Texas Senate Bill SB527

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/13/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/09
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 5/20/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/21/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to certain mammography systems that fail certification standards.

Impact

The impact of SB527 on Texas state law is significant, as it introduces an obligation for healthcare facilities to communicate directly with affected patients about potential deficiencies in their mammography systems. This provision aims to promote patient safety and inform individuals about their health, allowing them to seek further evaluations if necessary. The amendment to the Health and Safety Code not only places responsibility on facilities but also prioritizes transparency in patient care.

Summary

Senate Bill 527 addresses scenarios where mammography systems fail to meet certification standards set by the relevant authorities. Specifically, the bill mandates that if a facility's mammography system is found to have a Severity Level I violation, the facility must notify all patients who received mammograms during the period the system was unqualified. This notification serves to ensure that patients are aware of the compromised standard and can take appropriate steps in their healthcare management.

Contention

While the bill remarks on improving patient awareness and health safety, it is important to consider the operational challenges that facilities might face in executing these mandates. Facilities may have concerns regarding the logistics of identifying and notifying patients in a timely manner. Additionally, the necessity of having to recommend alternative certified facilities could result in increased patient loads and administrative burdens, complicating the operational landscape of healthcare services in Texas.