MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING CERTAIN ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATIONS

The commission, the department, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, the office of independent ombudsman for state supported living centers, and the commission's office of inspector general shall enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents or clients of state supported living centers or the ICF-IID component of the Rio Grande State Center that delineates the responsibilities of each agency and office under this chapter, Chapter 261 , Family Code, and Chapter 555 , Health and Safety Code, and amend the memorandum of understanding as necessary to reflect changes in those responsibilities. During the negotiation of the memorandum of understanding, the agencies and offices shall jointly determine whether the forensic training received by relevant staff of the Department of Family and Protective Services is adequate. Specifically, the agencies and offices shall assess and, if necessary, develop a plan to enhance the ability of department staff to identify and report incidences that constitute a potential criminal offense. The commission is the final arbiter of any dispute regarding the memorandum of understanding under this section. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 284 (S.B. 643 ), Sec. 25, eff. June 11, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219 ), Sec. 4.258, eff. April 2, 2015.