CAPACITY OF CLIENTS TO CONSENT TO TREATMENT

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code ch. 597
in effect

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.001. DEFINITIONS.

In this chapter: (1) "Highly restrictive procedure" means the application of aversive stimuli, exclusionary time-out, physical restraint, or a requirement to engage in an effortful task. (2) "Client" means a person receiving services in a community-based ICF-IID. (3) "Committee" means a surrogate consent committee established under Section 597.042 . (4) "ICF-IID" has the meaning assigned by Section 531.002 . (5) "Interdisciplinary team" means those interdisciplinary teams defined in the Code of Federal Regulations for participation in the intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (6) "Major medical and dental treatment" means a medical, surgical, dental, or diagnostic procedure or intervention that: (A) has a significant recovery period; (B) presents a significant risk; (C) employs a general anesthetic; or (D) in the opinion of the primary physician, involves a significant invasion of bodily integrity that requires the extraction of bodily fluids or an incision or that produces substantial pain, discomfort, or debilitation. (7) "Psychoactive medication" means any medication prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of psychosis or other severe mental or emotional disorders and that is used to exercise an effect upon the central nervous system for the purposes of influencing and modifying behavior, cognition, or affective state. (8) "Surrogate decision-maker" means an individual authorized under Section 597.041 to consent on behalf of a client residing in an ICF-IID. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.002. RULES.

The executive commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.003. EXCEPTIONS.

(a) This chapter does not apply to decisions for the following: (1) experimental research; (2) abortion; (3) sterilization; (4) management of client funds; and (5) electroconvulsive treatment. (b) This chapter does not apply to campus-based facilities operated by the department. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999. SUBCHAPTER B. ASSESSMENT OF CLIENT'S CAPACITY; INCAPACITATED CLIENTS WITHOUT GUARDIANS

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.021. ICF-IID ASSESSMENT OF CLIENT'S CAPACITY TO CONSENT TO TREATMENT.

(a) The executive commissioner by rule shall require an ICF-IID certified in this state to assess the capacity of each adult client without a legal guardian to make treatment decisions when there is evidence to suggest the individual is not capable of making a decision covered under this chapter. (b) The rules must require the use of a uniform assessment process prescribed by department rule to determine a client's capacity to make treatment decisions. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999. SUBCHAPTER C. SURROGATE CONSENT FOR ICF-IID CLIENTS

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.041. SURROGATE DECISION-MAKERS.

(a) If the results of an assessment conducted in accordance with Section 597.021 indicate that an adult client who does not have a legal guardian or a client under 18 years of age who has no parent, legal guardian, or managing or possessory conservator lacks the capacity to make a major medical or dental treatment decision, an adult surrogate from the following list, in order of descending preference, who has decision-making capacity and who is willing to consent on behalf of the client may consent to major medical or dental treatment on behalf of the client: (1) an actively involved spouse; (2) an actively involved adult child who has the waiver and consent of all other actively involved adult children of the client to act as the sole decision-maker; (3) an actively involved parent or stepparent; (4) an actively involved adult sibling who has the waiver and consent of all other actively involved adult siblings of the client to act as the sole decision-maker; and (5) any other actively involved adult relative who has the waiver and consent of all other actively involved adult relatives of the client to act as the sole decision-maker. (b) Any person who consents on behalf of a client and who acts in good faith, reasonably, and without malice is not criminally or civilly liable for that action. (c) Consent given by the surrogate decision-maker is valid and competent to the same extent as if the client had the capacity to consent and had consented. (d) Any dispute as to the right of a party to act as a surrogate decision-maker may be resolved only by a court of record under Title 3, Estates Code. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.042. SURROGATE CONSENT COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED; DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT.

(a) For cases in which there is no guardian or surrogate decision-maker available, the department shall establish and maintain a list of individuals qualified to serve on a surrogate consent committee. (b) The department shall provide the staff and assistance necessary to perform the duties prescribed by this subchapter. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.043. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP.

