Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB614

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to establishing an advance directive registry.

Impact

The introduction of the advance directive registry is expected to have significant implications for health care practices within the state. By centralizing advance directive documentation, the bill aims to improve communication among health care providers and eliminate potential confusion regarding patients' wishes. This change is particularly important in emergencies where timely decisions may need to be made regarding patient treatment. Furthermore, the confidentiality provisions included in the bill will help reassure individuals that their personal health care directives are protected.

Summary

House Bill 614 aims to establish an advance directive registry in Texas, enhancing the way individuals document their health care wishes. This bill amends the Health and Safety Code to create a system accessible via an online platform, where advance directives can be securely stored. The registry is designed to provide immediate access to authorized health care providers, ensuring that individuals' healthcare preferences are readily available in critical situations. The absence of fees for registration and access underscores the intention to facilitate use without financial barriers.

Contention

Despite its benefits, the bill could face scrutiny concerning data privacy and the handling of sensitive health information. There may be concerns about the security measures in place to protect individuals’ sensitive data from unauthorized access, even as the bill mandates strict safeguards. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the balance of accessibility for health care providers against the individual's right to privacy, particularly concerning what constitutes 'authorized' access. Stakeholders might advocate for clearer definitions or measures to enhance security and trust in the system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1724

Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.

TX SB1952

Relating to advance directives and health care treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients, including a review of those directives and decisions.

TX HB4404

Relating to the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact.

TX HB3162

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.

TX HB647

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

TX SB2465

Relating to an advance directive and do-not-resuscitate order of a pregnant woman and information provided for an advance directive.

TX SB1700

Relating to the licensing and authority of advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB4071

Relating to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB4989

Relating to the presumption of validity for an advance directive and permissible forms of a medical power of attorney.

TX HB1873

Relating to patients' rights, consumer protection, and directives for the provision of health care services; providing an administrative penalty.

Similar Bills

DE HB342

An Act To Amend Titles 11 And 24 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Voluntary Firearms Do-not-sell Registry Act.

NJ A3693

Establishes State Parkinson's disease registry.

NJ S2339

Establishes State Parkinson's disease registry.

CA AB775

Personal services contracts: state employees: physician registry for state hospitals.

LA HB483

Provides relative to disclosure of data maintained by the Louisiana Tumor Registry and for a cancer investigation initiative

CA AB3166

Public health: organ donation.

NJ S3240

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.

NJ A4112

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.