83R3246 GCB-D
By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1592
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a peace officer's determination whether medical
services are needed for persons apprehended for emergency
detention.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 573.013 to read as follows:
Sec. 573.013. TRANSPORTING OFFICER'S DETERMINATION OF
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. (a) A peace officer shall transport a person
apprehended under Section 573.001 or 573.012 to an appropriate
medical facility if the officer determines or has reason to believe
that the person requires emergency medical services or that the
person is:
(1) experiencing acute intoxication or overdose from
the ingestion of drugs or alcohol;
(2) experiencing chest pain;
(3) losing consciousness;
(4) bleeding or has sustained a serious injury;
(5) the victim of an assault or sexual assault; or
(6) a resident of a nursing home or assisted living
facility.
(b) A mental health facility may not require a medical
examination of a person transported to the facility by a peace
officer under Section 573.001(d) before the facility receives the
person at the facility unless at the time the peace officer presents
the person to the facility the peace officer determines the person
should be transported to a medical facility as provided by
Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.