavior intervention may administer any form of emergency behavior intervention, except for the short personal restraint of a child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2053 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2055: What actions must a caregiver take before using a permitted type of emergency behavior intervention?

Before using a permitted type of emergency behavior intervention, the caregiver must:

(1) Attempt less restrictive behavior interventions that prove to be ineffective at defusing the situation; and

(2) Determine that the basis for the emergency behavior intervention is:

(A) An emergency situation;

(B) A need for a personal restraint to administer intra-muscular medication or other medical treatments prescribed by a licensed physician, such as administering insulin to a child with diabetes; or

(C) A need for a personal restraint in a foster home where a child is significantly damaging property, such as breaking car windows or putting holes into walls. If this is the basis of the personal restraint, only a short personal restraint may be used and only to prevent the damage.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2055 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2059: What is the appropriate use for a short personal restraint?

Generally, a short personal restraint is used in urgent situations, such as:

(1) To protect the child from external danger that causes imminent significant risk to the child, such as preventing the child from running into the street or coming into contact with a hot stove. The restraint must end immediately after the danger is averted;

(2) To intervene when a child under the age of five (chronological or developmental age) demonstrates disruptive behavior, if other efforts to de-escalate the child's behavior have failed; or

(3) When a child over five years old demonstrates behavior disruptive to the environment or milieu, such as disrobing in public, provoking others that creates a safety risk, or to intervene to prevent a child from physically fighting.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2059 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2061: What precautions must a caregiver take when implementing a short personal restraint?

(a) When a caregiver implements a short personal restraint, the caregiver must:

(1) Minimize the risk of physical discomfort, harm, or pain to the child; and

(2) Use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force.

(b) A caregiver may not use any of the following techniques as a short personal restraint:

(1) A prone or supine restraint;

(2) Restraints that impair the child's breathing by putting pressure on the child's torso, including leaning a child forward during a seated restraint;

(3) Restraints that obstruct the airways of the child or impair the breathing of the child, including procedures that place anything in, on, or over the child's mouth, nose, or neck, or impede the child's lungs from expanding;

(4) Restraints that obstruct the caregiver's view of the child's face;

(5) Restraints that interfere with the child's ability to communicate or vocalize distress; or

(6) Restraints that twist or place the child's limb(s) behind the child's back.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2061 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2063: Are there any purposes for which emergency behavior intervention cannot be used?

Emergency behavior intervention may never be used as:

(1) Punishment;

(2) Retribution or retaliation;

(3) A means to get a child to comply;

(4) A convenience for caregivers or other persons; or

(5) A substitute for effective treatment or habilitation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2063 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.2101: Are written orders required to administer emergency behavior intervention, and if so, who can write them?

According to the following chart, written orders by certain professionals are required to administer certain emergency behavior intervention:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2101 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2103: Must the written order be in a child's record before a caregiver can use an emergency behavior intervention on a child?

Yes, any type of written order that is required must be in the child's record before a caregiver can use emergency behavior intervention on that child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2103 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2105: What information must a written order include?

(a) All written orders must include the following:

(1) A statement that the particular type of emergency behavior intervention may only be used in an emergency situation;

(2) Designation of the specific intervention and procedure or technique that is authorized;

(3) Any specific measures for ensuring the child's health, safety, and well being, and the privacy of the setting that safeguards the child's personal dignity;

(4) A complete description of the behaviors and circumstances under which the intervention may be used;

(5) Instructions for observation or heightened observation of the child during the intervention;

(6) The behaviors that indicate the child is ready to be released from the intervention;

(7) The maximum length of time the child may be restrained regardless of behaviors exhibited;

(8) The prescribing professional's consideration of any potential medical and/or psychiatric contraindications for the specific child, such as a history of physical or sexual abuse or victimization involving the type of intervention; and

(9) Clinical justification for the intervention.

(b) For emergency medication, the written order must also include instructions on how to administer the medication.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2105 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2107: Under what conditions are Prn orders permitted for a specific child?

PRN orders for certain emergency behavior interventions are permitted under the following conditions:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2107 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.2151: What responsibilities does a caregiver have when implementing a type of emergency behavior intervention?

(a) The use of emergency behavior intervention must be an appropriate response to the behavior demonstrated, and de-escalation must have failed.

(b) The caregiver must act to protect the child's safety and consider the:

(1) Characteristics of the immediate physical environment;

(2) Permitted types of emergency behavior intervention; and

(3) Potential risk of harm in using emergency behavior intervention versus the risk of not using emergency behavior intervention.

(1) Initiate an emergency behavior intervention in a way that minimizes the risk of physical discomfort, harm, or pain to the child; and

(2) Use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force to implement the intervention.

(d) The caregiver must make every effort to protect the child's:

(1) Privacy, including shielding the child from onlookers; and

(2) Personal dignity and well-being, including ensuring that the child's body is appropriately covered.

(e) As soon as possible after starting any type of emergency behavior intervention, the caregiver must:

(1) Explain to the child the behaviors the child must exhibit to be released or have the intervention reduced, if applicable; and

(2) Permit the child to suggest actions the caregivers can take to help the child de-escalate.

(f) If the child does not appear to understand what he must do to be released from the emergency behavior intervention, the caregiver must attempt to re-explain it every 15 minutes until the child understands or is released from the intervention.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2151 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2153: When must a caregiver release a child from an emergency behavior intervention?

A child must be released as follows:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2153 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.2201: Who must monitor a personal restraint?

During any personal restraint, a caregiver qualified in emergency behavior intervention must monitor the child's breathing and other signs of physical distress and take appropriate action to ensure adequate respiration, circulation, and overall well-being.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2201 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2203: What is the appropriate action for a caregiver to take to ensure the child's adequate respiration, circulation, and overall well-being?

Appropriate action includes responding prudently to a potentially life-threatening situation, for example, releasing a child when a child is unresponsive or indicates he cannot breathe and immediately seeking medical assistance from a health-care professional. The caregiver must take into account that a child may thrash about more violently as he struggles to breathe.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2203 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2205: What personal restraint techniques are prohibited?

(a) The following personal restraint techniques are prohibited:

(1) Restraints that impair the child's breathing by putting pressure on the child's torso, including restraints that obstruct the child's lungs from expanding such as leaning a child forward during a seated restraint;

(2) Restraints that obstruct the child's airway, including procedures that place anything in, on, or over the child's mouth, nose, or neck;

(3) Restraints that obstruct a caregiver's ability to view the child's face;

(4) Restraints that interfere with the child's ability to communicate or vocalize distress; or

(5) Restraints that twist or place the child's limb(s) behind the child's back.

(b) Prone and supine restraints are also prohibited as a short personal restraint.

(1) As a transitional hold that lasts no longer than one minute;

(2) As a last resort when other less restrictive interventions have proven to be ineffective; and

(3) When an observer meeting the following qualifications ensures the child's breathing is not impaired:

(A) Trained to identify risks associated with positional, compression, or restraint asphyxia; and

(B) Trained to identify risks associated with prone and supine holds.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2205 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.2231: May a caregiver successively use emergency behavior interventions on a child?

(a) A caregiver may successively use emergency behavior interventions on a child only if:

(1) Allowed by your policies;

(2) Permitted by rules of this subchapter for both types of emergency behavior intervention; and

(3) Written orders specifically allow the combination.

(b) The written orders must include clinical justification for the successive use of emergency behavior interventions that goes beyond the justification for the use of a single intervention. The licensed physician ordering the emergency medication must provide clinical justification for the combination of emergency medication and personal restraint.

(1) Bathroom privileges at least once every two hours;

(2) An opportunity to drink water at least once every two hours;

(3) Regularly prescribed medications unless otherwise ordered by the licensed physician;

(4) Regularly scheduled meals and snacks served in a safe and appropriate manner; and

(5) An environment that is adequately ventilated during warm weather, adequately heated during cold weather, appropriately lighted, and free of safety hazards.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2231 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2233: May a caregiver simultaneously use emergency medication in combination with personal restraint?

(a) A caregiver may simultaneously use emergency medication in combination with personal restraint only if:

(1) Allowed by your policies;

(2) Permitted by the rules of this subchapter for both types of emergency behavior intervention; and

(3) Written orders specifically allow the combination.

(b) The written orders must include clinical justification for the combination of emergency medication with personal restraint that goes beyond the justification for the use of a single emergency behavior intervention. If they are different people, both the licensed physician ordering the emergency medication and the professional ordering the personal restraint must provide the clinical justification for the combination.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2233 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.2281: What is the maximum length of time that an emergency behavior intervention can be administered to a child?

The maximum length of time that certain emergency behavior interventions can be administered to a child is as follows:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2281 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2283: Can a caregiver exceed the maximum length of time that an emergency behavior intervention can be administered to a child?

A caregiver may exceed the maximum length of time for certain emergency behavior interventions as follows:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2283 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 8

§749.2301: What follow-up actions must caregivers take after the child's behavior no longer constitutes an emergency situation?

(a) The caregivers must take appropriate actions to help the child return to routine activities. The follow-up actions of the caregivers must include:

(1) Providing the child with an appropriate transition and offering the child an opportunity to return to regular activities;

(2) Observing the child for at least 15 minutes; and

(3) Providing the child with an opportunity to discuss the situation that led to the need for emergency behavior intervention and the caregiver's reaction to that situation. The discussion must be held in private as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after the child's use of an emergency medication or release from any emergency behavior intervention.

(b) Caregivers involved in the emergency behavior intervention must conduct a post-emergency behavior intervention discussion. The goal of the discussion is to allow the child and caregiver to discuss:

(1) The child's behavior and the circumstances that constituted the need for an emergency behavior intervention;

(2) The strategies attempted before the use of the emergency behavior intervention and the child's reaction to those strategies;

(3) The emergency behavior intervention itself and the child's reaction to the emergency behavior intervention;

(4) How caregivers can assist the child in regaining self-control in the future to avoid the administration of an emergency behavior intervention; and

(5) What the child can do to regain self-control in the future to avoid the administration of an emergency behavior intervention.

(1) Debrief with child placing staff concerning the incident as soon as possible after the situation has stabilized; and

(2) Make reasonable efforts to debrief with children in care who witness the incident.

(d) The child placing staff must review the use of the emergency behavior intervention within 72 hours of the intervention.

(e) The caregivers do not have to return the child to previous activities or place the child in current activities that the group is participating in if the caregivers deem the child's participation is not in the best interests of the child or the other children in the group. However, caregivers must engage the child in an alternative routine activity.

(f) This rule does not apply to short personal restraint.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2301 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2303: What must the caregiver document after discussing with the child the use of the emergency behavior intervention?

(a) The date and time the caregiver offered the discussion;

(b) The child's reaction to the opportunity for discussion;

(d) The content of the discussion, if applicable.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2303 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2305: When must a caregiver document the use of an emergency behavior intervention, and what must the documentation include?

(a) As soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the initiation of the intervention, the caregiver must document in the child's record the following information:

(1) The child's name;

(2) The basis for the emergency behavior intervention;

(3) A description and assessment of the circumstances and specific behaviors that caused the basis for the emergency behavior intervention;

(4) The de-escalation attempted before and during the use of the emergency behavior intervention and the child's reaction to those strategies;

(5) The specific emergency behavior intervention administered;

(6) The date and time the intervention was administered;

(7) The length of time the child was restrained;

(8) The name of the caregiver(s) that participated in the incident that led to the intervention, and who administered the intervention;

(9) The name of the person(s) who observed the child;

(10) The duration of the emergency behavior intervention;

(11) All attempts to explain to the child what behaviors were necessary for release from the intervention;

(12) The child's condition following the use of the medication or release from the intervention, including any injury the child sustained as a result of the intervention or any adverse effects caused by the use of the intervention; and

(13) The actions the caregiver(s) took to facilitate the child's return to normal activities following the end of the intervention.

(b) The child-placing staff must document their review of the use of the emergency behavior intervention within 72 hours of the incident.

