End of Life Issues
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Helping Texans prepare for end-of-life decisions is an important community service of Texas hospitals.  Lack of objective public education about the laws and processes governing end-of-life choices and the importance of individuals making clear their own health care decisions result in public and legislative misperceptions. The Texas Hospital Association has produced a suite of products to help member hospitals understand and communicate on end-of-life issues.

In addition, THA tracks related legislation and regulatory activity to keep members informed.

Related:


Support:
SB 916 by Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) - Relating to supportive palliative care.

Oppose:
SB 2089 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineloa) – Relating to advance directives or health care or treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients.
SB 2129 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) – Relating to advance directives and health care and treatment decisions.

2017 Special Session
Oppose:
SB 11 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) - Relating to general procedures and requirements for certain do-not-resuscitate orders; creating a criminal offense.

Resources

Key Findings From THA’s Advance Directives Survey (July 2020)

Letter of Opposition to SB 2089 (April 2019)

Texas Patients Oppose SB 2089 and SB 2129 (April 2019)

Texas Hospitals Oppose Senate Bill 11 (July 2017)

House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 11 (July 2017)

Overview of Texas Advance Directives Law (July 2017)

HHSC Palliative Care Resource (April 2017)

HHSC Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council

Put Your Wishes in Writing: Resources for Patients and Families – Includes helpful information and forms in both English and Spanish. Read more

None at this time.

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Contacts:

Carrie Kroll, vice president of advocacy, public health and quality, 512/465-1043

Cesar Lopez, J.D., associate general counsel, 512/465-1027

Sharon Beasley, legal manager, 512/465-1030

Resources:

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Key Findings From THA’s Advance Directives Survey (July 2020)

Overview of advance directives
Advance Directives Overview

Overview of do-not-resuscitate orders
DNR Overview

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According to Texas Government Code 305.027, portions of this material may be considered “legislative advertising.” Authorization for its publication is made by John Hawkins, Texas Hospital Association, 1108 Lavaca, Suite 700, Austin, TX 78701-2180.

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