(a) A surrogate consent committee considering an application for a treatment decision shall be composed of at least three but not more than five members, and consent on behalf of clients shall be based on consensus of the members. (b) A committee considering an application for a treatment decision must consist of individuals who: (1) are not employees of the facility; (2) do not provide contractual services to the facility; (3) do not manage or exercise supervisory control over: (A) the facility or the employees of the facility; or (B) any company, corporation, or other legal entity that manages or exercises control over the facility or the employees of the facility; (4) do not have a financial interest in the facility or in any company, corporation, or other legal entity that has a financial interest in the facility; and (5) are not related to the client. (c) The list of qualified individuals from which committee members are drawn shall include: (1) health care professionals licensed or registered in this state who have specialized training in medicine, psychopharmacology, nursing, or psychology; (2) persons with an intellectual disability or parents, siblings, spouses, or children of a person with an intellectual disability; (3) attorneys licensed in this state who have knowledge of legal issues of concern to persons with an intellectual disability or to the families of persons with an intellectual disability; (4) members of private organizations that advocate on behalf of persons with an intellectual disability; and (5) persons with demonstrated expertise or interest in the care and treatment of persons with an intellectual disability. (d) At least one member of the committee must be an individual listed in Subsection (c)(1) or (5). (e) A member of a committee shall participate in education and training as required by department rule. (f) The department shall designate a committee chair. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.044. APPLICATION FOR TREATMENT DECISION.

(a) If the results of the assessment conducted in accordance with Section 597.021 indicate that a client who does not have a legal guardian or surrogate decision-maker lacks the capacity to make a treatment decision about major medical or dental treatment, psychoactive medication, or a highly restrictive procedure, the ICF-IID must file an application for a treatment decision with the department. (b) An application must be in the form prescribed by the department, must be signed by the applicant, and must: (1) state that the applicant has reason to believe and does believe that the client has a need for major medical or dental treatment, psychoactive medication, or a highly restrictive procedure; (2) specify the condition proposed to be treated; (3) provide a description of the proposed treatment, including the risks and benefits to the client of the proposed treatment; (4) provide a description of generally accepted alternatives to the proposed treatment, including the risks and potential benefits to the client of the alternatives, and the reasons the alternatives were rejected; (5) state the applicant's opinion on whether the proposed treatment promotes the client's best interest and the grounds for the opinion; (6) state the client's opinion about the proposed treatment, if known; (7) provide any other information necessary to determine the client's best interest regarding the treatment; and (8) state that the client does not have a guardian of the person and does not have a parent, spouse, child, or other person with demonstrated interest in the care and welfare of the client who is able and willing to become the client's guardian or surrogate decision-maker. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted and amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.045. NOTICE OF REVIEW OF APPLICATION FOR TREATMENT DECISION.

(a) Following receipt of an application for a treatment decision that meets the requirements of Section 597.044 (b), the department shall appoint a surrogate consent committee. (b) The ICF-IID with assistance from the department shall schedule a review of the application. (c) The ICF-IID with assistance from the department shall send notice of the date, place, and time of the review to the surrogate consent committee, the client who is the subject of the application, the client's actively involved parent, spouse, adult child, or other person known to have a demonstrated interest in the care and welfare of the client, and any other person as prescribed by department rule. The ICF-IID shall include a copy of the application and a statement of the committee's procedure for consideration of the application, including the opportunity to be heard or to present evidence and to appeal. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Act 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.046. PREREVIEW OF APPLICATION.

(a) Before the date of the review of an application for a treatment decision the committee chair shall review the application to determine whether additional information may be necessary to assist the committee in determining the client's best interest under the circumstances. (b) A committee member may consult with a person who might assist in the determination of the best interest of the client or in learning the personal opinions, beliefs, and values of the client. (c) If a committee that does not include in its membership an individual listed in Section 597.043 (c)(1) is to review an application for a treatment decision about psychoactive medication, the department shall provide consultation with a health care professional licensed or registered in this state to assist the committee in the determination of the best interest of the client. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.047. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

Notwithstanding any other state law, a person licensed by this state to provide services related to health care or to the treatment or care of a person with an intellectual disability, a developmental disability, or a mental illness shall provide to the committee members any information the committee requests that is relevant to the client's need for a proposed treatment. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.048. REVIEW OF APPLICATION.