(c) If personal restraint is used, documentation must also include the specific restraint techniques used, including a prone or supine restraint used as a transitional hold.

(d) If emergency medication is used, documentation must also include the specific medication used and the dosage administered to the child.

(e) This rule does not apply to short personal restraints.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2305 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 9

§749.2331: What circumstances trigger a review of the use of emergency behavior intervention for a specific child?

The following circumstances trigger a review for certain emergency behavior interventions:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2331 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2333: When must a triggered review occur?

(a) A triggered review must occur as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the review is triggered.

(b) The regularly scheduled review of the child's service plan can serve as the triggered review if it meets the requirements in Â§749.2337 of this title (relating to What must the triggered review include and what must be documented in the child's record?) and takes place no later than 30 days after the review is triggered.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2333 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2335: Who must participate in the triggered review?

The service planning team must participate in the triggered review.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2335 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2337: What must the triggered review include and what must be documented in the child's record?

The following must be included in a triggered review and documented in the child's record:

(1) The same items that must be included and documented in an initial service plan, (see Â§749.1309 of this title (relating to What must a child's initial service plan include?));

(2) A review of the records and orders of the emergency behavior interventions;

(3) A review and documentation of any potential medical or psychiatric reason for not using emergency behavior interventions on the child, including the prescribing professional's consideration of any potential medical and/or psychiatric contraindications for the specific child, such as a history of physical or sexual abuse or victimization involving the type of intervention;

(4) An examination of alternatives to manage the child's behavior and to assist the child in managing his own behavior; and

(5) A written plan for reducing the need for emergency behavior intervention.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2337 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2339: What if there are four triggered reviews within a 90-day period?

If there are four triggered reviews within a 90-day period:

(1) A licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist must examine the child; and

(2) The licensed professional must make service plan recommendations regarding the use of emergency behavior interventions. You must document these recommendations in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2339 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 10

§749.2381: What is an overall agency evaluation?

(a) The overall agency evaluation is an annual review regarding:

(1) The use and effectiveness of emergency behavior interventions at your agency; and

(2) Your emergency behavior intervention policies and procedures, including the training policy and curriculum.

(b) The objectives of the evaluation are to:

(1) Develop and maintain an environment that supports positive and constructive behaviors of children in care;

(2) Use any type of emergency behavior intervention safely, appropriately, and effectively; and

(3) Eliminate or reduce physical injuries and any other negative side effects on the child's behavior or emotional development resulting from the emergency behavior interventions.

(1) The frequency, patterns, and effectiveness of the types of emergency behavior intervention techniques that are used for all children in your foster homes;

(2) Strategies to reduce the need for emergency behavior interventions for all children in your foster homes; and

(3) Specific strategies to reduce the need for use of specific types of emergency behavior intervention techniques for all children in your foster homes.

(d) The results of each overall agency evaluation must be made available to us for review.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2381 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2383: What data must be collected?

(a) Quarterly, you must collect, document, and review aggregate numbers of emergency behavior interventions by type of intervention with the exception of short personal restraints.

(b) This information must be reported to us quarterly.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2383 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter M

Division 1

§749.2401: If one spouse will not be involved in the care of foster children, may I verify the spouse who will provide care individually as a foster parent?

No. In order for one spouse to be a foster parent, you must verify both of them to provide foster care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2401 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2403: What minimum age requirement must foster parents and caregivers meet?

Each caregiver in a home that you verify on or after January 1, 2007, must be at least 21 years old. Each caregiver in a home that you verified prior to that date must be at least 18 years old.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2403 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2405: Will my home have to be re-verified if I am a single foster parent and I get married after my home is verified?

Yes, you will have to re-verify that home in both spouse's names.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2405 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.2441: Can I verify foster homes anywhere in the state?

(a) Each permit is limited to one DFPS region. We must approve an additional permit for each additional region.

(b) If you were licensed before January 1, 2007, you have five years from January 1, 2007, to comply with this requirement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2441 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2443: Do the requirements described in §749.2441 of this title (relating to Can I verify foster homes anywhere in the state?) apply to the counties in which I place children for adoption?

No, you can place children for adoption anywhere in Texas.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2443 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2445: What is a foster home screening?

(a) You must complete a foster home screening prior to verifying the foster home.

(b) Your child placement management staff must review and approve each foster home screening.

(1) Required information (see Â§749.2447 of this title (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?));

(2) An assessment of the information obtained to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for verification; and

(3) An evaluation of the information obtained in order to make recommendations about the applicant's capacity to work with children, including but not limited to age, gender, special needs, and number of children.

(d) You must report to Licensing all information obtained under Â§749.2447(7) of this title regarding the prospective foster family's domestic violence history, as applicable. You must report this information regardless of whether you verify the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2445 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2447: What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?

You must obtain, document, and assess the following information about a prospective foster home:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2447 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2449: Whom must I interview when conducting a foster home screening?

(a) Interviews for a foster home screening must include at least:

(1) One individual interview with each prospective foster parent;

(2) One individual interview with each child three years old or older living in the home either full or part time;

(3) One individual interview with each other person living full or part time with the family;

(4) One joint interview with the prospective foster parents;

(5) One family group interview with all family members living in the home; and

(6) One interview, by telephone, in person, or by letter, with any minor child 12 years old or older or adult child of the prospective foster parents not living in the home. If you cannot reach an adult child to interview, you must document your reasonable efforts to reach the child.

(b) You must visit the home at least once when all members of the household are present.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2449 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2451: What are the requirements for documenting the interviews I conduct for a foster home screening?

(a) You must document all interviews and attempts to interview persons you are required to interview for a foster home screening.

(b) The documentation must include the dates and methods used to contact the required persons, the dates of the interviews, who was present at the interviews, their relationship to the prospective foster parents, and a summary of the interviews.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2451 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.2471: What must I do to verify a foster home?

Verifying a foster home includes the following steps:

(1) Completing and documenting the requirements for Â§749.2447 of this title (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?);

(2) Completing and documenting the required interviews as specified in Â§749.2449 of this title (relating to Whom must I interview when conducting a foster home screening?);

(3) Obtaining the following:

(A) A floor plan of the home showing dimensions and purposes of all rooms in the home and identifying indoor areas for children's use;

(B) A sketch or photo of the outside areas showing buildings, driveways, fences, storage areas, gardens, recreation areas, pools, ponds, or other bodies of water;

(D) An approved health inspection.

(4) Inspecting the home to ensure and document that the home meets appropriate rules of this chapter, including:

(A) Tuberculosis screening, see Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?);

(B) Subchapter K of this chapter (relating to Foster Care Services: Daily Care and Problem Management; and

(C) Subchapter O of this title (relating to Foster Homes: Health and Safety Requirements, Environment, Space and Equipment);

(5) If the home will provide treatment services, ensuring that the home complies with the policies developed according to Â§749.349 of this title (relating to What additional policies must I develop for foster homes that provide treatment services?);

(6) If the home will provide a transitional living program, ensuring the home complies with the policies developed according to Â§749.351 of this title (relating to What policies must I develop for foster parents who offer a transitional living program?);

(7) Evaluating all areas required for the foster home screening and verification, and make recommendations regarding the home's ability to work with children with respect to their age, gender, number of children, and services to be provided;

(8) Obtaining from the child placement management staff review and approval of the screenings, home study, and the recommended verification of the home; and

(9) Issuing a verification certificate that specifies the:

(A) Name of the foster home;

(B) Foster home address and/or location;

(C) The foster home's capacity, which includes the biological and adopted children of the caregivers who live in the foster home, any children receiving foster or respite child-care, and children for whom the family provides day care.

(D) The ages and gender(s) of children for which the home is verified; and

(E) The types of services the foster home will provide.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2471 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2473: What must I do to verify a foster home that another child-placing agency has previously verified?

(a) When a home has previously been verified by another agency, you may:

(1) Complete an entirely new screening and home study to comply with the requirements in Â§749.2471 of this title (relating to What must I do to verify a foster home?); or

(2) You may use the foster home screening and home study the previous child-placing agency conducted as a basis for meeting the requirement. You must update the information for every required section. You must describe any changes from the previous information. This verification will require you to:

(A) Conduct new interviews as specified in Â§749.2449 of this title (relating to Whom must I interview when conducting a foster home screening?);

(B) Conduct new criminal history and central registry background checks for foster home members, with results documented in the foster home record. Homes transferring from one agency to another, with children in care, may be verified by the receiving agency prior to completion of background checks;

(D) Ensure that all appropriate household members have had a tuberculosis screening as required in Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?);

(E) Ensure that any unresolved deficiencies have been addressed;

(F) Conduct a new evaluation of all areas required for the foster home screening and verification, and make recommendations regarding the home's ability to work with children with respect to their age, gender, number of children, and services to be provided; and

(G) Obtain review and approval of the screening, home study, and the recommended verification of the home by child placement management staff.

(b) If the foster home is transferring from another child-placing agency, you must submit a written request to the agency that the foster home is transferring from requesting the background information required in Â§749.2447(23) of this title (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2473 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2475: To whom must I release information regarding a family on which I previously conducted a foster home screening, pre-adoptive home screening, post placement adoptive report, or home study?

(a) If background information is requested by a child-placing agency conducting a foster home screening, pre-adoptive home screening, post placement adoptive report, or home study, then you must release any background information you have acquired through a previous foster home screening, pre-adoptive home screening, post placement adoptive report, or home study.

(b) Background information must also be released to independent contractors who are hired or required by the court to conduct a social study under Chapter 107 of the Texas Family Code.

(c) You must release the background information to the requesting agency within 10 days after receiving the written request, including generally informing the requesting agency of any unresolved investigations and/or deficiencies. After the resolution of the investigations and/or deficiencies, you must release the remaining background information to the requesting agency within 10 days after the resolution of the investigations and/or deficiencies.

(d) Background information is any information that must be obtained by Â§749.2447(23) of this title (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?). In addition to the items noted in Â§749.2447(23), the background information for a transferring foster home must also include, if applicable:

(1) An annual development plan;

(2) Any corrective action plan(s); and

(3) A description of any imposed or potential service limitation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2475 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2477: May I verify a foster home prior to approval by child placement management staff?

No. Before you can verify a foster home, child placement management staff must:

(1) Review and approve the verification, including the documented foster home screening, home study, and other requirements; and

(2) Sign and date the document.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2477 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2479: May I place children in a foster home before verifying the home?

No, you cannot place children in a foster home before completing the foster home screening and verification.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2479 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2481: What type of certificate must a foster home have in order to prove verification?

(a) You must give the home a verification certificate after:

(1) Verifying the home; and

(2) Making any change that affects the verification certificate.

(b) The home must post the current verification certificate or have it immediately available upon request.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2481 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2483: Do foster parent applicants have to own the home they live in for it to be their primary residence?

No, they do not have to own or rent the home they live in for it to be considered their primary residence.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2483 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2485: What are the requirements for verifying a foster home at a residence that I own?

(a) You must verify the home in the name of one foster family for whom the home is the primary residence. You may only verify the home in the name of one foster family.

(b) A home is considered a primary residence if the person lives there on a routine basis and:

(1) It is the place of residence on their most recent tax return; or

(2) It is the address listed on their motor vehicle registration, driver's license, voter's registration, or other document filed with a public agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2485 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2487: What are the requirements for an agreement that I have with a foster home that I verify?

(a) You must sign a written agreement with each agency foster home at the time that you verify the home. You and the foster home must each have copies of the signed agreement. You must file a copy in the agency home record.

