Texas House Bill HB3711

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to including medically fragile individuals in the Texas Division of Emergency Management's emergency assistance registry for wellness checks during certain emergencies.

Impact

The impact of HB 3711 extends to modifying existing protocols around emergency management in Texas. By incorporating medically fragile individuals into the emergency assistance registry, the bill aims to ensure that local emergency responders have the relevant information needed to assist these individuals promptly. Wellness checks are required to be performed within 24 hours following any significant emergency event, aiming to safeguard the continuity of care and access to medical needs such as power for medical equipment. This legislative change is expected to influence public health policies and emergency preparedness frameworks at both state and local government levels.

Summary

House Bill 3711, known for its provisions regarding the inclusion of medically fragile individuals in the Texas Division of Emergency Management's emergency assistance registry, aims to enhance the support and protection of vulnerable populations during emergencies. The bill mandates the development of a structured process for identifying medically fragile individuals and ensuring they receive necessary wellness checks during declared disasters or specific emergencies such as power outages. This initiative reflects a focused effort to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with serious health conditions during critical times.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3711 appears largely supportive among healthcare advocates and public safety officials who recognize the necessity of protecting medically fragile individuals in emergencies. Supporters argue that this bill will significantly enhance the state's ability to respond to the needs of these vulnerable populations. However, there may be concerns regarding the execution and funding for these wellness checks, which could lead to discussions about operational burdens placed on emergency services and local governments.

Contention

While the bill establishes a necessary framework for the welfare of medically fragile individuals during emergencies, potential points of contention include the feasibility of implementing the wellness checks and whether sufficient resources will be allocated for this purpose. Questions may arise concerning how local jurisdictions will be able to manage and execute these new responsibilities without overextending their emergency response capacities. As such, discussions could focus on balancing the urgency of providing care for medically fragile individuals with the logistical challenges inherent in emergency management.