Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1129

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the transportation of a person with a mental illness.

Impact

The impact of SB1129 could be significant as it places strict regulations on how patients are restrained during transportation, reflecting a shift toward more compassionate care in the treatment of mental health individuals. This legislative change acknowledges that patients should be treated humanely and that their rights should be preserved even in challenging situations. Therefore, the bill aligns with broader goals of improving mental health care standards across the state.

Summary

SB1129 pertains to the transportation of individuals with mental illness, specifically addressing the procedures around the restraint of patients during apprehension, detention, or transport. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code by adding a provision that specifies that a patient can only be restrained during transport and that the restraint method must allow the individual to sit upright comfortably, unless transported by ambulance. This modification aims to enhance the dignity and comfort of patients with mental health issues during their transport from one facility to another.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1129 appears to be largely positive, with many advocates supporting the initiative as an important step toward reforming mental health protocols. Supporters argue that the legislation addresses critical human rights concerns, allowing patients to maintain a sense of dignity during transport. However, there may have been some opposition stemming from concerns about the practical implications of implementing these restraint procedures in real-world scenarios, particularly from those tasked with ensuring the safety of both staff and patients during transport.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1129 likely relate to the feasibility of enforcing the regulations it imposes. Critics may inquire about the resources needed to comply with the new restraint procedures and whether they could complicate emergency response situations. At the same time, proponents maintain that any difficulties in implementation are overshadowed by the ethical imperative to treat all individuals, regardless of their mental health status, with respect and dignity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1433

Relating to procedures for the emergency detention of certain persons with mental illness.

TX SB2479

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX SB1624

Relating to guardianships and services for incapacitated persons and to the emergency detention of certain persons with mental illness.

TX HB3904

Relating to emergency detention by a physician of certain persons with mental illness for preliminary examination at a facility.

TX HB4009

Relating to procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.

TX HB2506

Relating to procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.

TX HB2507

Relating to procedures for the emergency detention of certain persons with mental illness.

TX SB2287

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

TX HB5088

Relating to procedures regarding certain persons who are or may be persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability.

TX HB5210

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and the authority of certain facilities and professionals to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.