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Texas program uses remote capacity assessments to expand APS access statewide
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Summary
Jason Burnett described a Houston‑based Forensic Assessment Center Network that uses a HIPAA‑compliant portal and APS field support to perform remote capacity assessments across all 254 Texas counties, reporting roughly 4,000 assessments between 2017 and 2025.
Jason Burnett, associate professor at McGovern Medical School and director of the Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN), described a Houston‑based program that conducts remote forensic capacity assessments in partnership with Adult Protective Services (APS).
Burnett said the FACN piloted remote assessments using video conferencing and launched a statewide network in 2017. "And so now we cover all 254 counties in state of Texas, remotely from from Houston," he said, describing a HIPAA‑compliant portal APS uses to upload case materials, coordinate appointments and exchange reports. FACN clinicians and learners conduct standardized interviews and evidence‑based assessments; APS staff are present in the home to set up confidential interviews and assist with logistics.
Burnett reported about 4,000 assessments completed from 2017 through 2025 and approximately 600 per year through 2025. He said FACN compares remote and in‑person determinations and has not found the remote model increases findings of incapacity or guardianship: "One of the questions always comes up as well, is it leading to more people being determined to lack capacity? … And that's not the case." FACN provides detailed three‑page reports to APS and courts and emphasizes least‑restrictive recommendations and person‑centered planning.
Operational lessons Burnett flagged for replication include a dedicated program coordinator, funded clinician time, strong collaboration with APS offices, a secure portal for documentation and a training pipeline that includes learners so clinicians are available for assessments. He recommended piloting the model with local APS partners and funding for protected clinician time before statewide scaling.
Burnett closed by noting judicial and APS acceptance improved after FACN showed the detailed reports courts could expect from remote assessments. The panel then moved to questions about how to approach APS and test a similar model in other states.
