85R5276 MK-D     By: Price H.B. No. 1542       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the definition of the least restrictive environment for   the placement of children in foster care.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 263.001(a), Family Code, is amended by   amending Subdivision (3-a) and adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as   follows:                (3-a)  "Least restrictive environment" means a   placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available   placements:                      (A)  is the closest in geographic proximity to the   child's home; and                      (B)  is the most able to meet the identified needs   of the child.                (3-b)  "Physician assistant" has the meaning assigned   by Section 157.051, Occupations Code.          SECTION 2.  Section 263.001, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  With respect to a child designated by the department as   a child who needs basic or moderate services, the least restrictive   environment requires placement in a foster home or a general   residential operation operating as a cottage home.          SECTION 3.  Section 264.001, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows:                (3-a)  "Least restrictive environment" means a   placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available   placements:                      (A)  is the closest in geographic proximity to the   child's home; and                      (B)  is the most able to meet the identified needs   of the child.          SECTION 4.  Section 264.107, Family Code, is amended by   adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:          (c)  The department shall place a child designated by the   department as a child who needs basic or moderate services in the   least restrictive environment necessary to meet the child's needs.     Placement of a child in the least restrictive environment requires   placement in a foster home or a general residential operation   operating as a cottage home.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.