BIG STEP TAKEN TO PROTECT TEXAS PATIENTS!

 

 

BIG STEP TAKEN TO PROTECT PATIENTS IN TEXAS HOSPITALS By Julie Grimstad May 24, 2023   Over the years, I have written volumes to warn people about the anti-life 10-Day Rule lurking in Texas hospitals, threatening their right to life. I’ve testified in favor of repealing or modifying this rule several times at legislative hearings. Therefore, it is a delight to report that, in the last two weeks, both branches of the Texas Legislature have passed House Bill 3162. This bill substantially improves protections for the rights of hospitalized patients and their families. In the past, Governor Greg Abbott has spoken out against the 10-Day Rule. HB 3162 now only requires his signature to become law. It will take effect September 1, 2023. The Texas 10-Day Rule was so dubbed because it enables a hospital to withdraw treatment from a patient against his or her will with only 10 days’ notice. This rule was added to the Texas Advance Directives Act (TADA) in 1999. Ironically, TADA  stipulates, “treatment cannot be given to you or stopped over your objection” (§166.163). Yet the unethical 10-Day Rule (§166.046) empowers physicians to override patients’ wishes, thereby contradicting TADA’s language protecting patients’ rights. HB 3162 was introduced by Representative Stephanie Klick (R–Fort Worth) and is a triumph of the art of negotiation. Pro-TADA and anti-TADA forces came together to make this law less hospital-overbearing and more patient-empowering. Changes include: Extending the 10-day transfer period to 25 days, Requiring hospitals to perform procedures a patient needs to transfer to another facility before the countdown may begin, Prohibiting hospital ethics committees from withdrawing treatment based on perceived “quality of life,” Banning hospitals from removing life support involuntarily from competent patients, and Mandating that hospitals provide patients and their families notice at least seven days before an ethics committee meeting about discontinuing the patient’s treatment (current law requires only 48 hours’ notice). “We celebrate the biggest step yet in protecting Texas patients. For 20 years, Texas Right to Life has worked with lawmakers to repeal or reform the deadly 10-Day Rule. Now, with the efforts of Representative Stephanie Klick and Senators Drew Springer and Bryan Hughes, countless families will find more relief in this incremental, yet important, legislation,” stated Texas Right to Life President Dr. John Seago.* *https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-passes-bill-to-reform-infamous-10-day-rule-that-lets-hospitals-take-patients-off-life-support/   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Want to Help HALO and be  a Voice for the Medically Vulnerable?   DONATE NOW   Thank you for your support! Our organization is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.   If you would like to donate through the mail, please send checks only to: HALO, 7301 Bass Lake RD, Minneapolis, MN 55428. MISSION STATEMENT The Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization (HALO) is a voice for the medically vulnerable. As a non-profit, Christian organization, HALO addresses a wide array of ethical issues including euthanasia, assisted suicide, rationing of medical services, and hastening of death in healthcare settings. In addition, HALO promotes life-affirming healthcare practices, life-protective advance directives, and compassionate care for the sick and those nearing the end of their lives. In all circumstances, HALO espouses in healthcare practice the sanctity and integrity of every human person. HALO accomplishes its mission through intercessory prayer; widespread education; community awareness and assistance programs; interaction with patients, families, and caregivers; and referrals to appropriate resources when necessary. Copyright © 2023 HALO. All rights reserved.

HALO · 7301 Bass Lake Road · Minneapolis, MN 55428 · USA