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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to implementation of a rapid response system in certain |
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hospitals. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 311, Health and Safety Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter G to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER G. HOSPITAL RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM |
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Sec. 311.101. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: |
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(1) "Health care provider" means a person who provides |
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health care services at a hospital as a physician, as an employee of |
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the hospital, or under a contract with the hospital. |
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(2) "Hospital" means: |
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(A) a general or special hospital licensed under |
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Chapter 241 or exempt from licensure under Section 241.004(3); or |
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(B) a private mental hospital licensed under |
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Chapter 577. |
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Sec. 311.102. RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM REQUIRED. The |
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governing body of a hospital shall adopt, implement, and enforce a |
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policy that prescribes procedures for a health care provider at the |
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hospital to recognize and respond to changes in a patient's |
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condition that is worsening. |
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Sec. 311.103. POLICY REQUIREMENTS. The policy required |
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under Section 311.102 must: |
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(1) provide a method for recognition of and response |
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by a health care provider as soon as possible to a patient's |
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condition if the patient's condition appears to worsen; |
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(2) include written criteria: |
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(A) describing early warning signs that a |
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patient's condition is changing or deteriorating; and |
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(B) establishing the situations in which a health |
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care provider must seek additional assistance for the patient; |
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(3) require a health care provider to seek additional |
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assistance for a patient based on the criteria established by |
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Subdivision (2)(B); and |
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(4) require the hospital to provide instruction to |
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patients and their family members on how to seek assistance from a |
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health care provider if a patient or family member has a concern |
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about changes in the patient's condition. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2016. |