Texas Senate Bill SB1889

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

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.