(a) The committee shall review the application at the time, place, and date provided in the notice under Section 597.045 . (b) A person notified under Section 597.045 is entitled to be present and to present evidence personally or through a representative. (c) The committee may take testimony or review evidence from any person who might assist the committee in determining a client's best interest. (d) Formal rules of evidence do not apply to committee proceedings. (e) If practicable, the committee shall interview and observe the client before making a determination of the client's best interest, and in those cases when a client is not interviewed, the reason must be documented in the committee's record. (f) At any time before the committee makes its determination of a client's best interest under Section 597.049 , the committee chair may suspend the review of the application for not more than five days if any person applies for appointment as the client's guardian of the person in accordance with the Estates Code. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.049. DETERMINATION OF BEST INTEREST.

(a) The committee shall make a determination, based on clear and convincing evidence, of whether the proposed treatment promotes the client's best interest and a determination that: (1) a person has not been appointed as the guardian of the client's person before the sixth day after proceedings are suspended under Section 597.048 (f); or (2) there is a medical necessity, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the determination about the proposed treatment occur before guardianship proceedings are completed. (b) In making its determination of the best interest of the client, the committee shall consider fully the preference of the client as articulated at any time. (c) According to its determination of the client's best interest, the committee shall consent or refuse the treatment on the client's behalf. (d) The committee shall determine a date on which the consent becomes effective and a date on which the consent expires. (e) A person serving on a committee who consents or refuses to consent on behalf of a client and who acts in good faith, reasonably, and without malice is not criminally or civilly liable for that action. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.050. NOTICE OF DETERMINATION.

(a) The committee shall issue a written opinion containing each of its determinations and a separate statement of the committee's findings of fact. (b) The ICF-IID shall send a copy of the committee's opinion to: (1) each person notified under Section 597.045 ; and (2) the department. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.051. EFFECT OF COMMITTEE'S DETERMINATION.

This chapter does not limit the availability of other lawful means of obtaining a client's consent for medical treatment. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.052. SCOPE OF CONSENT.

(a) The committee or the surrogate decision-maker may consent to the release of records related to the client's condition or treatment to facilitate treatment to which the committee or surrogate decision-maker has consented. (b) The interdisciplinary team may consent to psychoactive medication subsequent to the initial consent for administration of psychoactive medication made by a surrogate consent committee in accordance with rules of the department until the expiration date of the consent. (c) Unless another decision-making mechanism is provided for by law, a client, a client's authorized surrogate decision-maker if available, or the client's interdisciplinary team may consent to decisions which involve risk to client protection and rights not specifically reserved to surrogate decision-makers or surrogate consent committees. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.053. APPEALS.

(a) A person notified under Section 597.045 may appeal the committee's decision by filing a petition in the probate court or court having probate jurisdiction for the county in which the client resides or in Travis County. The person must file the appeal not later than the 15th day after the effective date of the committee's determination. (b) If the hearing is to be held in a probate court in which the judge is not a licensed attorney, the person filing the appeal may request that the proceeding be transferred to a court with a judge who is licensed to practice law in this state. The probate court judge shall transfer the case after receiving the request, and the receiving court shall hear the case as if it had been originally filed in that court. (c) A copy of the petition must be served on all parties of record in the proceedings before the committee. (d) After considering the nature of the condition of the client, the proposed treatment, and the need for timely medical attention, the court may issue a temporary restraining order to facilitate the appeal. If the order is granted, the court shall expedite the trial. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.

Tex. HEALTH & SAFETY Code § 597.054. PROCEDURES.

(a) Each ICF-IID shall develop procedures for the surrogate consent committees in accordance with the rules adopted under Section 597.002 . (b) A committee is not subject to Chapter 2001 , Government Code, Chapter 551 , Government Code, or Chapter 552 , Government Code. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 530, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(49), (82), (88), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Reenacted by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 538, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999.
Source: TX Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Fetched: 6/29/2026