Texas Health and Safety Code

§ 260A.014 — RETALIATION AGAINST EMPLOYEES PROHIBITED

HS § 260A.014Title 4. HEALTH FACILITIES · Part B. LICENSING OF HEALTH FACILITIES · Ch. 260A. REPORTS OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF RESIDENTS OF CERTAIN FACILITIES

Statute text

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(a)In this section, "employee" means a person who is an employee of a facility or any other person who provides services for a facility for compensation, including a contract laborer for the facility.

(b)An employee has a cause of action against a facility, or the owner or another employee of the facility, that suspends or terminates the employment of the person or otherwise disciplines or discriminates or retaliates against the employee for reporting to the employee's supervisor, an administrator of the facility, a state regulatory agency, or a law enforcement agency a violation of law, including a violation of Chapter 242 or 247 or a rule adopted under Chapter 242 or 247, or for initiating or cooperating in any investigation or proceeding of a governmental entity relating to care, services, or conditions at the facility.

(c)The petitioner may recover:

(1)the greater of $1,000 or actual damages, including damages for mental anguish even if an injury other than mental anguish is not shown, and damages for lost wages if the petitioner's employment was suspended or terminated;

(2)exemplary damages;

(3)court costs; and

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Legislative history

Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 7 (S.B. 7), Sec. 1.05(c), eff. September 28, 2011.