SECTION 259.217. Support Family Duties

(a) A support family must provide services to an individual as authorized on the individual's IPC and as described on the individual's IPP, including:

(1) direct personal assistance with activities of daily living;

(2) assistance with meal planning and preparation;

(3) assistance with housekeeping;

(4) assistance with communication and mobility;

(5) reinforcement of behavioral, educational, and therapeutic activities;

(6) assistance with medications and the performance of tasks delegated by an RN;

(7) supervision for the individual's safety;

(8) transportation related to routine family activities; and

(9) assistance with participation in community activities.

(b) A support family must:

(1) allow an individual's family members and friends access to the individual without arbitrary restrictions, unless exceptional conditions are justified by the individual's service planning team, documented on the IPP, and authorized by HHSC;

(2) assist a school-age individual in receiving educational services five days a week in a six-hour-per-day program provided by the local school district;

(3) ensure that no individual receives educational services at a state supported living center or in a state supported living center educational setting, unless contraindications are documented with justification by the service planning team;

(4) ensure that a preschool-age individual receives an early childhood education with appropriate activities and services, including small group and individual play with peers without disabilities, unless contraindications are documented with justification;

(5) provide an individual with age-appropriate activities that enhance self-esteem and maximize functional level; and

(6) ensure the individual receives medical care prescribed by a physician, including:

(A) doctors' appointments;

(B) medications;

(C) evaluations, therapies, and treatment; and

(D) lab work and other medical tests.

Source Note: The provisions of this §259.217 adopted to be effective January 30, 2023, 48 TexReg 362