The Department of Aging and Disability Services say purchases by the Abilene, San Antonio and Corpus Christi centers, totaling about $855, violated state policy.
An April 17 directive bans such spending on monitors reviewing the 13 state supported living centers, formerly known as state schools. Texas and the Justice Department are working to make sure the state improves overall care for residents.
Agency spokeswoman Cecilia Fedorov says the staff was just trying to be hospitable.
