Sec. 531.048. CASELOAD STANDARDS. (a) The executive commissioner may establish caseload standards and other standards relating to caseloads for each category of caseworker employed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

(b) In establishing standards under this section, the executive commissioner shall:

(1) ensure the standards are based on the actual duties of the caseworker;

(2) ensure the caseload standards are reasonable and achievable;

(3) ensure the standards are consistent with existing professional caseload standards;

(4) consider standards developed by other states for caseworkers in similar positions of employment; and

(5) ensure the standards are consistent with existing caseload standards of other state agencies.

(c) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the legislature, the commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services shall use the standards established by the executive commissioner under this section to determine the number of personnel to assign as caseworkers for the department.

(d) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated by the legislature, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall use the standards established by the executive commissioner to assign caseloads to individual caseworkers employed by the department.

(f) Nothing in this section may be construed to create a cause of action.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 99, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 2.18(a), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 2.089, eff. April 2, 2015.