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.
See THA's SB-11 - Inpatient DNAR Orders Web page for additional information on a 2018 state law governing in-hospital do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders.
2021 Legislative Session Support SB 1944/HB 3099 by Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville)/Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) - Relating to end-of-life issues and hospice care.
HB 2943 by Rep. James Frank (R-Wichita Falls) - Relating to revocation of do-not-resuscitate orders for patients admitted to a health care facility or hospital.
Oppose SB 917/HB 2609 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineloa)/Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) - Relating to advance directives or health care or treatment decisions made by or on behalf of patients.
2019 Legislative Session 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.
Multi Association Statement on HB 3099 and HB 2609 (4/14/21)
Testimony for House Public Health in Support of HB 2943 (4/14/21) | THA, TMA
Multi Organization Statement on SB 1994 and SB 917 (4/12/21)
Testimony Supporting SB 1944 in Senate HHS (4/7/21) | THA, TMA
Testimony Against SB 917 in Senate HHS (4/7/21) | THA, TMA
Key Findings From THA’s Advance Directives Survey (July 2020) | THA
Multi Organization Letter of Opposition to SB 2089 (April 2019) | THA
Whitepaper: Texas Patients Oppose SB 2089 and SB 2129 (April 2019) | THA
Whitepaper: Texas Hospitals Oppose SB 11 (July 2017) | THA
House Committee Substitute for SB 11 (July 2017) | THA
Whitepaper: Overview of Texas Advance Directives Law (July 2017) | THA
Whitepaper: DNR Overview (June 2017) | THA
Palliative Care Resource (April 2017) | HHSC
Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council (2015) | HHSC
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.
Carrie Kroll, vice president of advocacy, public health & quality, 512/465-1043
Cesar Lopez, J.D., associate general counsel, 512/465-1027
Sharon Beasley, legal manager, 512/465-1030
Key Findings From THA’s Advance Directives Survey (July 2020)
Advance Directives Overview (July 2017)
DNR Overview (June 2017)
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.