Relating to certain health care rights of domestic partners.
Impact
If enacted, HB 353 would significantly impact Texas statutes that govern health care rights. The legislation expands the consent and decision-making framework for medical treatment to include domestic partners. This means that should an individual become incapacitated without a legal guardian or agent for health care decisions, their domestic partner can step in as a primary decision-maker. Additionally, hospitals and licensed facilities will be mandated to allow visitation rights for domestic partners, further aligning with the recognition of domestic partnerships in health-related scenarios.
Summary
House Bill 353 aims to enhance the health care rights of domestic partners in Texas. The bill amends several provisions of the Health and Safety Code to ensure that domestic partners are recognized similarly to spouses in matters of health care, including decision-making on treatment, visitation rights in medical facilities, and rights surrounding the disposition of remains. This intended recognition promotes equality, particularly for unmarried couples and those who have established a domestic partnership but lack the formal legal framework of marriage.
Contention
There may be notable points of contention related to HB 353, particularly concerning the legal and social implications of expanding domestic partnership rights. Opponents may argue that such measures could complicate existing laws surrounding marriage and family and may raise concerns regarding the recognition of relationships that do not fit traditional definitions of family. Furthermore, discussions may also arise regarding the sufficiency of the proposed documentation to prove the existence of a domestic partnership, as this could potentially lead to disputes in critical health-related situations.
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 preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements, private business or school closures, and the ordering and administration of immunizations by a pharmacist.
Relating to advance directives, do-not-resuscitate orders, and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of certain patients, including a review of directives and decisions.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.
Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.