(b) The agreement must specify the following:

(1) The foster parents' responsibility for complying with rules of this chapter;

(2) The financial agreement between you and the foster home;

(3) The foster home agrees not to admit a non-relative child for 24-hour care from any source other than you;

(4) You have the right to remove the child from the home at your discretion;

(5) You must consent to any discharge of a child from the home;

(6) Visits by the child's parents or relatives must be arranged through you;

(7) You are responsible for regular supervision of the foster home;

(8) The foster parents' commitment to comply with your policies regarding child care, discipline, supervision of children, and children's visits or trips away from the foster home; and

(9) The foster parents' commitment to comply with your policies about foster parents' reports to you regarding foster children and events or occurrences impacting the provision of foster care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2487 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2489: What information must I submit to Licensing about a foster home's verification status?

You must submit information to us within two working days of:

(1) Verifying a new foster home;

(2) Temporary verification of a foster home and when the verification is not longer temporary;

(3) Putting a foster home on inactive status or taking a foster home off of inactive status;

(4) Changing conditions of the verification for an existing home; or

(5) Closing a foster home, including:

(A) The reason the foster home closed; and

(B) The name and contact information of a person at your agency who may be contacted by another child-placing agency to obtain records relating to the closed foster home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2489 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2491: May I verify a foster home to provide different services?

(a) You may verify a foster home to provide different services as long as a child placement staff completes an assessment of the home that includes a review of the following:

(1) The number, ages, and needs of children to be placed in the home;

(2) The foster home's capacity to provide each different service and supervise all children appropriately;

(3) The needs of any children currently in the home; and

(4) The foster parents' experience and ability to provide service.

(b) The child placement staff must sign, date, and document this assessment in the foster home record. The different services permitted must be listed on the verification certificate.

(c) Child placement management staff must review and approve the documentation prior to the placement of a child. You must document the review and approval in the record.

(d) For each placement of a child into a home verified to provide multiple types of services, a child placement staff must ensure there will be no conflict of care. Examples of conflicts in care are placements that:

(1) Place one child at serious risk for harm by another child;

(2) Significantly compromise the care and supervision of any child in care;

(3) Require a level of expertise by the foster parents and/or caregivers that they do not possess; or

(4) Create an environment that is appropriately restrictive for one child but inappropriate for another.

(e) A child needing treatment services may only be placed in a foster home that is verified to provide the treatment services needed by that child. If the treatment service needs of any of the children in a foster home changes and the home is not verified to provide that particular treatment service, the foster parent must notify the child placement staff and a new assessment of the home must be completed, signed, and dated by the child placement management staff. If the foster home is not approved to provide the services after the assessment, then the child must be moved to a placement that can provide the needed services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2491 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2493: May a foster family provide day care in addition to foster care?

A foster home may provide day care in addition to foster care under the following conditions:

(1) The number and ages of children in both types of care must meet all relevant laws, including those listed in Â§745.375 of this title (relating to May I offer child day care at my agency foster home or independent foster home?);

(2) The caregivers can supervise all children appropriately, can meet all children's' needs, and can protect all children in both foster and day care;

(3) There is adequate space and there are adequate staff or caregivers to meet all applicable rules;

(4) The child-placing agency completes a written assessment, signed by child placement management staff, of the:

(A) Needs of the children in foster care and how the needs of the children in day care may impact the foster children; and

(B) Basis for determining no conflict of care exists in providing the two types of care; and

(5) Both the Residential Child-Care and Child Day-Care Divisions of Licensing approve.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2493 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.2521: What must I do prior to issuing a temporary verification?

(a) The purpose of a temporary verification is to permit continued care of foster children in a foster home when a foster family moves from one residence to another and there is a short-term delay in verification, for example, fire and health inspections cannot be obtained prior to the move.

(b) You may only issue a temporary verification after you:

(1) Inspect the new location;

(2) Determine that the home meets the minimum standards;

(3) Document that all health and safety, environment, and space and equipment standards are met; and

(4) The child placement management staff review and approve the temporary verification by signing and dating it.

(c) You may not use a temporary verification to change the verification conditions (number of children, age, gender, or services provided) of an agency home other than residence address.

(d) You may not issue a temporary verification if no children are in placement in the foster home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2521 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2523: For what length of time can I issue a temporary verification?

(a) You may issue a temporary verification for up to six months.

(b) A temporary verification is valid for no longer than six months from the date the verification is issued. You may not renew the temporary verification.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2523 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2525: Can foster children remain in the foster home while a temporary verification is in effect?

Yes, children who were in the care of the foster family at the time of the move may continue to live in the foster home while the temporary verification is in effect. However, you may not make new placements of children into a home that is temporarily verified.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2525 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.2551: What is the maximum number of children a foster family home may care for?

(a) A foster family home may care for up to six children, including any biological and adopted children of the caregivers who live in the foster home and any children receiving foster or respite child-care, and children for whom the family provides day care.

(b) All adults in care must also be counted in the capacity of the home per Â§749.2651 of this title (relating to May a foster home accept adults into the home for care?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2551 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2553: What is the maximum number of children that a foster group home may care for?

(a) A foster group home may care for up to 12 children, including any biological and adopted children of the caregivers who live in the foster home and any children receiving foster or respite child-care.

(b) All adults in care must also be counted in the capacity of the home as specified in Â§749.2651 of this title (relating to May a foster home accept adults into the home for care?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2553 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2555: How do I determine capacity?

Capacity of the home is based on the:

(1) Number of caregivers, and the age of the children in the home and in placement;

(2) Services being provided and the needs of the children in care;

(3) Amount of space available for children; and

(4) Bathroom accommodations in the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2555 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2557: May a foster home exceed its verified capacity?

No. The maximum number of children in a foster home, including the biological and adopted children of the caregivers who live in the foster home, any children receiving foster or respite child-care, and children for whom the family provides day care, must not exceed the capacity stated on the home's verification.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2557 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2559: How do I determine the child/caregiver ratio for a foster family home?

The number of children one caregiver may supervise in a foster family home is six, unless the home meets one of the criteria in the chart below:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2559 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2561: How many infants may a foster family home care for?

(a) A foster family home may only care for two infants at the same time unless you place more than two infants in a home in order to keep a single sibling group together.

(b) If the home cares for two infants or more according to subsection (a) of this section, it can only care for two additional children under six years of age.

(c) These restrictions include the biological and adopted children of the foster family, children in foster or respite child-care, and children for whom the family provides day care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2561 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2563: How do I determine child/caregiver ratio for a foster group home?

The number of children one caregiver may supervise in a foster group home is eight, unless the home meets one of the criteria in the chart below:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2563 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2565: Are there restrictions on placing a child younger than five years old in a foster group home?

Yes, you:

(1) May only place a child who is younger than five years old in a foster group home if you determine that:

(A) The placement is necessary to maintain a sibling group; and

(B) A less restrictive setting cannot meet the needs of the sibling group.

(2) You must document your decision in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2565 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2567: Must a home maintain the child/caregiver ratio at all times?

No. However, even during a time that all children in care are away from the home, at least one caregiver must be available by phone to:

(1) Respond to emergencies, changes in schedules, or unplanned events; and

(2) Provide care and supervision whenever a child needs the attention of a caregiver, including when the child returns to the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2567 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.2591: How am I responsible for ensuring adequate supervision of children in care?

(a) Your child placement management staff must ensure that supervision of children in care adequately accounts for the following:

(1) Specific needs of the children in care in each home;

(2) Non-routine events taking place in the lives of individual children, the foster parents, or the group of children in care; and

(3) The children's history, including background of abuse or neglect by caretakers, sexual or physical abuse against others, fire-setting, maiming or killing animals, suicide attempts, and run-away behaviors.

(b) Your child placement management staff must also approve a written plan for the increased supervision of a child who presents an immediate harm to himself or others.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2591 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2593: What responsibilities does a caregiver have when supervising a child?

(a) The caregiver is responsible for:

(1) Knowing which children they are responsible for;

(2) Being aware of and accountable for each child's on-going activity;

(3) Providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well being, including auditory and/or visual awareness of each child's on-going activity as appropriate;

(4) Being able to intervene when necessary to ensure each child's safety; and

(5) Not performing tasks that clearly impede the caregiver's ability to supervise and interact with the children while being responsible for the supervision of the children and meet any service-planning requirement regarding supervision of any child.

(b) In deciding how closely to supervise a child, the caregiver must take into account:

(1) The child's age;

(2) The child's individual differences and abilities;

(3) The indoor and outdoor layout of the home;

(4) Surrounding circumstances, hazards, and risks; and

(5) The child's needs, including the physical, mental, emotional, and social.

(1) Be aware of the children's habits, interests, and any special needs;

(2) Provide a safe environment;

(3) Cultivate developmentally appropriate independence in children through planned but flexible program activities;

(4) Positively reinforce children's efforts and accomplishments;

(5) Ensure continuity of care for children by sharing with incoming caregivers information about each child's activities during the previous shift and any verbal or written information or instructions given by the parent or other professionals; and

(6) Implement and follow the children's service plans.

(d) Caregivers that supervise a child receiving treatment services must maintain progress notes for the child, at a frequency determined by the service planning team. Caregivers must sign and date each progress note at the time the progress note is completed. Progress notes must be available for Licensing staff to review.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2593 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2595: May I use a video camera to supervise a child in the child's bedroom?

(a) Video cameras may be used to supervise infants and toddlers.

(b) Video cameras may not be used to supervise children, other than infants and toddlers, unless the:

(1) Parent, or other person legally authorized to consent, consents to the use of the video camera; and

(2) Child:

(A) Is younger than five years old;

(B) Has primary medical needs; or

(C) Has a service plan that permits the use for purposes of reducing risks of sexually offensive behavior, physical aggression, or other behaviors identified as requiring heightened supervision, such as night terrors, sleepwalks, or resides in a bedroom with such a child. You must document the justification for the video camera in the child's service plan, and the child must have other accessible and reasonable locations where he may change his clothing in private.

(c) Video cameras may not be used to tape the child, and images may not be accessible except to the foster home's caregivers.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2595 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2597: Where must the caregivers reside in order to supervise children who are in a transitional living program?

Caregivers counted in the child/caregiver ratio and responsible for supervising children in a transitional living program must:

(1) Reside within close physical proximity of the child's living quarters;

(2) Be physically available to the children at all times;

(3) Be capable of responding quickly in an emergency; and

(4) Be capable of monitoring the comings and goings of the children in the program.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2597 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2599: Can a child serve as a caregiver?

A child who is over the age of 16 may serve as a caregiver for foster care children under the age of 13 as long as:

(1) The child placement management staff approves the child to be a caregiver, establishing limits with duration and frequency;

(2) The child acts as a caregiver for no more than eight hours and never over night;

(3) The child is certified in first aid and CPR; and

(4) Neither the child nor any of the foster children is supervising or receiving treatment services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2599 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.2621: What are respite child-care services?

(a) Respite child-care services are a planned alternative 24-hour care that has the purpose of providing relief to the child's primary caregiver.

(b) For the purposes of this chapter, respite child-care placement is a placement that lasts more than 72 hours. The placement of a child in a home for less than 72 hours is not respite child-care.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2621 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2623: What must occur before I place a child for respite child-care services?

You must notify the child's parent before placing the child in respite child-care services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2623 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2625: What information regarding the child must I share with the respite child-care services provider?

To ensure continuity of care, you must share the following information with the respite child-care services provider before placing the child in the home:

(1) Specific needs of a child, including:

(A) All psychiatric or medical treatment currently being provided;

(B) Medication regimen and medication instructions;

(D) Any other needs of a child that should be addressed by the respite child-care services provider;

(2) Non-routine events taking place in the life of the child;

(3) Emergency contact information, including the:

(A) Child's physician(s);

(B) Child's parent; and

(4) The child's history that may affect the provider's ability to provide care for the child, including:

(A) Background of abuse and/or neglect;

(B) Physical aggression or sexual behavior problems;

(D) Maiming or killing animals;

(E) Suicidal ideations and attempts; and

(F) Run-away behaviors.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2625 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2627: What must occur before one of my foster homes accepts a child for respite child-care service?

(a) You must approve each occurrence of respite child-care services in your homes. Respite child-care services must not be provided if it could be detrimental to the child.

