Relating to human body and anatomical specimen donation.
Impact
The introduction of SB187 will modify existing laws pertaining to the handling and distribution of donated human tissues. The bill mandates that the Board of Anatomical Donations shall develop and make publicly available a document detailing these risks and benefits. Additionally, it enforces that bodies or anatomical specimens must be properly labeled and carried with detailed chain-of-custody documentation to ensure accountability and traceability during the transportation process. These changes are anticipated to augment the integrity and transparency of anatomical donations.
Summary
SB187, titled 'Relating to human body and anatomical specimen donation,' seeks to enhance the regulatory framework around the donation of human bodies and anatomical specimens in Texas. It aims to amend the Health and Safety Code by adding provisions for the development of informational documents to inform donors about the risks and benefits associated with such donations. This step is intended to ensure that potential donors are better informed about what their donation entails and its purpose for education and research.
Contention
Notably, while there may be broad support for improving the safety and responsibility associated with anatomical donations, there could be points of contention regarding how this will be enforced and the potential bureaucratic burden it may place on donation programs. Stakeholders in the field may raise concerns about the adequacy of resources to comply with the new requirements and whether they could potentially discourage donations if the process becomes too cumbersome.
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 capture and use of an individual's biometric identifiers, specimen, or genetic information by a governmental body or peace officer or by a person for commercial purposes; authorizing civil penalties.
Relating to publication of national organ transplant waiting list information on the Department of State Health Services' Internet website and donors included in the anatomical gift registry.
Relating to publication of national organ transplant waiting list information on the Department of State Health Services' Internet website and donors included in the anatomical gift registry.
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 required human trafficking prevention training and disclosure of certain information about human trafficking by tattoo and body piercing studios.