SRC-JFA H.B. 889 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 889
By: Craddick (Bivins)
Health & Human Services
5-12-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Health and Safety Code provides for disclosure of a
patient's medical information without written authorization only in
certain instances.  If a patient is unable to communicate, any disclosure
of information to the patient's supporting clergy must come from the
family.  This bill would add the right of a patient's designated clergy
person to be informed of the patient's health care information.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 889 adds the right of a patient's designated clergy
person to be informed of the patient's health care information.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 241.153, Health and Safety Code, to authorize a
patient's health care information to be disclosed without the patient's
authorization if the disclosure is to a member of the clergy specifically
designated by the patient, among other persons.  Makes a conforming
change.  

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.