# 26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.17: 26 TAC § 711.17. How is verbal/emotional abuse defined?

> Texas · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_17

## Section

- **Citation:** 26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.17
- **Heading:** 26 TAC § 711.17. How is verbal/emotional abuse defined?
- **Jurisdiction:** Texas
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Texas Administrative Code / Title 26 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / Part 1 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION / Chapter 711 INVESTIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING SERVICES FROM CERTAIN PROVIDERS / 26 TAC § 711.17

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.1 26 TAC § 711.1. What is the purpose of this chapter?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_1.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.3 26 TAC § 711.3. How are the terms in this chapter defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_3.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.5 26 TAC § 711.5. What does APS investigate under this chapter?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_5.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.7 26 TAC § 711.7. What does APS not investigate under this chapter?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_7.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.11 26 TAC § 711.11. How is physical abuse defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_11.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.13 26 TAC § 711.13. How is sexual abuse defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_13.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.17 26 TAC § 711.17. How is verbal/emotional abuse defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_17.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.19 26 TAC § 711.19. How is neglect defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_19.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.21 26 TAC § 711.21. How is exploitation defined?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_21.md)
- [26 Tex. Admin. Code § 711.23 26 TAC § 711.23. What is not considered abuse, neglect, or exploitation?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_23.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_TAC_T26_P1_C711_S711_17. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.