S.B. 1419 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


S.B. 1419
By: Janek
Public Health
Committee Report (Unamended)
     


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) lacks provisions for
the receipt of 
anatomical specimens. In addition, current law provides a parallel way for
anatomical material to 
be donated to certain persons and entities.  As proposed, S.B. 1419
authorizes the board to accept 
anatomical specimens and gives the board authority over bodies or
specimens donated directly to 
schools.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly
granted to the Texas Board of Health in SECTION  5 (Section 691.022 ,
Health and Safety Code) and SECTION 8 (Section 691.031) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

SB 1419 requires the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) to
keep identification records of each body donated to the board and of each
body or anatomical specimen distributed by the board. 
The bill requires the board or the board's representative to distribute
bodies donated to it and authorizes the board or the board's
representative to redistribute bodies donated to medical or dental schools
or other donees authorized by the board to certain schools, colleges, and
persons.  SB 1419 requires the board, in making the distribution, to give
priority to certain schools.  The bill authorizes the board to transport a
body or anatomical specimen to an authorized recipient in another state if
the board determines that the supply of bodies or anatomical specimens in
this state exceeds the need for bodies or anatomical specimens in this
state and if other conditions apply.   The bill authorizes certain persons
to be donees of gifts of bodies or of parts of bodies. Requires the board
to be the donee of gifts of bodies or parts of bodies made for education
or research, which are subject to distribution by the board under Chapter
691. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003