SECTION 351.504. Caseload Reduction Plan for Adult Protective Services

(a) Applicability. This section applies to the development by the executive commissioner of HHSC of a Caseload Reduction Plan (the Plan) for the Adult Protective Services (APS) Division of the Department of Family and Protective Services as required by §531.048, Government Code.

(b) Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to reduce caseloads for adult protective services caseworkers to a level that does not exceed professional caseload standards recommended by the National Adult Protective Services Association by more than five cases per worker by January 1, 2011. The Plan must include annual targets for caseload reduction.

(c) Components of the Plan. The Plan will include:

(1) APS program description.

(2) Assessment of program and demographic data using historic and forecasted information.

(3) Internal and external influences and impact of those influences.

(4) APS policy and operational factors influencing caseloads.

(5) Identification of options to reduce caseloads.

(6) Program impact of caseload reduction options.

(7) Resource needs and cost impact for caseload reduction options.

(8) Consultation with stakeholders.

(d) Report. Beginning in 2006, not later than December 31 of each even numbered year, a report will be prepared on the APS Caseload Reduction Plan including the amount of funding necessary in the next biennium to fully implement the Plan. The report will be provided to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each house and senate standing committee having jurisdiction over adult protective services.

Source Note: The provisions of this §351.504 adopted to be effective November 15, 2005, 30 TexReg 7431