Defenders investigations lead to new laws

AUSTIN – Bad nursing homes in Texas will soon face stricter consequences from the state. This morning, Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 304, known as the "Three Strikes Rule," into law. Starting September 2016, any nursing home cited three times for the worst offenses in a two-year span can now be shut down by the state.

Georgetown state Senator Charles Schwertner is the bill's sponsor. He filed the legislation in direct response to two years' worth of KVUE Defenders investigations, which exposed an increase in neglect inside Texas nursing homes.

"I think it's important that our nursing home industry be held accountable and that when we say, enough is enough, we mean it," said Schwertner.

In KVUE's 30 minute special, State of Neglect, Sandy Trevino told the Defenders, she believes medication errors at a nursing home contributed to her father's death.

"I'm very appreciative of the work the Defenders did to bring this to light. Now, maybe more lives will be saved because of this," said Trevino Monday afternoon.

Schwertner, a physician with a practice in Georgetown, believes the new law could set a precedence across the country.

"I think it sends a strong message to the nursing home industry that we as citizens demand quality care in our nursing home facilities," said Schwertner, hours after his bill was signed into law.

Earlier this month, Governor Abbott signed SB 239 into law. Starting this September, the law will provide tuition reimbursement for people who earn mental health degrees and agree to work in underserved areas of Texas.

Schwertner also sponsored the bill. He credits KVUE for shedding light into the lack of health care workers in the mental health field. "[KVUE News] did a great job at making sure the issues continued to have a bright light shined upon them," said Schwertner.

In The Cost of Troubled Minds, the KVUE Defenders uncovered a mental health crisis in Texas fueled by a lack of resources, outdated facilities and a shortage of healthcare professionals.

"Even if you don't have anyone directly impacted by mental health disease, you're paying for it indirectly and to pay less you need to have the workforce to supply that mental healthcare," said Schwertner.

Beyond the State Capitol, The Cost of Troubled Minds was recognized with a prestigious Peabody Award, one of the highest honors in broadcasting.

Investigative producer Vicki Chen contributed to this report.