(b) Your child placement management staff must determine that the respite placement will not cause a conflict in care for any child that you have already placed in the foster home. The record of the foster home providing respite child-care services must include documentation of this determination.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2627 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2629: In addition to the requirements of this division, what requirements of this chapter apply to respite child-care services that a foster home provides?

You and the foster home providing respite child-care must meet all requirements of the applicable rules of this chapter for all children in care, including children admitted for respite child-care services. This includes compliance with capacity and child/caregiver ratios and supervision rules.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2629 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2631: How long may a child be in respite child-care services?

(a) With the exception of subsection (b) of this section, a child may be in respite child-care services for 14 consecutive days or 40 days each year.

(b) A respite child-care placement that is made because a child's foster home is under investigation for abuse or neglect does not count toward nor is it limited by the time frames noted in subsection (a) of this section. However, these placements are limited to a maximum of 60 days.

(c) If a child needs respite child-care services for more than 14 consecutive days or more than 60 days for an abuse or neglect investigation, this is considered a new placement and will not be respite child-care.

(d) When a child finishes a respite child-care placement, he may not return to respite child-care services for at least 10 days.

(e) Respite child-care must not be used if it could be detrimental to the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2631 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2633: How frequently may a foster home provide respite child-care services?

(a) The home may not provide respite child-care services for more than:

(1) 14 consecutive days; or

(2) 60 days annually.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2633 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2635: May I place a child for respite child-care services in a home that Licensing does not regulate?

You may place a child for respite child-care services in a home that meets the requirements of the exemption set forth in Â§745.117(6) of this title (relating to Which programs of limited duration are exempt from Licensing regulation?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2635 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 8

§749.2651: May a foster home accept adults into the home for care?

(a) Foster homes may accept adults into the home for care if the adult:

(1) Is related to the foster family;

(2) Is a client in the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Community Based Services Program; or

(3) Meets one of the requirements of Â§749.1105 of this title (relating to May I admit a young adult into your care?).

(b) Adults in care must be counted in the capacity of the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2651 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2653: What are the requirements for an unrelated adult to reside in a foster home?

(a) Before a foster home may add a new member to the household:

(1) The home must notify you of the potential new member of the household;

(2) The home must comply with requirements specified in Subchapter F of Chapter 745 of this title (relating to Background Checks) and Â§749.1417 of this title (relating to Who must have a tuberculosis (TB) examination?); and

(3) You must evaluate the effect that the adult will have on the foster children in the home. Your evaluation must include the following considerations:

(A) The needs of the foster children in care;

(B) The impact the adult will have in the foster family and for the foster children; and

(b) You must document the following in the foster home record:

(1) The results of the background check and the tuberculosis screening;

(2) Your evaluation; and

(3) The approval of the child placement management staff.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2653 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2655: When must a foster home notify you of changes that affect the foster home?

A foster home must notify you of any of the following changes as follows:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2655 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter N

§749.2801: When must I evaluate a foster home for compliance with Licensing rules?

(a) You must evaluate a foster home for compliance with the relevant Licensing rules affecting the need for the evaluation, whenever:

(1) You receive an allegation of deficiency;

(2) There is a major life change in the foster family; or

(3) A change occurs that affects the conditions of the verification.

(b) Every two years you must evaluate a foster home for compliance with all rules that apply to that home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2801 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2803: What changes affect the conditions of a foster home's verification?

(a) Changes that affect the conditions of a foster home's verification include a change in the:

(1) Name of the foster home;

(2) Foster home's address and/or location;

(3) Foster home's capacity, as determined by the capacity requirements in Â§749.2557 of this title (relating to May a foster agency home exceed its verified capacity?);

(4) Ages and gender(s) of children for which the home is verified;

(5) The types of services the foster home will provide; or

(6) The composition of the family or home.

(b) A verification certificate is only valid for the address and/or location indicated on the verification certificate. A new or temporary verification must be issued prior to a foster home's change in address or location.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2803 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2805: What is a "major life change in the foster family"?

A major life change in the foster family includes:

(1) Marriage, divorce, separation, death, birth, or any other change in household composition;

(2) A serious health problem that affects the ability of the foster parent to care for children; or

(3) Extended absences by one parent, such as military service or out-of-town job assignments.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2805 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2807: How do I evaluate a foster home's compliance with the relevant Licensing rules affecting the need for the evaluation?

You are responsible for the home's ongoing compliance with our rules. You must evaluate the home as follows:

(1) When there is an allegation of a deficiency, you must evaluate the rule and any rules related to the deficiency;

(2) When a change in the conditions of the verification or a major life change occurs, you must evaluate the rules related to the conditions or change;

(3) You must document the rules that were evaluated and the determination of the evaluation;

(4) During any contact with the foster family, including routine supervisory contacts and investigations, you must cite and address any deficiencies noted;

(5) Your documentation of deficiencies must include plans for achieving compliance; and

(6) You must also document a plan for follow-up to ensure compliance was achieved.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2807 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2809: What must a plan for achieving compliance include?

The plan for achieving compliance must include:

(1) Specific actions or changes needed for the foster home to achieve compliance;

(2) Time frames for corrections and consequences for failure to achieve compliance;

(3) A determination of whether children can remain in the foster home before the home achieves compliance; and

(4) A determination whether you will make new placements in the home before the home achieves compliance.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2809 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2811: How do I follow-up to ensure compliance?

You must:

(1) Re-inspect the foster home or receive documentation from the home showing that all deficiencies have been corrected; and

(2) Document that the foster home has corrected all deficiencies in the foster home's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2811 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2813: How do I evaluate Licensing rules for each home every two years?

You may either:

(1) Perform a rule-by-rule evaluation of the home once every two years; or

(2) Evaluate different parts of the rules at different times during the two-year period.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2813 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2815: How often must I have supervisory visits with the foster home?

(a) You must have supervisory visits:

(1) In the foster home at least quarterly;

(2) With both foster parents, if applicable, at least once every six months; and

(3) With all household members at least once every year.

(b) At least one supervisory visit per year must be unannounced.

(c) You must document each visit in the home's record. The documentation must include specific rules evaluated, results of the evaluation, deficiencies found, plans for achieving compliance, and plans for follow-up to ensure compliance was achieved.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2815 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2817: Must I monitor and have supervisory visits with a foster home where no children are placed?

(a) You must maintain all monitoring and supervisory requirements if the home is available for placements.

(b) If you place the home on inactive status, you do not have to monitor the home or have supervisory visits.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2817 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2819: When may I place a foster home on inactive status?

(a) You may place a foster home on inactive status if:

(1) There are no foster children in the home;

(2) You and the foster parents agree that the home will be on inactive status; and

(3) You document in the home's record that the home is on inactive status and will not accept a child for placement.

(b) You may not place a home that you should close on inactive status. A home that you should close includes a home:

(1) Whose repeated noncompliance with rules endangers the health or safety of children;

(2) That repeatedly fails to comply with agency policies or corrective action plans;

(3) That refuses to comply with the rules of this chapter or agency policies; or

(4) That refuses to allow you or our staff to inspect the home.

(c) When you place a home on inactive status or remove a home from inactive status, you must inform us by submitting an agency home report form.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2819 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2821: How do the foster parents meet their training requirements while their home is on inactive status?

(a) Foster parents may prorate their annual training requirement for the period of time that the home was on inactive status.

(b) If the home remains on inactive status for more than a year, the foster parents must complete at least eight hours of pre-service retraining before you may place children in the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2821 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2823: Are background checks required on homes that are on inactive status?

Background checks are not required for homes that are on inactive status. If the home is taken off of inactive status and it has been more than two years since the last background check for any person(s) at the home for whom a check is required, the background check(s) must be requested before a child or children can be placed in the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2823 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2825: How do I take a foster home off inactive status?

When the home is ready to become active and accept children, you must:

(1) Make a supervisory contact in the home prior to placing a child in the home;

(2) Document that the home is complying with all applicable rules of this chapter; and

(3) Ensure that the home is in compliance with all background check requirements.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2825 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter O

Division 1

§749.2901: What health and safety regulations must each foster home meet in addition to Licensing rules?

All agency homes must comply with all applicable fire, health, and safety laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2901 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2903: Who must conduct fire and health inspections at a foster home?

(a) All foster homes are required to obtain fire and health inspections.

(b) The requirements related to fire and health inspections for foster family homes are as follows:

(1) You must determine whether there is any local authority or certified fire inspector to conduct health and fire inspections. You must document all contacts with the date, name of person contacted, and the person's response to the request to complete an inspection. A certified fire inspector who is not a state or local fire inspector must conduct the inspection in accordance with the Texas State Fire Marshal's adopted standard, NFPA Life Safety Code 101 appearing in 28 TAC Â§34.303.

(2) If no local authority or certified fire inspector exists to complete a fire inspection for the home, you must request that the state Fire Marshal's Office do the inspection.

(3) If no local authority exists to complete a health inspection for the home, you must request a health inspection from the Department of State Health Services.

(4) If, after exploring and documenting all efforts to obtain a fire inspection for a home, you cannot obtain a fire inspection, you may use our Fire Prevention Checklist form.

(5) If, after exploring and documenting all efforts to obtain a health inspection for a home, you cannot obtain a health inspection, you may use our Environmental Health Checklist form.

(1) You must determine whether there is any local authority to conduct health and fire inspections. You must document all contacts with the date, name of person contacted, and the person's response to the request to complete an inspection.

(2) If no local authority exists to complete a fire inspection for the home, you must request that the state Fire Marshal's Office do the inspection.

(3) If no local authority exists to complete a health inspection for the home, you must request a health inspection from the Department of State Health Services.

(4) If, after exploring and documenting all efforts to obtain a fire inspection for a home, you cannot obtain a fire inspection, you may use our Fire Prevention Checklist form.

(5) If, after exploring and documenting all efforts to obtain a health inspection for a home, you cannot obtain a health inspection, you may use our Environmental Health Checklist form.

(d) Once you document that a health and/or fire inspection is not available in a particular area, you may use that documentation for any foster home verified by you in that area. A copy of the documentation must be on file in each foster home record to which the documentation applies.

(e) Documentation that a health and/or fire inspection is not available in a particular area is valid for one year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2903 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective June 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 4196

§749.2905: How often must fire and health inspections be conducted at a foster home?

(a) Unless otherwise stated in the report, a fire or health inspection report obtained from a health or fire authority, including a certified fire inspector, is current for:

(1) One year for a foster group home; and

(2) Two years for a foster family home.

(b) If you use a DFPS checklist for a foster home's fire or health inspection, the checklist is current for one year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2905 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective June 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 4196

§749.2907: What disaster and emergency plans must each foster home have?

(a) Each foster home must have written plans and procedures for handling potential disasters and emergencies, such as fire, severe weather emergencies, and transportation emergencies.

(b) Foster parents and caregivers must know the procedures for meeting disasters and emergencies, including evacuation procedures, supervision of the children, and contacting emergency help.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2907 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2909: How many smoke detectors must a foster home have?

(a) Each home must have a working smoke detector in the following areas:

(1) In hallways or open areas outside sleeping rooms; and

(2) On each level of a home with multiple levels.

(b) Depending on the size and layout of the home, additional smoke detectors may be required based on manufacturer's or fire inspector's instructions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2909 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2911: How must smoke detectors be installed and maintained at a foster home?

Smoke detectors must be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions, or in compliance with the state or local fire inspector's instructions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2911 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2913: How many fire extinguishers must a foster home have?

(a) A foster home must have a fire extinguisher:

(1) In each kitchen; and

(2) On each level of the home.

(b) The fire extinguisher(s) must be:

(1) Serviced after each use; and

(2) Checked for proper weight at least once a year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2913 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2915: Where must a foster home store dangerous tools and equipment?

A foster home must store dangerous tools and equipment, such as hatchets, saws, and axes, so they are inaccessible to children. Children may use these tools and equipment with caregiver supervision, as appropriate based on the child's age, maturity, and treatment issues.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2915 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2917: What are the requirements for animals that are present at a foster home?

