Section 550.903 - Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation Reportable to HHSC(a) The following words and terms, when used in this section, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. (1) Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a minor have the meanings assigned in THSC Chapter 260A.(2) Employee means an individual directly employed by a center, a contractor, or a volunteer.(b) HHSC investigates a complaint or an incident of abuse, neglect, or exploitation when the act occurs at a center, a center employee is responsible for the care of the minor at the time the act occurs, or the alleged perpetrator is associated with the center. A complaint of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that does not meet these criteria must be referred to the Department of Family and Protective Services.(c) A center must adopt and enforce a written policy relating to the center's procedures for preventing, detecting, and reporting alleged acts of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a minor.(d) A center's employee who has cause to believe that the physical or mental health or welfare of a minor has been or may be adversely affected by abuse, neglect, or exploitation must report the information immediately:(1) to the HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake Section at 1-800-458-9858, ciicomplaints@hhs.texas.gov, or via the online portal;(2) to one of the following law enforcement agencies in accordance with THSC Chapter 260A: (A) a municipal law enforcement agency, if the center is located in the territorial boundaries of a municipality; or(B) the sheriff's department of the county in which the center is located if a center is not located in the territorial boundaries of a municipality; and(3) in accordance with Texas Family Code, § 261.101.(e) The following information must be reported to HHSC:(1) name, age, and address of the alleged victim;(2) name and address of the person responsible for the care of the alleged victim;(3) nature of the alleged act;(4) nature and extent of the alleged victim's condition;(5) identity of the alleged perpetrator; and(6) any other relevant information.(f) A center must investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately and send a written report of the investigation using the HHSC Provider Investigation Report form to the HHSC Complaint Intake Unit no later than five days after the initial report.(g) A center must complete the HHSC Provider Investigation Report form and include the following information:(3) the alleged perpetrator;(6) any injury or adverse effect;(7) any assessments made;(8) any treatment required;(9) the investigation summary; and(h) A center must require an employee, as a condition of employment with a center, to sign a statement indicating that the employee may be criminally liable for the failure to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation.(i) A center must prominently and conspicuously post a readable sign for display in a public area accessible to minors, minors' parents, employees, and visitors that reads: "Cases of Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation Shall be Reported to HHSC by calling 1-800-458-9858."26 Tex. Admin. Code § 550.903
The provisions of this §550.903 adopted to be effective September 1, 2014, 39 TexReg 6569; Transferred from Title 40, Chapter 15 by Texas Register, Volume 44, Number 15, April 12, 2019, TexReg 1875, eff. 5/1/2019; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 39, September 27, 2024, TexReg 7932, eff. 10/16/2024