The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Quality Monitoring Program (QMP) helps detect conditions in Texas nursing facilities that could be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of residents. QMP is not a regulatory program and quality monitors do not cite deficient practices. Quality monitors prioritize visits to nursing facilities that have a history of resident care deficiencies, or that have been identified as having a higher-than-average risk of being cited for significant deficiencies in future surveys conducted by the HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation staff. During these visits, the quality monitors — nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians may:
- Recommend changes to policies or procedures
- Conduct staff or in-service training
- Offer technical assistance
- Educate staff about evidence-based best practices
Save the Date! 2023 Quality in Long-Term Care Conference
Aug. 22-23
Renaissance Austin Hotel
For more information, read the Save the Date flyer (PDF).
Now Accepting Nominations for Nursing Facilities to Participate in Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Projects
The QMP plans to apply for Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Funds (CMP) in 2023. The QMP hopes to receive CMP funds to facilitate the following clinical intervention projects in nursing facilities (NF):
- Music & Memory®
- Java Project
- Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® - Regional Center for Excellence in Person-Centered Care
- Eldergrow Garden Project (Houston area only)
To self-nominate your NF and learn more about the Music and Memory, Java Project or Montessori Inspired Lifestyle, complete this survey.
To self-nominate your NF and learn more about the Eldergrow Garden Project (Houston area only) complete this survey.
For more information, email Therese Palombi.
Nursing Facility Trainings
QMP staff provide facility-based dementia care training. Available options include:
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Training
This eight-hour course uses a curriculum developed by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). It will help the nursing facility’s front-line staff and other health care professionals provide appropriate, competent and sensitive direct care and support to people with dementia. - Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT)
The VDT allows staff members to step into the shoes of people with dementia. Using props and other items, staff are asked to complete a number of tasks in conditions that mimic the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. - Person-Centered Thinking Training (PCT)
The PCT is an interactive two-day training, designed to provide nursing facility staff with the skills necessary to help the people they care for maintain positive control over their lives. Participants will be introduced to PCT core concept: finding a balance between what’s “important to” and “important for” the people they serve.
If you are interested in scheduling any of these trainings for your nursing facility, email your request here.
View All Best Practice Resources
The Center for Excellence in Long-Term Care
The Center for Excellence in Long-Term Care is a web-based educational platform collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. It offers training modules with best practices for health care professionals who work with older adults and people with disabilities.
Visit the Center's website. Registration is free.
Long-Term Care Resources
Visit our QMP Resources webpage for links to videos and other tools.
Rules and Statutes
In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature passed the Texas Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Act (Senate Bill 1839). This bill had several components, one of which was the Quality Monitoring Program for Nursing Facilities.
Based on that bill, the following state rules and statutes were created:
- Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 255, Quality Assurance Early Warning System for Long-Term Care Facilities; Rapid Response Teams
- 26 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 554, Subchapter J, §554.910 Quality Assurance Early Warning System
- 26 TAC, Chapter 554, Subchapter J, §554.911 Rapid Response Teams