Texas House Bill HB1097

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the release of veteran autopsy reports to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Impact

The bill's impact extends to improving the administrative processes surrounding the documentation associated with veteran deaths. By mandating timely notification and release of autopsy reports, HB1097 allows the VA to better serve veterans' families in a timely manner. The requirement for the reports to be released no later than fifteen business days following a request indicates a commitment to reduce bureaucratic delays, which can hinder the provision of services to veterans' families.

Summary

House Bill 1097 seeks to facilitate the transfer of autopsy reports for deceased veterans to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill amends the Health and Safety Code to require that the office designated by the autopsy order maintain the reports until information is released to the VA. This procedural change aims to streamline the access to crucial data regarding the cause of death of veterans, thereby assisting in ensuring that their families receive appropriate benefits and support related to their service.

Contention

While the bill is designed to assist veterans and their families, potential concerns could arise over the handling of sensitive information. There may be debates regarding privacy and the implications of releasing autopsy reports to a federal agency. Ensuring that the rights of the deceased veterans and their families are respected during this process could be a point of contention among stakeholders, including veterans' advocacy groups and legal experts in health information management.