SECTION 355.476. Volunteers and Interns

(a) Facilities utilizing a volunteer or internship program shall have written policies and procedures that contain the following components:

(1) a description of the authority, responsibility, and accountability of volunteers and interns who work with the department;

(2) provisions that govern the use of volunteers and interns who have regular or periodic supervised and unsupervised contact with residents regardless of the frequency of contact;

(3) the selection and termination criteria, including disqualification based on specified criminal history;

(4) the orientation and training requirements, including training on recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation;

(5) a requirement that volunteers and interns meet minimum professional requirements if applicable; and

(6) a written volunteer and intern registry, log, or other documentation that details all dates and times a volunteer or intern is present on the premises of the facility as well as the purpose of his or her visit.

(b) This rule does not apply to an individual who performs volunteer services only once per year, and only under the supervision of facility staff.

(c) Facilities may use volunteers and interns whose criminal history does not meet the requirements as described in Chapter 344 of this title; however, in no case shall these volunteers and interns be allowed to have unsupervised contact with residents.

Source Note: The provisions of this §355.476 adopted to be effective November 15, 2013, 38 TexReg 7973