(a) Caregivers must keep the home and premises free of stray animals.

(b) The foster home must not allow children to play with stray animals or other animals that could be dangerous.

(c) Any animals on the premises of a home must be kept free of disease. Animals must be vaccinated and treated as recommended by a licensed veterinarian. The caregivers must have documentation at the home showing that dogs, cats, and ferrets have been vaccinated as required by Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 826. If the foster home chooses to have animals on the premises, it must ensure that the animals do not create health problems or a health risk for children.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2917 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.2931: What policies must I enforce regarding tobacco products?

(a) A child may not use or possess tobacco products.

(b) Caregivers and other adults may only smoke tobacco products outside.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2931 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.2961: Are weapons, firearms, explosive materials, and projectiles permitted in a foster home?

(a) Generally, weapons, firearms, explosive materials, and projectiles (such as darts or arrows), are permitted, however, there are some specific restrictions:

(1) If you allow weapons, firearms, explosive materials, projectiles, or toys that explode or shoot, you must develop a policy identifying specific precautions to ensure children do not have unsupervised access to them, including locked storage and separate locked storage for the weapons and ammunition;

(2) Locked storage must be made of strong, unbreakable material;

(3) If the locked storage has a glass or another breakable front or enclosure, the guns must be secured with a locked cable or chain placed through the trigger guards;

(4) You must determine that it is appropriate for a specific child to use the weapons, firearms, explosive materials, projectiles, or toys that explode or shoot; and

(5) No child may use a weapon, firearm, explosive material, projectile, or toy that explodes or shoots, unless the child is directly supervised by a qualified adult.

(b) Your policies must require foster parents to notify you if there is a change in the type of or an addition to weapons, firearms, explosive materials, or projectiles that are on the property where the foster home is located.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2961 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.2963: What factors must I consider when determining whether weapons, firearms, explosive materials, or projectiles are stored adequately?

When determining if these items are stored adequately, you must consider the age, history, emotional maturity, and background of the children in the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2963 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2965: How must I determine whether weapons, firearms, explosive materials, or projectiles are present in a foster home?

(a) When you complete a foster home screening, you must ask whether weapons, firearms, explosive materials, or projectiles are present in the home. If these items are present, you must review your policies and requirements with the prospective foster parents.

(b) The foster home record must include documentation on the:

(1) Items present in the home; and

(2) Specific precautions the caregivers must take to ensure that children do not have unsupervised access.

(c) The two-year evaluation of compliance with rules of this chapter must include a discussion of whether the home has weapons, firearms, explosive materials, or projectiles, and if so, how these items are stored.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2965 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.2967: May a caregiver transport a child in a vehicle where firearms, other weapons, explosive materials, or projectiles are present?

A caregiver may transport a child in a vehicle where firearms (not handguns), other weapons, explosive materials, or projectiles are present if:

(1) All firearms are not loaded;

(2) The firearms, other weapons, explosive materials, or projectiles are inaccessible to the child; and

(3) Possession of the firearm is legal.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.2967 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

Division 4

§749.3021: How much space must bedrooms used by foster children have?

(a) A bedroom must have at least 40 square feet of space for each occupant and no more than four occupants per bedroom are permitted, even if the square footage of the room would accommodate more than four occupants. The four occupants restriction does not apply to children receiving treatment services for primary medical needs.

(b) Single occupant bedrooms must have at least 80 square feet of floor space.

(d) Floor space must be space that children can use for daily activities.

(e) If a foster home was verified before January 1, 2007, then a foster home is exempt from the maximum bedroom occupancy requirement until:

(1) The foster family moves to a new home;

(2) The foster home is structurally altered by adding a new room; or

(3) The foster home's verification is no longer valid.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3021 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3023: Which rooms in the home may not be used as bedrooms?

(a) Only rooms that provide adequate opportunities for rest and privacy may be used as a bedroom.

(b) Foster children or any other household members may not use any of the following as a bedroom:

(1) A room commonly used for other purposes, including dining rooms, living rooms, hallways, or porches;

(2) A passageway to other rooms;

(3) A room that does not have doors for privacy; or

(4) A detached structure.

(1) A second fire escape route from the basement; and

(2) Natural lighting.

(d) A foster child may not use a basement as a bedroom if there is no natural lighting:

(1) Unless you verified the home prior to January 1, 2007; and

(2) Until the verification is no longer valid, or the home is structurally altered through the addition of a new room.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3023 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3025: May a resident in care who turns 18 years old share a bedroom with a minor?

(a) Before an adult resident who has turned 18 years old while placed in his current foster home can share a bedroom with a minor resident, you must assess the behaviors, maturity level, and relationships of each resident to determine whether there are risks to either the minor or adult in care.

(b) You must document your assessment in each resident's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3025 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3027: May a child in care share a bedroom with an adult caregiver?

(a) A child may share a bedroom with an adult caregiver if:

(1) In the best interest of the child;

(2) The child is under three years old and sleeps in the bedroom of the caregiver; and

(3) Approval is documented and dated in the child's service plan by the service planning team.

(b) An exception for a child to share a bedroom with an adult caregiver may be made during specific travel and camping situations if no other more reasonable provision is available to the child and other requirements are met.

(c) To facilitate continuous supervision of a child, the caregiver may move a child to a location where the caregiver can directly and continuously supervise a child until there is no longer an immediate danger to himself or others. However, the caregiver must provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3027 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3029: Can children of opposite sex share a bedroom?

Children six years old or older must not share a bedroom with a person of the opposite sex.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3029 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3031: What are the requirements for beds and bedding?

(a) Each child shall have his own bed and mattress.

(b) Beds must be clean and comfortable.

(d) Linens must be changed when soiled, and not less often than once a week.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3031 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3033: What type of personal storage space must a foster child have?

Each child must have accessible storage space for his clothing and personal possessions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3033 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3035: What bathroom accommodations must a home have?

(a) A foster home must have one lavatory, one tub or shower, and one toilet for every eight household members. A foster home verified before January 1, 2007, is exempt from this requirement until it is no longer verified by the agency under which it is currently verified, or it makes structural changes to the home by adding additional bathrooms.

(b) All lavatories, tubs, and showers must have hot and cold running water.

(c) For foster homes that care for primary medical needs children, the child's bedroom and the child's bathroom must be located on the same floor. A foster home verified before January 1, 2007, is exempt from this requirement until it is no longer verified by the agency.

(d) Bathrooms must allow for privacy.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3035 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3037: What are the requirements for indoor space that children can use?

(a) Children must have indoor areas for their use. There must be at least 40 square feet for each child. This does not include bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, unfinished attics, or hallways.

(b) A foster home must identify indoor areas that children can use.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3037 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3039: What are the requirements for outdoor recreation space and equipment?

(a) Equipment must not have openings, angles, or protrusions that can entangle a child's clothing or entrap a child's body or body parts.

(b) Equipment must be securely anchored according to manufacturer's specifications to prevent collapsing, tipping, sliding, moving, or overturning.

(d) Equipment must be appropriate, cleaned, maintained, and repaired.

(e) Trampolines may not be used as play or recreational equipment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3039 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3041: What are the requirements for a foster home's physical environment?

The foster home must ensure that:

(1) Outdoor areas are well drained;

(2) Windows and doors used for ventilation are screened;

(3) Equipment and furniture are safe for children, kept clean, and in good repair;

(4) Flammable or poisonous substances are stored out of the reach of children;

(5) House and grounds are free of rodents, insects, and stray animals; and

(6) Exits in living areas are not blocked by furniture.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3041 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.3061: What are the requirements for feeding children in care?

(a) Caregivers must give children food of adequate quality and in sufficient quantity to supply the nutrients necessary for proper growth and development.

(b) Caregivers must feed an infant whenever the infant is hungry.

(d) No more than 14 hours may pass between the last meal or snack of the day and the availability of the first meal the following day.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3061 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3063: What types of food and water must caregivers provide children?

(a) Caregivers must provide a child with food that is:

(1) Of adequate variety, quality, and in sufficient quantity to supply the nutrients needed for proper growth and development according to the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines; and

(2) Appropriate for the child's age and activity level.

(b) Caregivers must not serve a child nutrient concentrates and supplements, such as protein powders, liquid protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nonfood substances in lieu of food to meet the child's daily nutritional need, except with written instructions from a licensed health-care professional.

(c) Caregivers must ensure drinking water is always available to each child and is served in a safe and sanitary manner. Children must be well hydrated and must be encouraged to drink water during physical activity and in warm weather.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3063 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3065: What must the caregiver do if a child refuses to or cannot eat a meal or snack that is offered?

(a) The caregiver must offer a child a meal or snack according to this division, but the caregiver may not force the child to eat. The caregiver does not have to offer other food to a child who:

(1) Refuses a meal or snack; or

(2) Chooses not to be present when a meal or snack is scheduled.

(b) The caregiver must discuss recurring eating problems with child placement staff and the child's parent.

(c) If a meal or snack is not appropriate to meet a child's individual needs, for example food allergies or religious reasons, then you must offer the child an appropriate nutritional substitute.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3065 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3067: May a caregiver use food as a reward or punishment or as part of any behavior management program?

A caregiver may not use food that meets a child's nutritional requirements as a reward or punishment or as part of a behavior management program. Food cannot be withheld.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3067 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3069: May caregivers offer a child in care different food choices than what the family is eating?

(a) A caregiver must offer a child in care the same food choices that other children in the home are offered, unless medically contraindicated for the child.

(b) A caregiver must offer a child in care food choices that are at least comparable to what the adults in the home are eating, unless medically contraindicated for the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3069 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3071: What must I do if a child requires a therapeutic or special diet?

(a) For a caregiver to serve a therapeutic or special diet to a child, you must have written approval in the child's record from a licensed physician or a registered or licensed dietician. This approval must be in the child's record.

(b) If a child requires a therapeutic or special diet, you must give information regarding the diet to the child's caregivers.

(c) Caregivers must make dietary alternatives available to a child who has special health needs as instructed by a licensed health-care professional.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3071 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3073: What are the nutrition requirements for a child with primary medical needs?

(a) Caregivers must feed a child with primary medical needs according to his medical and developmental needs.

(b) A licensed physician must prescribe tube feeding. A dietician or physician must plan the diet that the physician prescribes.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3073 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3075: What food service practices must caregivers use for children receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation?

(a) Food service practices for children receiving treatment services for primary medical needs or mental retardation, including non-mobile children, must encourage self-help and development.

(b) A toddler or older child must eat or be fed in the dining area, unless the service planning team's recommendations are to the contrary.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3075 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3077: What are the requirements for tube-feeding formula?

(a) A registered or licensed dietician, physician, or a registered nurse must ensure and document that the caregiver that prepares formula is adequately trained and has demonstrated competency in preparing the formula.

(b) Tube-feeding formulas must supply the recommended dietary allowance for each child.

(1) According to directions; or

(2) As prescribed by a health-care professional.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3077 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3079: What are the requirements for storing food?

All food items must be:

(1) Covered and stored off the floor;

(2) Stored on clean surfaces;

(3) Be protected from contamination;

(4) Stored in a container that is protected from insects and rodents;

(5) Refrigerated immediately after use and after meals, if the food requires refrigeration; and

(6) Covered when stored in the refrigerator.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3079 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3081: How must kitchen, dining areas, supplies, and equipment be maintained?

(a) Caregivers must keep furniture, equipment, food contact surfaces, and other areas where food is prepared, eaten, or stored clean and well repaired.

(b) Utensils and containers intended for one-time use, such as paper and plastic dishes, must not be used more than once.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3081 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.3101: What are the requirements for the vehicles used to transport foster children?

Vehicles used to transport foster children must be:

(1) Maintained in safe operating conditions at all times; and

(2) Inspected and registered according to federal, state, and local laws.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3101 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3103: What are the requirements for transporting foster children?

