SRC-JRN H.B. 956 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 956
By: Goodman (Carona)
Health & Human Services
4-28-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, artificial, non-human material that is removed from a patient
is required to be treated as medical waste and disposed of according to
the requirements of Chapter 361, Health and Safety Code.  Hospitals are
prohibited from releasing this material to patients who request it for
litigation purposes or personal reasons because this material may be
deemed medical waste.  This bill authorizes certain artificial, non-human
material to be released by the hospital to the patient.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 956 authorizes certain artificial, non-human material to
be released by the hospital to the patient. 

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 361.560(3), Health and Safety Code, to redefine
"medical waste," to provide that the term does not include artificial,
nonhuman materials removed from a patient and requested by the patient,
including but not limited to orthopedic devices and breast implants. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.