INSPECTOR TRAINING; REQUIRED EXAMINATION

(a) The department shall develop and implement a training program to provide specialized training to department employees who inspect assisted living facilities under this chapter. The training must emphasize the distinction between an assisted living facility and an institution licensed under Chapter 242. (b) In developing and updating the training program required by this section, the department shall consult with operators of assisted living facilities and consumers of personal care services provided by assisted living facilities or legal representatives of those consumers. (c) The department shall examine department employees who inspect or otherwise survey assisted living facilities under this chapter. In developing the examination, the department shall consult with operators of assisted living facilities or their representatives and with consumers of personal care services provided by assisted living facilities or representatives of consumers. (d) A department employee may not independently inspect, survey, or take administrative action against an assisted living facility unless the employee has passed the examination administered under Subsection (c).