The driver and all passengers must follow all federal, state, and local laws when driving, including laws on the use of child passenger safety systems, seat belts, and liability insurance.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3103 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3105: May children transport other foster children?

Other children in the foster home may transport a foster child if the:

(1) Child driving has a valid drivers license; and

(2) Service planning teams for the foster children being transported and the foster child transporting, if applicable, approve of the transportation arrangements.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3105 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3107: May caregivers teach or supervise foster children in learning to drive?

(a) With your approval, caregivers may teach or supervise foster children in learning to drive. You must document your approval in the child's record.

(b) Only the caregiver responsible for instruction and the child learning to drive may be present in the vehicle.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3107 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3109: What are the special requirements for transporting a child who requires increased supervision or is non-ambulatory or non-mobile?

(a) A sufficient number of caregivers to meet the child's needs must accompany the child.

(b) Special provision(s) must be made for transporting non-ambulatory and non-mobile children. When necessary, this must include locks for wheelchairs and hydraulic lifts.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3109 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3111: Do the seat belt requirements prohibit transporting children in the bed of a pick-up truck or other parts of the vehicle on the foster parents' property or public roads?

Yes. Children must be inside the vehicle when transported. The back of a pick-up truck is not considered inside the vehicle. Children must never be transported in the bed of a pick-up truck, while standing on runners, or while on the hood or trunk of any vehicle.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3111 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.3131: Who is responsible for complying with the requirements in this subchapter?

These requirements only apply to homes that are providing foster care services. This includes foster homes also approved as adoptive homes, but does not include adoptive homes only approved for adoption.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3131 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3133: What are the requirements for a pool at a foster home?

(a) The caregivers must inform children about house rules for use of the pool and appropriate safety precautions. Adult supervision and monitoring of safety features must be adequate to protect children from unsupervised access to the pool.

(b) The swimming pool must be built and maintained according to the standards of the Department of State Health Services and any other applicable state or local regulations.

(c) A fence or wall that is at least four feet high must enclose the pool area. The fence must be well constructed and be installed completely around the pool area. A foster home that you verified before January 1, 2007, has one year from that date to comply with this requirement. Caregivers must continue to prevent children's unsupervised access to the pool.

(d) Fence gates leading to the outdoor pool area must be self-closing and self-latching. Gates must be locked when the pool is not in use. Keys to open the gate must not be accessible to children under the age of 16 years old or children receiving treatment services.

(e) Doors that lead from the home to the pool area must have a lock that only adults or children over 10 years old can reach. The lock must be completely out of the reach of children younger than 10 years old.

(f) Furniture, equipment, or large materials must not be close enough to the pool area for a child to use them to scale the fence or release a lock.

(g) At least two life-saving devices must be available, such as a reach pole, backboard, buoy, or a safety throw bag with a brightly colored buoyant rope or throw line. One additional life-saving device must be available for each 2,000 square feet of water surface, so a pool of 2,000 square feet would require three life saving devices.

(h) Drain grates must be in place, in good repair, and capable of being removed only with tools.

(i) Caregivers must be able to clearly see all parts of the swimming area when supervising activity in the area.

(j) The bottom of the pool must be visible at all times.

(k) Pool covers must be completely removed prior to pool use.

(l) An adult must be present who is able to immediately turn off the pump and filtering system when any child is in the pool.

(m) Pool chemicals and pumps must be inaccessible to all children.

(n) Machinery rooms must be locked to keep children out.

(o) An aboveground pool must:

(1) Have a barrier that prevents a child's access to the pool;

(2) Be inaccessible to children when it is not in use; and

(3) Meet all other pool safety requirements specified in this subchapter.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3133 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3135: What general requirements must caregivers meet for children regarding a body of water?

(a) Caregivers must use prudent judgment and ensure children in your care are protected from unsupervised access to water such as a swimming pool, hot tub, fountain, pond, lake, creek, or other body of water.

(b) If children are allowed to swim in a body of water such as a river, creek, pond, or lake, the supervising adult must clearly designate swimming areas.

(c) Rules governing the activity must be explained to participants in a manner that is clearly understood prior to their participation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3135 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3137: What are the child/adult ratios for swimming activities?

(a) The maximum number of children one adult can supervise during swimming activities is based on the age of the youngest child in the group and is specified in the following chart:

Attached Graphic

(b) In addition to meeting the required swimming child/adult ratio listed in subsection (a) of this section, if four or more children are engaged in swimming activities, then there must be at least two adults to supervise the children.

(c) When a child who is non-ambulatory or who is subject to seizures is engaged in swimming activities, you must assign one adult to that one child. This adult must be in addition to any lifeguard on duty in the swimming area. You do not have to meet this requirement if a licensed physician writes orders in which the physician determines that the child:

(1) Is at low risk of seizures and that special precautions are not needed; or

(2) Only needs to wear an approved life jacket while swimming and additional special precautions are not needed.

(d) A lifeguard who is supervising the area where the children are swimming may be counted in the child/adult ratio.

(e) The ratios in subsection (a) of this section do not include children over the age of 12 years old who are proficient swimmers, however you must still comply with the child/caregiver ratios required in Â§749.2559 of this title (relating to How do I determine the child/caregiver ratio for a foster family home?) or Â§749.2563 of this title (relating to How do I determine child/caregiver ratio for a foster group home?).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3137 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3139: May I include volunteers or relatives who do not meet minimum qualifications for caregivers in the swimming child/adult ratio?

To meet the swimming child/adult ratio, you may include adult volunteers and adult relatives who do not meet the minimum qualifications for caregivers, providing:

(1) You maintain enough caregivers to meet the child/caregiver ratio required in Subchapter M, Division 5 of this chapter (relating to Capacity and Child/Caregiver Ratio);

(2) Children in your care do not supervise water activities; and

(3) You ensure compliance with all other rules of this chapter, including, but not limited to, rules relating to supervision and discipline.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3139 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3141: When must a child wear a life jacket?

A child must wear a life jacket when:

(1) Participating in boating activities;

(2) The child is in more than two feet of water and does not know how to swim; or

(3) Ordered by a physician for a child with a medical problem or disability.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3141 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3143: Must persons who are counted in the swimming child/adult ratio know how to swim and carry out a water rescue?

At all times during a swimming activity, at least one adult counted in the swimming child/adult ratio must be able to swim, carry out a water rescue, and be prepared to do so in an emergency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3143 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3145: What are the safety requirements for wading pools?

Wading/splashing pools (less than two feet of water) must be:

(1) Stored out of children's reach, when not in use;

(2) Drained at least daily; and

(3) Stored, so it does not hold water.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3145 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3147: What are the requirements for a hot tub?

A hot tub must be covered with a locking cover when not in use.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3147 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3149: What must I document regarding a body of water that is on or adjacent and accessible to the premises of a foster home?

You must document the following regarding a body of water that is on or adjacent and accessible to the premises of a foster home:

(1) Type, location, and size of the body of water; and

(2) Barriers between the foster home and the body of water.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3149 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter P

Division 1

§749.3201: May I verify the same applicant as a foster family home and an adoptive placement at the same time?

Yes. You may approve applicants as a foster-adoptive home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3201 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3203: What rules must I follow to verify a foster-adoptive home?

(a) You must follow all rules for verifying a foster family home and for approving an adoptive home.

(b) You may combine the foster home screening and pre-adoptive home screening into one screening report as long as requirements for each screening are covered.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3203 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.3221: What is a "legal risk placement"?

(a) A "legal risk placement" exists when you:

(1) Have a child that is not available for adoption because his parent(s)' rights have not been terminated;

(2) Have placed a child into a home that has been jointly verified as a foster home and approved as an adoptive home; and

(3) Intend for the placement to change from foster care to adoption once the child is eligible for adoption.

(b) A "legal risk placement" does not exist when you merely place a child with foster parents who want to adopt the child but have not been approved as an adoptive home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3221 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter Q

Division 1

§749.3301: What legal authority must I have to place a child in adoptive care?

To place a child in adoptive care, you must have an agreement signed by the person legally authorized to consent to the child's placement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3301 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.3321: When must I initiate and complete the adoption service plan?

(a) You must initiate the plan when you accept a child or enter into a written agreement with the birth parent for adoption placement services.

(b) You must complete the service plan within 40 days of initiation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3321 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3323: What must an adoption service plan include?

(a) The service plan must address:

(1) The needs of the birth parents (unless parental rights have been relinquished or involuntarily terminated), the fetus or child, and the adoptive family; and

(2) Any other issue that impacts the adoption.

(b) The adoptive family becomes part of the service plan when matched with a child, or with a birth parent and fetus. You do not have to develop separate service plans for adoptive families that do not have a completed home study.

(c) The plan must include specific strategies to meet the needs and issues identified, and an estimate of the time required to consummate the adoption. You must inform the birth parents (unless parental rights have been relinquished or involuntarily terminated) and adoptive parents of the services you provide.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3323 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3325: When placing a sibling group, must I develop a plan for each child?

If you place siblings in the same adoptive home, you do not have to develop a plan for each child. If you place siblings in separate adoptive homes, you have to develop separate plans for each home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3325 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3327: If a child had a foster care service plan prior to preparation for adoption, must I complete a new adoption service plan?

No. The adoption service plan may be a continuation of the foster care service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3327 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.3341: How often must I have contact with a child being considered for adoptive placement?

(a) You must have contact at least quarterly with the child being considered for adoption. The contact must be meaningful and must include:

(1) Continued preparation for adoption; and

(2) Updated information concerning the adoption.

(b) You must make a minimum of three face-to-face contacts with a child who is 18 months old or older to prepare the child for adoption.

(d) You must document each contact in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3341 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3343: What does preparing a child for adoption include?

(a) You must base your preparation on the child's needs and level of understanding.

(b) Preparation must include helping the child to:

(1) Know and understand his history;

(2) Understand the difference between biological, foster, and adoptive parents;

(3) Express hopes and fears about adoption, including fears of disruption;

(4) Separate from people he is close to, and grieve their loss;

(5) Form new attachments; and

(6) As appropriate, make a plan for contact with siblings, other family members, and/or other significant persons.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3343 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3345: Who must prepare a child for adoption?

(a) A person meeting the qualifications of child placement staff or child placement management staff must prepare a child for adoption.

(b) Before you can place the child in the adoptive home, child placement management staff must review and approve the preparation and related documentation.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3345 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3347: What assessment information must I obtain on a child being placed for adoption?

(a) You must obtain professional assessments of the child's physical, mental, and emotional status and the child's developmental level.

(b) These assessments must be current within:

(1) 30 days of placement if the child is age zero to 18 months;

(2) Three months of placement if the child is age 18 months to five years; and

(3) Six months of placement if the child is age five years old or older.

(d) You must document the assessments and results in the adoption record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3347 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3349: What must the professional assessment of a child include?

(a) The extent of the professional assessment required depends on the age, history, and special needs of the child being considered.

(b) The professional assessment must always include a medical examination by a licensed physician.

(c) If the child's age is zero to 18 months old, the professional assessment must also include an evaluation by a professional credentialed in the area appropriate to the child's needs if:

(1) There is history of abuse, neglect, or failure to thrive; or

(2) The child is physically or mentally disabled or developmentally delayed.

(d) If the child's age is over 18 months old, the assessment must include an evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other appropriately licensed or credentialed professional.

(e) If professional assessments have been completed since the child was placed in the home, you are not required to repeat them.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3349 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3351: What information from the professional assessments must I share with the adoptive family?

You must share the following with the adoptive family:

(1) All information from the licensed physician and from the licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other licensed or credentialed professional about the potential impact on the child of existing conditions; and

(2) All information about any further testing or assessments that these professionals recommend. Any such tests must be scheduled by the date of placement.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3351 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3353: What other referrals must I make regarding a child who has or may have a disability?

