Relating to the regulation of human body acquisition services and authorized recipients.
Impact
If enacted, SB1973 would significantly influence state law concerning the consent and ethical management of human anatomical donations. The bill mandates that human body acquisition services obtain documented informed consent from an individual authorized to make such decisions, ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are respected. This legislation is designed to foster transparency in how anatomical gifts are handled while also promoting the use of these gifts for advancements in medical and dental science.
Summary
SB1973 proposes the regulation of human body acquisition services and defines authorized recipients for anatomical donations in Texas. This bill seeks to establish clear guidelines for how whole bodies, body segments, and non-transplant anatomical parts can be solicited, retrieved, and used for medical or dental education and research. The Texas Funeral Service Commission will oversee the implementation of these regulations and is tasked with creating rules to protect public health and welfare regarding these services.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding SB1973 include the scope of the regulations proposed and the potential implications for health professionals and research institutions. Critics may argue that overly stringent regulations could hinder the acquisition of anatomical specimens necessary for education and research, while supporters contend that this bill is essential to prevent abuse and ensure ethical treatment of human remains. The delineation of who qualifies as an authorized recipient and the limitations imposed on potential recipients could also spark debate among stakeholders in the medical community.
Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and anatomical facilities, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; requiring registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and anatomical facilities, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; requiring registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.