26 TAC § 711.17. How is verbal/emotional abuse defined?

(a) In this chapter, when the alleged perpetrator is a direct provider, verbal/emotional abuse is defined as:

(1) the willful infliction of an act or repeated acts of verbal or other communication, including gestures, to harass, intimidate, humiliate, or degrade an individual receiving services; or

(2) threats of physical or emotional harm against an individual receiving services.

(b) In order for the definition of verbal/emotional abuse to be met, the act or communication must:

(1) result in an individual receiving services experiencing:

(A) significant impairment to his or her physical, mental, or emotional health;

(B) substantial physical, mental, or emotional distress as identified by an appropriate medical professional; or

(2) be of such a serious nature that a reasonable person would consider it causing significant impairment to the physical, mental, or emotional health of the victim.