SRC-JJJ, DBM H.B. 1797 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1797
76R4765  JJT-DBy: Tillery (Carona)
Human Services
5/10/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, an order of protective custody is necessary to transfer a person
from an emergency facility to an appropriate hospital, if the person has
been admitted for emergency detention in order to have a mental health
evaluation.  Obtaining an order of protective custody during nonbusiness
hours can take time, and there may not always be a safe place for the
patients to remain temporarily while awaiting transfer to an appropriate
hospital.  H.B. 1797 would set forth provisions regarding the
transportation of certain individuals who may have a mental illness and are
admitted to a county mental health facility for emergency detention. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1797 sets forth provisions regarding the transportation
of certain individuals who may have a mental illness and are admitted to a
county mental health facility for emergency detention. 

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 573.022, Health and Safety Code, to authorize a
county mental health facility that has admitted a person for emergency
detention under this section to transport the person to certain appropriate
facilities. 

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