Texas House Bill HB3857

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant to sign a death certificate or out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate order.

Impact

The implications of HB3857 are significant, especially in the context of health care providers working in emergency settings or in out-of-hospital environments. It would allow APRNs and PAs to play a more integral role in end-of-life decision-making. This change could alleviate the delays that often occur when a physician is not immediately available, thus ensuring that DNR orders can be honored more promptly. Furthermore, it may ease the burden on physicians by distributing responsibilities among qualified healthcare professionals. Overall, this could lead to more efficient healthcare service delivery in critical moments.

Summary

House Bill 3857 addresses the authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) regarding the signing of death certificates and out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. This legislation seeks to amend existing sections of the Texas Health and Safety Code, which currently mandate that only attending physicians can sign such documents. By expanding this authority, the bill aims to facilitate a quicker and more appropriate response in end-of-life situations, improving patient care and respecting the wishes of individuals regarding their medical treatment.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that granting APRNs and PAs this authority is a practical decision that enhances patient autonomy and care, there are potential points of contention. Opponents may voice concerns about the qualifications and training of non-physician providers in making such sensitive decisions. There might be fears regarding possible misinterpretations of patient wishes or the adequacy of training to handle the legal ramifications associated with signing DNR orders or death certificates. Therefore, discussions around this bill may evoke debates about the competency of healthcare providers and how this impacts patient safety.