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House Bill 3146 |
House Author: Naishtat |
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Effective: 9-1-11 |
Senate Sponsor: Zaffirini |
House Bill 3146 amends the Health and Safety Code to revise the conditions under which consent for therapy or treatment for chemical dependency in a treatment facility is considered valid by authorizing a psychologist, social worker, professional counselor, or chemical dependency counselor, in addition to the treating physician, to provide the required explanation regarding the patient's condition and treatment. The bill clarifies that such explanation, with respect to valid consent for the administration of medication, must be provided by the treating physician. The bill requires the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules governing the screening process used by a treatment facility to determine whether a prospective patient presents sufficient signs, symptoms, or behaviors indicating a potential chemical dependency disorder to warrant a more in-depth assessment by a qualified professional and requires a treatment facility to provide certain training for persons who will be conducting a screening at the facility.