Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SB11

Caption

Relating to general procedures and requirements for certain do-not-resuscitate orders; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The new regulations introduced by SB11 significantly impact how DNR orders are handled in Texas, particularly emphasizing patient and family involvement in end-of-life care decisions. With the introduction of explicit notice requirements and the obligations of healthcare facilities to inform patients and their representatives about DNR orders, the bill seeks to enhance communication and reduce the potential for misunderstandings or conflicts regarding the execution of a DNR order. Additionally, certain protections for healthcare providers against liability are outlined, aiming to mitigate fears of legal repercussions when complying with valid DNR directives.

Summary

SB11 introduces provisions regarding do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, establishing procedures and legal protections to guide health care professionals in the issuance and execution of such directives. The bill specifically pertains to DNR orders issued in healthcare facilities, ensuring that they are valid only when issued by the patient's attending physician and accompany the necessary patient consent, whether that consent is written, oral, or conveyed through a legal guardian. By regulating the process for these orders, SB11 aims to clarify the responsibilities of healthcare providers while ensuring that patients' rights to make decisions about their own medical care are protected.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB11 is generally supportive among healthcare professionals who see the need for clearer guidelines in end-of-life care. Proponents argue that the bill fosters respect for patient autonomy and aligns medical practices with ethical standards in healthcare. However, some concerns have been raised about the implications of the legislation, particularly regarding the balance of patient autonomy with the responsibilities of healthcare providers. Critics emphasize the need to ensure that patients and their families are adequately informed and involved in decisions about DNR orders, as misunderstandings in such sensitive situations can lead to distress and dissatisfaction.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB11 include the extent to which the bill may inadvertently limit patient autonomy if not implemented with adequate safeguards for informed consent. The balance of ensuring rapid and efficient compliance with DNR orders versus honoring patient and family wishes is a critical issue. Ensuring that DNR order protocols do not compromise the quality of care or create barriers in communication between healthcare providers and patients’ families remains a key consideration in legislative and medical discussions about the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2039

Relating to health care practitioner authority regarding certain do-not-resuscitate orders, including the use of electronic copies and photographs of out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate orders.

TX HB3162

Relating to advance directives, do-not-resuscitate orders, and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of certain patients, including a review of directives and decisions.

TX HB647

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

TX SB2465

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

TX SB1724

Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.

TX SB1952

Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.

TX HB1080

Relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification requirements for certain food service employees.

TX HB1398

Relating to extreme risk protective orders; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3057

Relating to extreme risk protective orders; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB529

Relating to extreme risk protective orders; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

PA SB730

In health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

PA HB1212

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1254

In health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment; and making an editorial change.

PA SB631

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions, for criminal penalties, for emergency medical services, for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance and for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment; and making editorial changes.

PA HB294

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions and for criminal penalties; in living wills, further providing for emergency medical services; in out-of-hospital nonresuscitation, further providing for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance; and providing for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

TX HB2949

Relating to advance directives, including do-not-resuscitate orders; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1546

Relating to advance directives, including do-not-resuscitate orders; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1455

Relating to in-hospital and out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate orders and advance directives; providing a criminal penalty.