You must make a referral to the Social Security Administration to determine the child's eligibility for Social Security Income (SSI).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3353 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.3371: What are the requirements for a child to visit the adoptive family prior to placement?

(a) Except in the case of children one month old and younger, a child must have at least one pre-placement visit with the adoptive family prior to placement. You must base the length, location, and number of visits on the age, development, and needs of the child.

(b) You must schedule these visits over a period of time that ensures that both the child and the adoptive family have adequate time to prepare for the placement. The period of time should be based on the age and developmental needs of the child.

(c) The planning for the pre-placement visits must include the child, if applicable, the foster parents, and the adoptive parents.

(d) You must document the plan for pre-placement visits. Your child placement management staff must approve the plan before visits are initiated.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3371 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3373: What must my agreement with the adoptive parents include?

(a) Before placing the child into the home, you must have a written agreement with the adoptive parents.

(b) You must give a signed copy of this agreement to the adoptive parents and place a copy in the case record.

(1) The parties' agreement to complete the adoption at a specified time;

(2) The adoptive parents agreement for you to supervise them prior to the completion of the adoption;

(3) That the adoptive parents must notify you before moving their residence prior to the completion of the adoption;

(4) That you and the adoptive parents each have the discretion to end the placement prior to the adoption; and

(5) The fee and schedule of payment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3373 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.3391: What information must I compile for a child I am considering for adoptive placement?

(a) As part of the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History report, you must compile the following information for a child you are considering for adoption placement:

Attached Graphic

(b) In addition, you must document the following in the child's record:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3391 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3393: What written authorization must I give adoptive parents at the time of placement?

(a) You must provide:

(1) Written authorization to care for the child;

(2) Written information about the legal status, including if the parental rights to the child have not been terminated; and

(3) Written consent for the medical care of the child at the time of the child's placement in the home, if available.

(b) You must file a copy of the signed authorizations and consent forms in the child's record and in the adoptive home record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3393 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3395: What information must I provide the adoptive parents prior to or at the time of adoptive placement?

(a) The agency must discuss information about the child and his birth parents with the prospective adoptive parents.

(b) According to the Texas Family Code Â§162.006, you must inform the prospective adoptive parents of their right to examine the records and other information relating to the history of the child.

(c) The written information provided to the prospective adoptive parents must be edited to protect any confidential information.

(d) You must provide the prospective adoptive parents information about the DFPS adoption assistance programs if the family may be eligible for such assistance.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3395 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.3421: What are my responsibilities for the child during the post-placement period?

During the post-placement period, you must:

(1) Ensure the adoptive placement continues to meet the child's needs;

(2) Maintain responsibility for the child until the court signs the adoption decree; and

(3) Make every effort to see that the adoption is consummated as stipulated within the written agreement, or renegotiate another time frame for when the adoption will be consummated.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3421 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3423: What responsibility do I have to offer counseling services to the adoptive family?

To reduce the risk of adoptive placement breakdown, you must offer counseling services to the adoptive family. You must ensure that the adoptive family is aware that counseling is available. Counseling services may be provided by your agency or by an outside counseling resource.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3423 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3425: What are the requirements for post-placement contacts with the adoptive family and child?

(a) You must have face-to-face contacts with the child and adoptive parents, as follows:

Attached Graphic

(b) Contacts not in the home may be in your office or another location that allows you enough privacy to counsel with the adoptive family and evaluate the placement.

(c) After the first six months of placement, you must have at least quarterly face-to-face contacts in the adoptive home with the entire adoptive family until the adoption decree is entered.

(d) Contacts must be documented and reviewed by child placement management staff.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3425 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3427: What must I do if the adoption is not completed within the time frame stipulated in the written agreement?

(a) The following individuals must assess why the adoption was not completed within the time frame stipulated in the written agreement:

(1) Staff who supervise the adoption placement;

(2) Any other professional staff involved with the family; and

(3) The adoptive family.

(b) You must establish a plan for finalizing the adoption and for supervising the placement. The plan must be based upon the assessment. The plan for supervising the placement must require at least quarterly face-to-face contacts in the adoptive home with both parents present.

(d) Child placement management staff must:

(1) Review the documentation and plan; and

(2) Determine whether the assessment and plan will meet the needs of the child for safety, care, and permanency.

(e) The adoptive placement must be re-evaluated if consummation of the adoption has not been completed within one year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3427 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3429: What must I do if there are changes in the adoptive family during the post-placement period?

You must document any changes in the adoptive family that may affect the child. This includes changes in health, financial condition, or family or household composition.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3429 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3431: What must I do if I determine that the placement cannot be completed and/or is not in the best interest of the child and/or the adoptive family?

(a) You must remove the child from the adoptive family if the placement and adoption is not in the best interest of the child and/or the adoptive family.

(b) The decision to remove the child must be reviewed and approved by child placement management staff prior to the removal.

(1) The circumstances necessitating the removal from the adoptive family; and

(2) An update of the child's service plan.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3431 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.3461: Must I offer counseling services after the adoption is consummated?

(a) You must offer counseling services to the adoptive child and adoptive parents after the adoption is consummated.

(b) You may offer these services through your agency or an outside counseling resource.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3461 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3463: If supplemental information concerning birth parents subsequently comes to my attention, what are my responsibilities?

(a) You must make reasonable efforts to inform the adoptive parents and/or an adult adoptee, in writing, about supplemental medical, psychological, or psychiatric information, including developing genetic conditions, terminal illnesses, or death of a birth parent, that subsequently comes to your attention. You must document the information provided, the date and method of providing the information, and the names of the persons receiving the information.

(b) When an adoptive placement is made, you must tell older adopted children and adoptive parents that you will communicate the information in subsection (a) of this section to them provided that they keep you informed of their whereabouts. You must document when you gave this information to the child and to adoptive parents.

(1) Write the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee at the last known address;

(2) If the letter is returned to you as undeliverable, check the telephone directory or Internet search for the city where the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee were last known to be living;

(3) If this action does not locate the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee, check the record for contact information on family members or others who may have knowledge of the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee's whereabouts and attempt to contact these persons and obtain forwarding information; and

(4) Document your attempts to locate the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3463 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3465: What must I do when an adoptee requests his adoption record?

(a) According to Texas Family Code Â§162.006, you must provide to the adult adoptee a copy of the adoption report that has been edited to protect any confidential information.

(b) If the adoptee is younger than 18 years of age, the request for the information must come from or must include the written consent of the adoptee's adoptive parents or managing conservator.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3465 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter R

Division 1

§749.3501: What information must I provide to birth parents who contact me for services?

(a) Upon establishing a formal relationship with birth parents, you must provide the following information to them in writing:

(1) Alternatives and options to adoption that your policies do not oppose;

(2) The services you provide, including counseling and post-adoption services;

(3) Adoption registries;

(4) Legal rights and responsibilities of both birth parents in regard to:

(A) Relinquishment of parental rights;

(B) Waivers of Interest;

(D) Termination of parental rights;

(E) Designating the father of a child as "unknown" based on legal requirements; and

(F) Paternity registry requirements; and

(5) Any assistance available through the agency to meet housing, medical, and prenatal care and other needs;

(b) You must provide and discuss this information to birth parents in a language that they understand; and

(1) Date the information was shared; and

(2) Agency staff that shared the information.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3501 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3503: What are the requirements for contacting birth parents that become my clients?

(a) Child placement staff must have at least:

(1) Two face-to-face contacts with birth parents prior to the relinquishment of parental rights over a period of two or more days. At least one interview must be held after the birth of the child. If face-to-face contact with the birth father is not feasible, you must document justification for contacts that are not face-to-face; and

(2) Except in cases of relinquishment or involuntary termination of parental rights, quarterly contact with birth parents prior to placement of the child.

(b) If the contacts required in subsection (a) of this section cannot be made, you must document that you have exercised reasonable efforts to locate the absent parent, and you must document why the contacts could not be made. Reasonable efforts to locate an absent parent are not required for an alleged biological father whose rights will be terminated under Texas Family Code Â§161.002(c-1).

(1) Understand their feelings regarding relinquishing the child for adoption;

(2) Understand the long range implications of relinquishing the child for adoption;

(3) Freely make a choice regarding relinquishing the child to the agency for adoption. The birth parents must not be pressured to make a decision to place their child for adoption;

(4) Express their expectations for adoptive placement, if placement is chosen, and the degree and type of involvement, if any, they desire with adoptive family; and

(5) Provide the required Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History Report (HSEGH) information.

(d) The following topics must be discussed with the birth parents:

(1) Preparation for childbirth, when applicable;

(2) Relinquishment or waiver of parental rights;

(3) Termination of parental rights; and

(4) Counseling in regard to separation, loss, and grief issues.

(e) Staff providing the service must document all contacts with birth parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3503 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469; amended to be effective September 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 6607

Division 2

§749.3521: What requirements must I follow regarding termination of parental rights?

You must comply with all state and federal laws regarding termination of parental rights, including Chapter 161 of the Texas Family Code (relating to Termination of the Parent-child Relationship).

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3521 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3523: What specific information must I obtain from birth parents that voluntarily relinquish their parental rights?

A parent who signs an affidavit of voluntary relinquishment of parental rights regarding a biological child must also prepare a medical history report form that we issue as required by Â§161.1031 of the Texas Family Code. If the child is:

(1) In the managing conservatorship of Child Protective Services, DFPS must maintain the form and make it available to persons with whom the child is placed; and

(2) Placed for private adoption through a licensed child-placing agency, that agency must maintain the form.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3523 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.3571: Must I offer counseling services to birth parents after the adoption of their child is consummated?

(a) Yes. You must offer counseling services to birth parents after the consummation of the adoption.

(b) You must ensure that birth parents are notified in writing that counseling services are available through the agency on an ongoing basis.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3571 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3573: What are the requirements to provide information about the child to birth parents after the adoption is consummated?

(a) You must make reasonable efforts to inform birth parents, in writing, about developing genetic conditions, terminal illness, or death of the biological child that comes to your attention.

(b) At the time the adoption placement is made, you must tell birth parents that you will communicate the information in subsection (a) of this section to them provided that they keep you informed of their whereabouts.

(c) When you receive information on the identified topics, you must document your attempts to locate the birth parents, the information provided, the date and method of providing the information, and the names of the persons receiving the information.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3573 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter S

Division 1

§749.3601: What information must I provide to persons inquiring about agency adoption services?

Prior to establishing any formal relationship with prospective adoptive applicants, you must provide written information regarding:

(1) The services you provide, including counseling and post-adoptive services;

(2) Fee policies and payment procedures;

(3) Agency requirements and procedures;

(4) Legal requirements for adoption, including their right to have independent legal counsel for legal consummation. You may require that the legal counsel selected by the applicants be experienced in adoptions. If the attorney selected by the applicants is not experienced in adoptions, you may require the adoptive applicants to have an additional, experienced attorney handle the adoption requirements while allowing oversight by the applicants' choice of attorney; and

(5) Adoption registries.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3601 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.3621: What is a pre-adoptive home screening?

A pre-adoptive home screening contains documentation of the following:

(1) Interviews with adoption applicants, their families, and collateral contacts as necessary;

(2) Information obtained through review of documents, reports, and inspections;

(3) Assessment of the information obtained to determine whether applicants meet the requirements for approval as adoptive families;

(4) Evaluation of the information obtained in order to make recommendations about the family's capacity for adoption, including the age, number, sex, and special needs of the children the family has the capacity to parent;

(5) Assessment of basic care and safety issues, including safety of the environment of the adoptive home; and

(6) Review and approval by child placement management staff, including the ages and gender(s) of the children for whom the home is approved, the special needs of the children for whom the home is approved, and the approved capacity of the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3621 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3623: What information must I obtain for the adoptive home screening?

You must obtain, document, and assess the following information about a prospective adoptive home:

Attached Graphic

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3623 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3624: May I consider a prospective adoptive parent's membership in a military organization as a factor in approving an adoptive home screening?

