BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                       H.B. 805

79R10630 JTS-F                                                                                             By: Martinez (Carona)

Transportation & Homeland Security

5/4/2005

Engrossed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 805 assists in the identification of unconscious individuals who enter Texas from Mexico while receiving emergency prehospital care, so that proper emergency care can be administered to the patient.  It allows hospitals to collect a thumb print from the unconscious patient and provides that hospitals that upgrade to digital technology will be able to identify these patients. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 773, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 773.015, as follows:

Sec. 773.015.  IDENTIFICATION OF CERTAIN PATIENTS RECEIVING EMERGENCY PREHOSPITAL CARE.  Authorizes emergency medical services personnel or emergency room medical or admissions personnel to take the thumbprint of a person who receives emergency prehospital care under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2005.