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.