Texas House Bill HB3912

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of advanced practice registered nurses to pronounce death and sign death certificates.

Impact

The passage of HB3912 has the potential to significantly alter state laws pertaining to healthcare and the responsibilities of medical professionals. By formalizing the authority of APRNs in determining death and signing documentation, the bill acknowledges their vital role within healthcare settings. This change is expected to streamline the process of death certification, which could alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and healthcare facilities, especially in cases where an attending physician may be unavailable.

Summary

House Bill 3912 aims to expand the authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the State of Texas by allowing them to pronounce death and sign death certificates under certain conditions. The bill modifies existing sections of the Health and Safety Code, particularly sections related to the legal determinations of death by healthcare providers. It empowers APRNs to carry out these duties if supported by the policies of their healthcare facilities, in conjunction with a physician staff's approval. This bill intends to enhance the role of APRNs in the healthcare system, which is particularly important given the increasing demand for medical professionals in Texas.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it will enhance healthcare delivery by utilizing the expertise of APRNs, critics express concerns over patient safety and the implications of expanding responsibilities without sufficient oversight. There may be fears that not all healthcare facilities will implement adequate training or protocols for APRNs to ensure that determinations of death are made with the necessary competency. Furthermore, some might argue that the current system, which assigns these responsibilities primarily to physicians, serves as a safeguard that should not be altered.