Texas Senate Bill SB1213

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to advance directives or health care or treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients.

Impact

The bill aims to reinforce the authority of patients to make health care decisions that align with their values and wishes, thereby protecting their autonomy. By mandating that life-sustaining treatment is provided during disputes over medical directives, the legislation seeks to prevent premature withdrawal of care, thereby potentially impacting the operations of health care facilities and the protocols they follow in such cases. This act delivers a clear directive on how to manage situations where a physician might conflict with a patient's or family’s decisions.

Summary

SB1213, titled the Texas Patient Autonomy Restoration Act of 2017, seeks to enhance the rights of patients and their families regarding health care decisions, particularly concerning life-sustaining treatments. It amends provisions of the existing Advance Directives Act, ensuring that if an attending physician refuses to honor a patient's advance directive or treatment decision, life-sustaining treatment must be continued until the patient can be transferred to another provider willing to comply with the directive.

Contention

While proponents of SB1213 argue that it strengthens patient rights and safeguards against unduly aggressive practices in health care settings, critics express concerns regarding the implications for medical practitioners who might feel compelled to provide treatment they believe is medically inappropriate. There might be tensions between adhering to the law and professional ethical standards, particularly around treatments considered futile according to medical judgment.