Bill

SB 1238

86(R) - 2019
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Nathan Johnson

Sponsor(s)

Toni Rose

Bill Caption

Relating to the admission, examination, and discharge of a person for voluntary mental health services.

Fiscal Notes

According to the Legislative Budget Board, no fiscal impact to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1238 would amend Section 572.0025, Health and Safety Code, to require a prospective voluntary patient at an inpatient mental health facility to have received a physical and a psychiatric examination from a physician within 72 hours before the admission or 24 hours after admission. (Current law requires the examinations to be conducted prior to admission.) If the examination occurs after the admission, the physician must discharge a person who does not meet clinical standards to receive inpatient care. A person so discharged may not be billed for the temporary admission to the inpatient mental health facility.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on SB 1238 because it does not affect our liberty principles.