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.