Relating to the transport of a mental health patient who is not a resident of this state.
Impact
The bill requires the Texas Department of Health to negotiate reciprocal agreements with authorities from other states to ensure proper care and efficiency in the transport of these patients. It mandates the development of processes that provide adequate care for the transferred individuals, considers the use of proximate mental health facilities in their home states, and coordinates with local entities. The changes are intended to streamline the return process and improve the overall management of nonresidents in mental health facilities, thereby potentially reducing the burden on Texas health resources.
Summary
SB1889 is a legislative measure that facilitates the transport of mental health patients who are not residents of Texas back to their home states. The bill introduces amendments to the Health and Safety Code, particularly section 571, which governs the handling of mental health patients within the state. It aims to create a systematic process through which nonresident patients committed to mental health facilities in Texas can be returned to their respective states under a reciprocal agreement, thereby respecting both legal and interpersonal needs between states and enhancing interstate cooperation in mental health care.
Contention
While there is general support for the bill's intent to facilitate the return of nonresident patients, there are concerns regarding the potential implications for state resources and responsibilities. Critics might express worries about how the financial burdens of transport and care are managed, particularly since the bill states that Texas will bear these costs unless an agreement is established to share them. Additionally, the adequacy of the mental health care provision during transportation and the follow-up care in the patient's home state are points of potential contention among stakeholders who advocate for comprehensive support systems for mental health patients.
Relating to procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.
Relating to an application for emergency detention, procedures regarding court-ordered mental health services, and certain rights of patients admitted to private mental hospitals and certain other mental health facilities.
Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.
Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.
Relating to illegal entry into this state from Mexico by a person who is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States; creating criminal offenses.
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 procedures applicable to the emergency detention of a person with mental illness at a mental health facility, including the detention, transportation, and transfer of the person and to certain best practices for courts with jurisdiction over emergency mental health matters.
Relating to solicitation of patients and other prohibited marketing practices and the establishment of the task force on patient solicitation; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to local mental health authority and local behavioral health authority audits and mental and behavioral health reporting, services, and programs.