Section 162.0025 of the Texas Family Code prohibits any person conducting an adoptive home study from considering membership in the armed forces of the United States, Texas National Guard, National Guard in another state, or in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States as a negative factor in determining whether the adoptive parent would be a suitable parent or whether an adoption is in the best interests of the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3624 adopted to be effective March 1, 2008, 33 TexReg 1377

§749.3625: Whom must I interview when conducting an adoptive home screening?

Interviews for an adoptive home screening must include:

(1) At least one individual interview with each prospective adoptive parent;

(2) At least one individual interview with each child three years or older living in the home either full or part time;

(3) At least one individual interview with any other person living full or part time with the family;

(4) At least one joint interview with the adoptive applicants;

(5) At least one family group interview with family members living in the home; and

(6) At least one interview, by telephone, in person or by letter, with any minor child 12 years old or older or adult child of the adoptive applicants not living in the home. If you cannot reach an adult child to interview, you must document your reasonable efforts to locate the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3625 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3627: What must I document regarding interviews that I conduct for an adoptive home screening?

You must document all interviews and attempts to complete interviews. The documentation must be a part of the adoptive home record and include:

(1) The dates and methods used to contact the required persons;

(2) The dates of the interviews;

(3) Who was present at the interviews and their relationship to the adoptive applicants; and

(4) A summary of the interviews.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3627 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3629: What are the requirements for visiting the home during an adoptive home screening?

(a) Unless the child is already placed in the home for foster care, you must visit the home when all members of the household are present.

(b) You must document in the record the date, persons present, their relationship to the prospective adoptive family, and observations made during the visit.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3629 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3631: What are the requirements if adoptive applicants previously adopted a child from another child-placing agency or were previously foster parents for another agency?

(a) You must request information related to the parents' experience and performance as foster and/or adoptive parents from the previous agency and any background information regarding the foster home as described in Â§749.2447(22) of this title (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home screening?).

(b) If provided, you must evaluate the information as part of your screening and placement decisions regarding the home. You must use the information to evaluate the family's ability to work with specific kinds of behaviors and backgrounds.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3631 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3633: What must I do if I do not place a child with the adoptive applicants within six months after I complete the pre-adoptive home screening?

(a) If you do not place a child with the adoptive applicants within six months after you complete the adoptive screening, you must update the screening within the 30-day period before a child is placed in the home.

(b) For adoptive homes that are not providing foster care, the written update must include:

(1) A review and any required updating of each category of information required for an adoptive home screening; and

(2) Documentation of at least one visit to the adoptive home when all household members are present within the 30-day period before a child is placed in the home.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3633 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.3661: What information must adoptive applicants submit on their home and grounds as a part of their application?

(a) Adoptive applicants must submit a sketch of the floor plan of the home showing dimensions and purposes of all rooms in the home.

(b) Adoptive applicants must submit a sketch or photo of the outside areas showing areas of the grounds to be used by the child.

(d) You must review the sketches and/or photos to determine:

(1) Whether there is sufficient space to accommodate the members of the household and the adoptive child(ren); and

(2) Any potential safety or health issues.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3661 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3663: What are the basic safety requirements for the home and grounds?

(a) The home must be clean, safe, and free of obvious fire and other hazards. The home must be equipped with smoke detectors.

(b) Pets must be vaccinated and treated as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

(c) If the adoptive home has a swimming pool, wading pool, hot tub, or other bodies of water on the premises, you must discuss safety issues and plans to ensure the safety of the child with the adoptive applicants.

(d) You must discuss and assess basic care and safety issues depending on the age and specific needs of the child or children being considered for placement in the home. When you select a child for placement in the home, you must discuss issues specific to the child including supervision, special health or behavior risks, and general child care needs according to the experience and training needs of the adoptive parents.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3663 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.3691: What contacts must I maintain with adoptive applicants prior to the placement of a child?

(a) After you accept a family as a potential adoptive placement, you must maintain at least quarterly contact with them.

(b) You must discuss any changes in the information that you obtain during the adoption screening.

(c) In addition to the quarterly contacts, you must provide education and training in regard to the following as deemed appropriate by the child placing staff:

(1) Bonding with adoptive children;

(2) Parenting issues and concerns; and

(3) Children with special needs, if appropriate.

(d) You must document each contact and training that was provided in the family's record, indicating the date, type of contact, and content.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3691 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3693: May I contract with another agency for the quarterly contacts?

You may contract with another agency for the quarterly contacts as long as:

(1) The agency reports the required information to you; and

(2) You maintain the report in the adoptive applicants' record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3693 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 5

§749.3721: What are my agency's responsibilities during the pre-adoption supervisory period?

Your agency must:

(1) Ensure the child's needs are met in the adoptive placement;

(2) Maintain responsibility for the child until the court has entered the adoption decree; and

(3) Offer counseling services to the adoptive family. These services may be provided through referrals outside the agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3721 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3725: If the adoption has not been completed within the stipulated time frame in the written agreement, what actions must my agency take?

Your agency must make every effort to see that the adoption is consummated as stipulated within the written agreement.

(1) You must make an assessment of why the adoption will not be completed at the end of a six-month supervisory period. The assessment must include:

(A) Input from staff who have supervised the adoption placement, professionals who have provided counseling for the family, any other professional staff involved with the family, and the adoptive family; and

(B) A plan for finalization of the adoption and for supervision of the placement that is be based upon the assessment.

(2) The assessment and plan must be documented. Child placement management staff must review the documentation and plan and must determine whether the assessment and plan will meet the needs of the child for safety, care, and permanency.

(3) The adoptive placement must be re-evaluated if it has not been completed within one year.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3725 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3727: What actions must my agency take if there are changes to the adoptive family during the post-placement period?

Your agency must document any changes in the adoptive family that may affect the child and assess the effect of the changes on the child. This includes changes in health, financial condition, or family or household composition.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3727 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3729: What must my agency do if the placement cannot be completed and/or is not in the best interests of the child and/or the adoptive family?

Your agency must remove the child from the adoptive family if the placement and adoption is not in the best interests of the child and/or the adoptive family. The decision to remove the child must be reviewed and approved by child placement management staff prior to the removal. You must document the circumstances necessitating the removal and the child's needs in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3729 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 6

§749.3741: Is my agency required to offer counseling services to the adoptive family?

Yes, you must offer counseling services post-placement and post-adoption. The services may be provided directly or through referrals outside of your agency.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3741 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 7

§749.3761: What are the requirements if adoptive parents apply to adopt another child?

(a) Before you may place another child into the home, you must update the pre-adoptive screening.

(b) The update must include at least one:

(1) Individual interview with each applicant;

(2) Individual interview with each child three years or older living in the home either full or part time;

(3) Individual interview with any other person living full or part time with the family; and

(4) Visit to the home while all family members are present.

(d) If a subsequent adoption occurs within one year from a previous adoption, in which all of the required home visits and interviews were conducted, an individual interview with both adoptive parents and a home visit with all family members present will meet the interviewing and home visit requirements.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3761 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Subchapter T

Division 1

§749.3801: Does Licensing regulate all assessment services?

(a) No. This subchapter only regulates child-placing agencies that also provide an assessment services program.

(b) Services provided by other individuals, agencies, and organizations are not subject to regulation under this subchapter.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3801 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 2

§749.3831: What are the requirements for approving a child's admission into my assessment services program?

(a) The person responsible for the assessment services program must review and approve in writing the determination that your program will be able to provide or obtain all assessment services the child appears to need at intake.

(b) The review, determination, and approval must be:

(1) In writing, signed, and dated from the person responsible for the assessment services program; and

(2) Completed prior to the admission of the child into your assessment services program.

(c) The determination on the appropriateness of the program to meet the child's assessment needs must be filed in the child's record if the child is admitted into your assessment services program.

(d) You must document in the child's record whether you are:

(1) Only providing assessment services to the child; or

(2) Also providing other services, such as transitional living services.

(e) You must document in the child's record the date of the child's admission into your assessment services program.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3831 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 3

§749.3861: When must I complete the child's individual plan for the assessment?

(a) You must complete the child's individual plan for the assessment within 10 days from the date of the child's admission into the program.

(b) You must document the plan in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3861 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3863: When does admission into the assessment services program begin?

Admission into the assessment services program begins when:

(1) The parent makes the decision to place the child into the assessment services program; and

(2) You decide to accept the child for these services.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3863 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3865: What must an individual plan for the assessment include?

(a) An individual plan for the assessment must include:

(1) Time frames for providing all assessment services;

(2) Recommendations for the child's care during the assessment process;

(3) Any treatment to be provided during the assessment period; and

(4) Current data from the caregiver's evaluation of the child's behavior and level of functioning.

(b) The common application is not and must not serve as the individual plan for the assessment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3865 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3869: How must my assessment services program collect information from a child's caregivers?

(a) Your assessment services program must systematically collect information from caregivers throughout the child's participation in the assessment services program. This information includes the caregivers' observations and opinions of the child.

(b) You must document this information in the child's record. Your documentation must include your consideration of the caregivers' observations and opinions.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3869 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3871: When is the plan for the assessment complete?

(a) The plan for the assessment is complete when it contains the necessary information and the signed approval of the person responsible for the assessment services program or a designated employee who meets the qualifications of a person responsible for the assessment program.

(b) The parent must review and be provided a copy of the plan for the assessment.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3871 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

Division 4

§749.3891: What is an assessment report?

(a) The assessment report that is the result of the assessment services is a narrative report that pulls together data from:

(1) Professional evaluation reports on the child; and

(2) The program's assessment on how the child is managing in the program.

(b) The report includes:

(1) Recommendations made in other professional evaluations; and

(2) Recommendations based on the program's experiences with and assessment of the child.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3891 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3893: When must I complete the assessment report?

(a) The admission assessment must be conducted rapidly, consistent with good practice, in order to allow for a permanent placement as soon as possible.

(b) You must complete the assessment report:

(1) Within 30 days after you admit the child, if the child is younger than five years old; or

(2) Within 45 days after you admit the child, if the child is five years old or older.

(c) With the approval of the child's parent, you may extend the time frame for completing the report for an additional 15 days. You must document the need for the extension of time in the child's record.

(d) You must complete the assessment report before a planned discharge of the child from the assessment services program. However, additional assessment services may be conducted subsequent to placement if a quick placement is in the best interest of the child.

(e) You must provide a copy of the assessment report to the child's parent as soon as the report is complete.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3893 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3895: What must be included in the written assessment report?

In addition to the requirements set forth in Â§749.1133 of this title (relating to What information must an admission assessment include?), a written assessment report must include:

(1) Copies and results of the determination of the child's basic health and social and developmental assessment, including:

(A) The child's basic health status, as determined under the supervision of a licensed physician;

(B) The child's basic social and developmental needs, as determined under the supervision of the person responsible for the assessment services program or a designated employee who meets the qualifications for a person responsible for the assessment program;

(D) An assessment of the child's immediate and extended family in terms of an ongoing relationship with the child;

(2) Copies and results of all evaluations and testing;

(3) A summary of the primary caregivers' evaluations of the child's behavior and level of functioning;

(4) An assessment of the results and summary in terms of appropriate short- and long-term planning for the child;

(5) Recommendations for placement; and

(6) A recommended behavior management plan based on the assessment results and the primary caregivers' evaluations of the child's behavior and level of functioning.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3895 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469

§749.3897: Who must review and approve an assessment report?

(a) The following people must review the assessment report:

(1) The person responsible for the assessment program or a designated employee who meets the qualifications of a person responsible for the assessment program;

(2) The child's primary caregiver; and

(3) The child's parent.

(b) The person responsible for the assessment program, or the designated qualified employee, must approve and sign the report.

(c) You must file the original, approved and signed assessment report, including any addendums to the report, in the child's record.

Comments

Source Note: The provisions of this §749.3897 adopted to be effective January 1, 2007, 31 TexReg 7469