84R7973 SCL-F
By: Martinez H.B. No. 1971
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the requirements and protocols for the use of nighttime
triage equipment by emergency medical services personnel.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subdivision (18-a) to read as follows:
(18-a) "Nighttime triage equipment" means a
multicolored illuminated tag with blue, green, red, and yellow
lights that is reusable, water resistant to 30 feet, and able to
provide a flashing and a solid light.
SECTION 2. Section 773.112, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d) If the department determines under Section 773.1135(b)
that nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any emergency
medical services and trauma care system, the rules adopted under
Subsection (a) must establish minimum requirements for resources
and equipment used by emergency medical services personnel in a
trauma service area to treat patients at night and during adverse
conditions using nighttime triage equipment.
SECTION 3. Section 773.1135, Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 773.1135. DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT. (a) The department
shall develop performance measures for regional advisory councils
in trauma service areas to:
(1) promote the provision of a minimum level of
emergency medical services in a trauma service area in accordance
with the rules adopted under Section 773.112;
(2) promote the provision of quality care and service
by the emergency medical services and trauma care system in
accordance with the rules adopted under Section 773.112; and
(3) maximize the accuracy of information provided by a
regional advisory council to the department or bureau for increased
council effectiveness.
(b) The department shall determine whether nighttime triage
equipment is appropriate for each emergency medical services and
trauma care system.
SECTION 4. Section 773.114, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) If the department determines under Section 773.1135(b)
that nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any emergency
medical services and trauma care system, that system must have
protocols for the use of nighttime triage equipment at night and
during adverse conditions.
SECTION 5. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Department of State Health Services shall
determine whether nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any
emergency medical services and trauma care system, and the
executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission
shall adopt any rules necessary to implement Section 773.112(d),
Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.