Texas Senate Bill SB1786

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the form of certain advance directives.

Impact

If enacted, SB1786 would streamline the process by which advanced directives are executed and honored across Texas. By allowing directives to be recognized in forms that comply with national standards, it enhances the ability of individuals to specify their healthcare preferences and eases potential conflicts that arise during situations where a patient's capacity to communicate is impaired. Additionally, the bill aims to ensure that these documents are valid in other states, thereby aiding Texans who may travel or relocate.

Summary

SB1786 aims to amend the Health and Safety Code in Texas to enhance the forms and recognition of advance directives. Specifically, it introduces a structure for permissible forms of advance directives and outlines the requirements for individuals to make healthcare decisions on behalf of those who are unable to do so. The bill mandates that the advance directive must be in a format that is easy to understand, clearly specify the health care decisions that the declarant consents to or denies, and designate an agent who can make those decisions when the declarant lacks the capacity to do so.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1786 include concerns from healthcare advocates regarding the balance between patient autonomy and practical application of these directives in medical settings. Opponents argue that while empowering individuals to make choices about their healthcare is crucial, there could be complications in interpreting directives if they are overly generalized or not thoroughly articulated. Thus, clarity in drafting these documents remains a topic of debate within legislative and medical circles.