Bill > SB360

This bill modifies Texas laws related to advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, specifically addressing provisions for pregnant individuals. The key changes allow people of child-bearing age to specify how their pregnancy might affect their advance directive or DNR order, which was previously prohibited. The bill adds an optional "pregnancy directive" section to the standard advance directive form, enabling individuals to provide specific instructions about medical treatment during pregnancy. It updates several sections of the Health and Safety Code to replace blanket prohibitions on withholding life-sustaining treatment from pregnant patients with more flexible language that allows individuals to make personalized decisions. The bill also makes technical amendments to the standard out-of-hospital DNR order form, adding requirements such as a statement about specifying pregnancy-related treatment preferences and renumbering various sections. These changes aim to provide more autonomy and personalization in medical decision-making while ensuring that individuals can express their healthcare wishes more comprehensively. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving healthcare providers and individuals time to adapt to the new provisions.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB360