86R20985 BK-D
By: Davis of Harris H.C.R. No. 143
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, In times of disaster, including during a hurricane,
tornado, flood, or public health epidemic, individuals may need to
seek medical care in shelters and other places where their medical
information is not readily available; in addition, a large-scale
disaster may temporarily force hospitals and medical offices to
close, limiting access to medical records from those facilities;
and
WHEREAS, If a patient needs to replace his or her
medications, health care workers can serve them most efficiently
when up-to-date medical information is provided, and a current list
of a patient's immunizations can also prevent them from receiving
redundant vaccinations when vaccine supplies are limited; and
WHEREAS, In undertaking advance planning for emergencies,
individuals should obtain a summary of their medical record
history, which can often be accessed through an online portal
managed by their health care provider; these records should include
a patient's current allergies and medications, immunizations,
medical issues, recent hospitalizations and relevant lab results,
contact information for primary care and sub-specialty physicians,
and other key data, such as a list of special medical equipment or
supplies; and
WHEREAS, A few small steps can make an important difference
in adequately coping with emergencies, and the observance of Texans
Medical Record Checkup Day on May 1 reminds all state residents to
ensure that they and their loved ones are prepared with
comprehensive health care information in the event of a major
disaster; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate May 1 as Texans Medical Record Checkup Day and
encourage all Texans to have access to or possession of an accurate
summary of their medical records as part of their disaster
preparedness plan; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date that this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.