78R7871 MCK-D

By:  Uresti                                                       H.B. No. 2539



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the requirements for transporting patients in certain 
vehicles. 
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 773.004, Health and Safety Code, is 
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to 
read as follows:
	(a)  This chapter does not apply to:                                           
		(1)  a ground transfer vehicle and staff used to 
transport a patient who is under a physician's care between medical 
facilities or between a medical facility and a private residence, 
except as provided by Subsection (c);
		(2)  ground or air transfer that does not advertise as 
an ambulance service and that is not licensed by the department;
		(3)  the use of ground or air transfer vehicles to 
transport sick or injured persons in a casualty situation that 
exceeds the basic vehicular capacity or capability of emergency 
medical services providers in the area;
		(4)  an industrial ambulance; or                                              
		(5)  a physician, registered nurse, or other health 
care practitioner licensed by this state unless the health care 
practitioner staffs an emergency medical services vehicle 
regularly.
	(c)  This chapter applies to a vehicle regularly used to 
transport patients between medical facilities or between a medical 
facility and a private residence unless a licensed health care 
provider is in the vehicle while transporting a patient.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.