S.B. 160 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 160
By: Nelson
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current Texas law does not address the need for educating individuals
regarding anatomical 
gifts.  S.B. 160 requires the Texas Department of Health to develop a
program to educate 
health care providers and attorneys on human organ donation and encourages
medical and 
nursing schools to include organ donation education classes in their
curriculum. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

Amends Chapter 49 of the Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 49.002
which requires TDH to develop an educational program for health care
providers and attorneys on human organ donations.  SB 160 also requires
TDH to encourage attorneys to provide information concerning organ
donations to individuals seeking legal counsel for end-of-life decisions.
TDH is required to encourage medical and nursing schools in Texas to
include organ donation education classes in their curriculum.  SB 160
requires TDH to encourage medical schools in Texas to require a physician
in either a neurology or neurosurgery residency program to complete an
advanced course in organ donation education.  TDH is required to implement
the program only to the extent that funds are available.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003