Texas House Bill HB1160

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a court order for health care for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1160 is likely to provide a structured approach to health care decisions made for children in conservatorship. By necessitating consultation with a health professional before a court can issue health care orders, the bill aims to ensure that decisions are made based on expert recommendations. This could enhance the quality of health care provided to vulnerable children in state custody, as it emphasizes professional input in legally sensitive areas concerning the well-being of minors.

Summary

House Bill 1160 addresses the health care decisions for children who are under the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The core provision of the bill stipulates that a court cannot mandate or prohibit specific health care services for these children without verifying that a health professional has been consulted and has recommended the proposed treatments. This includes all forms of health care, encapsulating both physical and mental health services, though emergency care is exempted from this requirement.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1160 appears to be predominantly supportive, particularly among advocates for child welfare and family services. Proponents argue that the bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring that children's health care is informed by qualified professionals rather than solely by legal dictates. There may be some concerns regarding the time it takes for consultations that could delay necessary treatments; however, the overarching view seems to favor a thorough and professional approach to health care decisions for children.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 1160 could arise from situations where timely health care is critical. Critics may express concern that the requirement for professional consultation might lead to delays in receiving necessary treatments for children, particularly in urgent medical situations. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the availability of health professionals to meet these consultation requirements promptly, which could affect the bill's effectiveness in practice.