Texas House Bill HB631

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing an advance directive registry.

Impact

If enacted, HB 631 would significantly impact state laws related to health care and patient rights. It would enhance the ability of individuals to communicate their health care preferences effectively while ensuring that these directives are accessible to relevant health care providers. The legislation recognizes the importance of honoring patients' autonomy and wishes, especially during critical medical situations where they may be unable to express their preferences directly.

Summary

House Bill 631 aims to establish an advance directive registry in Texas, enabling individuals to store their advance directives securely online. This registry will be maintained by the state department, and health care providers will have authorized access to ensure that patients' wishes regarding medical treatment are known and respected. The bill outlines procedures for registering, updating, and removing advance directives from the system, emphasizing confidentiality and security while eliminating fees associated with the registration process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 631 appears to be predominantly positive among healthcare advocacy groups and legislators focused on patient rights. Supporters argue that establishing a centralized and secure advance directive registry would empower patients and ease the process for families and healthcare professionals in determining appropriate care. However, there may be concerns regarding privacy and the safeguarding of sensitive information in the registry.

Contention

Despite the general support, notable points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the registry and the potential for privacy breaches. Critics might express apprehension about how effectively the Department of Health will secure sensitive data, as well as how accessible such data will be to third parties. Moreover, ensuring that all individuals are aware of the registry and know how to utilize it will be a critical factor in the bill's overall success.