BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                     H.B. 2765

79R9168 HLT-F                                                                                                   By: Truitt (Nelson)

                                                                                                                  Health & Human Services

                                                                                                                                            5/18/2005

                                                                                                                                           Engrossed

 

 

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

“Legally authorized representative” is a key term in Chapter 241, Subchapter G, Health and Safety Code, regarding the disclosure of health care information by hospitals.  Current law allows hospital patients or their legally authorized representatives to authorize disclosure of the hospital patient’s medical record.  The current definition of “legally authorized representative,” while comprehensive, needs to be clarified to address several situations that have occurred and which have raised questions concerning who is allowed to authorize disclosure of the patient’s medical record. 

 

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 Section 241.151(5), Health and Safety Code, to redefine "legally authorized representative."

 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2005.