By Maxey                                              H.B. No. 2004
         77R4605 CBH-D                           
                                A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 1-1                                   AN ACT
 1-2     relating to the medication a patient receives after being
 1-3     furloughed or discharged from inpatient mental health services.
 1-4           BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
 1-5           SECTION 1. Section 574.081(c), Health and Safety Code, is
 1-6     amended to read as follows:
 1-7           (c)  The plan must address the patient's mental health and
 1-8     physical needs, including the need for sufficient medication on
 1-9     furlough or discharge to last until the patient can see a
1-10     physician, if appropriate.  The physician responsible for the
1-11     patient's treatment shall ensure that the patient receives on
1-12     furlough or discharge the necessary medication identified in the
1-13     plan under this subsection, if appropriate.
1-14           SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
1-15     a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
1-16     provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
1-17     Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
1-18     Act takes effect September 1, 2001.