In this chapter:

1. (1) "Department" means the Texas Department of Human Services.
2. (2) "Long-term care facility" means a nursing institution, an assisted living facility, or an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded licensed under Chapter 242, 247, or 252, or certified under Chapter 32, Human Resources Code.

3. (3) "Quality-of-care monitor" means a registered nurse, pharmacist, or nutritionist who:

   1. (A) is employed by the department;
   2. (B) is trained and experienced in long-term care facility regulation, standards of practice in long-term care, and evaluation of patient care; and
   3. (C) functions independently of other divisions of the department.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1284, Sec. 7.03, eff. June 15, 2001.