84R10464 CJC-F
By: Naishtat H.B. No. 2585
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to implementation of a rapid response system in certain
hospitals.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 311, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. HOSPITAL RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM
Sec. 311.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Health care provider" means a person who provides
health care services at a hospital as a physician, as an employee of
the hospital, or under a contract with the hospital.
(2) "Hospital" means:
(A) a general or special hospital licensed under
Chapter 241 or exempt from licensure under Section 241.004(3); or
(B) a private mental hospital licensed under
Chapter 577.
Sec. 311.102. RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM REQUIRED. The
governing body of a hospital shall adopt, implement, and enforce a
policy that prescribes procedures for a health care provider at the
hospital to recognize and respond to changes in a patient's
condition that is worsening.
Sec. 311.103. POLICY REQUIREMENTS. The policy required
under Section 311.102 must:
(1) provide a method for recognition of and response
by a health care provider as soon as possible to a patient's
condition if the patient's condition appears to worsen;
(2) include written criteria:
(A) describing early warning signs that a
patient's condition is changing or deteriorating; and
(B) establishing the situations in which a health
care provider must seek additional assistance for the patient;
(3) require a health care provider to seek additional
assistance for a patient based on the criteria established by
Subdivision (2)(B); and
(4) require the hospital to provide instruction to
patients and their family members on how to seek assistance from a
health care provider if a patient or family member has a concern
about changes in the patient's condition.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2016.