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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the requirements and protocols for the use of nighttime |
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triage equipment by emergency medical services personnel. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended by adding Subdivision (18-a) to read as follows: |
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(18-a) "Nighttime triage equipment" means a |
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multicolored illuminated tag with blue, green, red, and yellow |
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lights that is reusable, water resistant to 30 feet, and able to |
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provide a flashing and a solid light. |
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SECTION 2. Section 773.112, Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: |
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(d) If the department determines under Section 773.1135(b) |
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that nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any emergency |
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medical services and trauma care system, the rules adopted under |
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Subsection (a) must establish minimum requirements for resources |
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and equipment used by emergency medical services personnel in a |
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trauma service area to treat patients at night and during adverse |
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conditions using nighttime triage equipment. |
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SECTION 3. Section 773.1135, Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 773.1135. DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT. (a) The department |
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shall develop performance measures for regional advisory councils |
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in trauma service areas to: |
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(1) promote the provision of a minimum level of |
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emergency medical services in a trauma service area in accordance |
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with the rules adopted under Section 773.112; |
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(2) promote the provision of quality care and service |
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by the emergency medical services and trauma care system in |
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accordance with the rules adopted under Section 773.112; and |
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(3) maximize the accuracy of information provided by a |
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regional advisory council to the department or bureau for increased |
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council effectiveness. |
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(b) The department shall determine whether nighttime triage |
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equipment is appropriate for each emergency medical services and |
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trauma care system. |
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SECTION 4. Section 773.114, Health and Safety Code, is |
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amended by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
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(c) If the department determines under Section 773.1135(b) |
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that nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any emergency |
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medical services and trauma care system, that system must have |
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protocols for the use of nighttime triage equipment at night and |
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during adverse conditions. |
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SECTION 5. As soon as practicable after the effective date |
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of this Act, the Department of State Health Services shall |
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determine whether nighttime triage equipment is appropriate for any |
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emergency medical services and trauma care system, and the |
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executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission |
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shall adopt any rules necessary to implement Section 773.112(d), |
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Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act. |
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SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |