reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.111. Legislative Findings

Sec. 773.111.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.  (a)  The legislature finds that death caused by injury is the leading cause of death for persons one through 44 years of age, and the third overall cause of death for all ages.  Effective emergency medical services response and resuscitation systems, medical care systems, and medical facilities reduce the occurrence of unnecessary mortality.
(b)  It is estimated that trauma costs more than $63 million a day nationally, which includes lost wages, medical expenses, and indirect costs.  Proportionately, this cost to Texas would be more than $4 million a day.  Many hospitals provide emergency medical care to patients who are unable to pay for catastrophic injuries directly or through an insurance or entitlement program.
(c)  In order to improve the health of the people of the state, it is necessary to improve the quality of emergency and medical care to the people of Texas who are victims of unintentional, life-threatening injuries by encouraging hospitals to provide trauma care and increasing the availability of emergency medical services.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.081 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.112. Rules

Sec. 773.112.  RULES.  (a)  The executive commissioner by rule shall adopt minimum standards and objectives to implement emergency medical services and trauma care systems.  The executive commissioner by rule shall provide for the designation of trauma facilities and for triage, transfer, and transportation policies.  The executive commissioner shall consider guidelines adopted by the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Emergency Physicians in adopting rules under this section.
(b)  The rules must provide specific requirements for the care of trauma patients, must ensure that the trauma care is fully coordinated with all hospitals and emergency medical services in the delivery area, and must reflect the geographic areas of the state, considering time and distance.
(c)  The rules must include:
(1)  prehospital care management guidelines for triage and transportation of trauma patients;
(2)  flow patterns of trauma patients and geographic boundaries regarding trauma patients;
(3)  assurances that trauma facilities will provide quality care to trauma patients referred to the facilities;
(4)  minimum requirements for resources and equipment needed by a trauma facility to treat trauma patients;
(5)  standards for the availability and qualifications of the health care personnel, including physicians and surgeons, treating trauma patients within a facility;
(6)  requirements for data collection, including trauma incidence reporting, system operation, and patient outcome;
(7)  requirements for periodic performance evaluation of the system and its components;  and
(8)  assurances that designated trauma facilities will not refuse to accept the transfer of a trauma patient from another facility solely because of the person's inability to pay for services or because of the person's age, sex, race, religion, or national origin.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 966 (S.B. 2133), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.082 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 623, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1553, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1554, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 961 (S.B. 1876), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 966 (S.B. 2133), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.113. Duties of Department

Sec. 773.113.  DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT.  (a)  The department shall:
(1)  develop and monitor a statewide emergency medical services and trauma care system;
(2)  designate trauma facilities;
(3)  develop and maintain a trauma reporting and analysis system to:
(A)  identify severely injured trauma patients at each health care facility in this state;
(B)  identify the total amount of uncompensated trauma care expenditures made each fiscal year by each health care facility in this state; and
(C)  monitor trauma patient care in each health care facility, including each designated trauma center, in emergency medical services and trauma care systems in this state; and
(4)  provide for coordination and cooperation between this state and any other state with which this state shares a standard metropolitan statistical area.
(b)  The department may grant an exception to a rule adopted under Section 773.112 if it finds that compliance with the rule would not be in the best interests of the persons served in the affected local emergency medical services and trauma care delivery area.
(c)  The department shall develop performance measures for regional advisory councils in trauma service areas to:
(1)  promote the provision of a minimum level of emergency medical services in a trauma service area in accordance with the rules adopted under Section 773.112;
(2)  promote the provision of quality care and service by the emergency medical services and trauma care system in accordance with the rules adopted under Section 773.112; and
(3)  maximize the accuracy of information provided by a regional advisory council to the department for increased council effectiveness.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.083 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1555, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1556, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.114. System Requirements

Sec. 773.114.  SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.  (a)  Each emergency medical services and trauma care system must have:
(1)  local or regional medical control for all field care and transportation, consistent with geographic and current communications capability;
(2)  triage, transport, and transfer protocols; and
(3)  one or more hospitals categorized according to trauma care capabilities using standards adopted by department rule.
(b)  This subchapter does not prohibit a health care facility from providing services that it is authorized to provide under a license issued to the facility by the department.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.084 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1557, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.1141. Information, Guidelines, and Protocols Related to Certain Patient Transfers and Related Services

Sec. 773.1141.  INFORMATION, GUIDELINES, AND PROTOCOLS RELATED TO CERTAIN PATIENT TRANSFERS AND RELATED SERVICES.  (a)  This section applies only to a trauma service area regional advisory council serving a geographic area that includes:
(1)  at least one county located on the international border of this state; and
(2) at least one county adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.
(b) For each trauma service area regional advisory council to which this section applies, the executive commissioner by rule shall:
(1) require the council to create an advisory committee composed of equally represented designated trauma hospital system members located within the geographic boundaries of the council or require the council to direct an existing advisory committee of the council established for a purpose similar to that described by this subsection to:
(A) develop guidelines for patient transfers; and
(B) periodically review patient transfers to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines;
(2) for the purpose of ensuring that patients located in the council's geographic boundaries receive health care at the health care facility closest to and most appropriate for the patients, require the council to develop regional protocols and processes to assist the council in managing the dispatch, triage, transport, and transfer of patients; and
(3) require each hospital and emergency medical services provider operating within the council's geographic boundaries to collect and report to the council data on patients transferred outside the council's geographic boundaries.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 882 (S.B. 1397), Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.115. Trauma Facilities

Sec. 773.115.  TRAUMA FACILITIES.  (a)  The department may designate trauma facilities that are a part of an emergency medical services and trauma care system.  A trauma facility shall be designated by the level of trauma care and services provided in accordance with the American College of Surgeons guidelines for level I and II trauma facilities and department rules for level III and IV trauma facilities.  In adopting rules under this section, the executive commissioner may consider trauma caseloads, geographic boundaries, or minimum population requirements, but the department may not deny designation solely on these criteria.  The executive commissioner may not set an arbitrary limit on the number of facilities designated as trauma facilities.
(b)  A health care facility may apply to the department for designation as a trauma facility, and the department shall grant the designation if the facility meets the requirements for designation prescribed by department rules.
(c)  A health care facility may not use the terms "trauma facility," "trauma hospital," "trauma center," or similar terminology in its signs or advertisements or in the printed materials and information it provides to the public unless the facility has been designated as a trauma facility under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.085 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 435, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 874, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1558, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.1151. Use of Telemedicine Medical Service by Certain Trauma Facilities

Sec. 773.1151.  USE OF TELEMEDICINE MEDICAL SERVICE BY CERTAIN TRAUMA FACILITIES.  (a)  In this section, "telemedicine medical service" has the meaning assigned by Section 111.001, Occupations Code.
(b)  A health care facility located in a county with a population of less than 30,000 may satisfy a Level IV trauma facility designation requirement relating to physicians through the use of telemedicine medical service in which an on-call physician who has special competence in the care of critically injured patients provides patient assessment, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment or transfers medical data to a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant located at the facility.
(c)  In establishing the requirements for designating a facility as a Level IV trauma facility, the executive commissioner may not adopt rules that:
(1)  require the physical presence or physical availability of a physician who has special competence in the care of critically injured patients; or
(2)  prohibit the use of telemedicine medical service that meets the requirements of Subsection (b).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 254 (H.B. 871), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.116. Fees

Sec. 773.116.  FEES.  (a)  The department shall charge a fee to a health care facility that applies for initial or continuing designation as a trauma facility.
(b)  The executive commissioner by rule shall set the amount of the fee schedule for initial or continuing designation as a trauma facility according to the number of beds in the health care facility.  The amount of the fee may not exceed:
(1)  $5,000 for a Level I or II facility;
(2)  $2,500 for a Level III facility; or
(3)  $1,000 for a Level IV facility.
(c)  Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(l).
(d)  To the extent feasible, the executive commissioner by rule shall set the fee in an amount necessary for the department to recover the cost directly related to designating trauma facilities under this subchapter.
(e)  This section does not restrict the authority of a health care facility to provide a service for which it has received a license under other state law.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.086 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.84(k), (l), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1559, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.117. Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Designation

Sec. 773.117.  DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION OF DESIGNATION.  (a)  The department may deny, suspend, or revoke a health care facility's designation as a trauma facility if the facility fails to comply with the rules adopted under this subchapter.
(b)  The denial, suspension, or revocation of a designation by the department and the appeal from that action are governed by the department's rules for a contested case hearing and by Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.087 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(49), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.119. Grant Program

Sec. 773.119.  GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall establish a program to award grants to initiate, expand, maintain, and improve emergency medical services and to support medical systems and facilities that provide trauma care.
(b)  The executive commissioner by rule shall establish eligibility criteria for awarding the grants.  The rules must require the department to consider:
(1)  the need of an area for the provision of emergency medical services or trauma care and the extent to which the grant would meet the identified need;
(2)  the availability of personnel and training programs;
(3)  the availability of other funding sources;
(4)  the assurance of providing quality services;
(5)  the use or acquisition of helicopters for emergency medical evacuation; and
(6)  the development or existence of an emergency medical services system.
(c)  The department may approve grants according to department rules.  A grant awarded under this section is governed by Chapter 783, Government Code, and by the rules adopted under that chapter.
(d)  The department may require a grantee to provide matching funds equal to not more than 75 percent of the amount of the grant.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.089 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1560, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.120. Acceptance of Gifts

Sec. 773.120.  ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS.  A trauma facility or an emergency medical services and trauma care system may accept gifts or other contributions for the purposes of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 14, Sec. 267, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Redesignated from Health & Safety Code Sec. 773.090 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 605, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.123. Control of Expenditures From Accounts

Sec. 773.123.  CONTROL OF EXPENDITURES FROM ACCOUNTS.  Money distributed from the accounts established under Sections 771.072(f) and 773.006 shall be used in accordance with Section 773.122 on the authorization of the executive committee of the trauma service area regional advisory council.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1157, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1045, Sec. 17, eff. June 18, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.08, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1213, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter E. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems › Section 773.124. Loss of Funding Eligibility

Sec. 773.124.  LOSS OF FUNDING ELIGIBILITY.  For a period of not less than one year or more than three years, as determined by the department, the department may not disburse money under Section 773.122 to a trauma service area regional advisory council, county, municipality, or local recipient that the department finds used money in violation of that section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1157, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.09, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.141. Definitions

Sec. 773.141.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Emergency call" means a telephone call or other similar communication from a member of the public, as part of a 9-1-1 system or otherwise, made to obtain emergency medical services.
(2)  "Emergency medical services call taker" means a person who, as a volunteer or employee of a public agency, as that term is defined by Section 771.001, receives emergency calls.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1563, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.142. Application of Subchapter

Sec. 773.142.  APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER.  This subchapter does not apply to a physician or other licensed person who may provide medical information under law.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.143. Provision of Medical Information

Sec. 773.143.  PROVISION OF MEDICAL INFORMATION.  An emergency medical services call taker may provide medical information to a member of the public during an emergency call if:
(1)  the call taker has successfully completed an emergency medical services call taker training program and holds a certificate issued under Section 773.144; and
(2)  the information provided substantially conforms to the protocol for delivery of the information adopted by the executive commissioner under Section 773.145.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1564, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.144. Training Programs

Sec. 773.144.  TRAINING PROGRAMS.  (a)  The department may offer emergency medical services call taker training programs and may approve training programs offered by other persons.  The executive commissioner by rule shall establish minimum standards for approval of training programs and certification and decertification of program instructors.
(b)  The provider of an emergency medical services call taker training program shall issue an emergency medical services call taker a certificate evidencing completion of the training program.  The executive commissioner by rule may require that, before issuance of the certificate, the call taker successfully complete an examination administered by the department, by the provider of the training program, or by another person.
(c)  The executive commissioner by rule may provide that a certificate issued under Subsection (b) expires at the end of a specified period not less than one year after the date on which the certificate is issued and may adopt requirements, including additional training or examination, for renewal of the certificate.
(d)  The executive commissioner by rule may adopt other requirements relating to emergency medical services call taker training programs.  The establishment of minimum standards under this section does not prohibit the entity that is employing or accepting the volunteer services of the emergency medical services call taker from imposing additional training standards or procedures.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1565, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.145. Medical Information

Sec. 773.145.  MEDICAL INFORMATION.  The executive commissioner by rule shall adopt a protocol that must be used to provide medical information under Section 773.143.  The protocol may include the use of a flash-card system or other similar system designed to make the information readily accessible to the emergency medical services call taker in an understandable form.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1566, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.146. Limitation on Civil Liability

Sec. 773.146.  LIMITATION ON CIVIL LIABILITY.  (a)  An emergency medical services call taker who holds a certificate under Section 773.144 is not liable for damages that arise from the provision of medical information according to the protocol adopted under Section 773.145 if the information is provided in good faith.  This subsection does not apply to an act or omission of the call taker that constitutes gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.  This subsection does not affect any liability imposed on a public agency for the conduct of the emergency medical services call taker under Section 101.062, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(b)  Section 101.062, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, governs the liability of a public agency the employees or volunteers of which provide medical information under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1567, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter F. Medical Information Provided by Certain Emergency Medical Services Call Takers › Section 773.147. Fees

Sec. 773.147.  FEES.  (a)  The executive commissioner by rule may adopt fees for:
(1)  training programs provided by the department under Section 773.144; and
(2)  the approval of program instructors and of training programs offered by other persons.
(b)  The fees adopted under this section may not exceed the amount necessary for the department to recover the cost of administering this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 19.10, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1568, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter G. Pediatric Emergency Medical Services › Section 773.171. Emergency Medical Services for Children Program

Sec. 773.171.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM.  (a)  The emergency medical services for children program is in the department.
(b)  The department shall provide coordination and support for a statewide pediatric emergency services system.
(c)  The department may solicit, receive, and spend funds it receives from the federal government and public or private sources to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 513, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1569, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter G. Pediatric Emergency Medical Services › Section 773.173. Rules

Sec. 773.173.  RULES.  (a)  On the recommendation of the advisory council, the executive commissioner shall adopt minimum standards and objectives to implement a pediatric emergency services system, including rules that:
(1)  provide guidelines for categorization of a facility's pediatric capability;
(2)  provide for triage, transfer, and transportation policies for pediatric care;
(3)  establish guidelines for:
(A)  prehospital care management for triage and transportation of a pediatric patient;
(B)  prehospital and hospital equipment that is necessary and appropriate for the care of a pediatric patient;
(C)  necessary pediatric emergency equipment and training in long-term care facilities; and
(D)  an interhospital transfer system for a critically ill or injured pediatric patient; and
(4)  provide for data collection and analysis.
(b)  The executive commissioner and the advisory council shall consider guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Surgeons in recommending and adopting rules under this section.
(c)  The department may grant an exception to a rule adopted under this section if it finds that compliance with the rule would not be in the best interests of persons served in the affected local pediatric emergency medical services system.
(d)  This subchapter does not prohibit a health care facility from providing services that it is authorized to provide under a license issued to the facility by the department.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 513, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1570, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1571, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter H. Emergency Stroke Services › Section 773.201. Legislative Intent

Sec. 773.201.  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.  The legislature finds that a strong system for stroke survival is needed in the state's communities in order to treat stroke victims in a timely manner and to improve the overall treatment of stroke victims.  Therefore, the legislature intends to construct an emergency treatment system in this state so that stroke victims may be quickly identified and transported to and treated in appropriate stroke treatment facilities.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 299 (S.B. 330), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter H. Emergency Stroke Services › Section 773.202. Definitions

Sec. 773.202.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Advisory council" means the advisory council established under Section 773.012.
(2)  "Stroke committee" means the committee appointed under Section 773.203.
(3)  "Stroke facility" means a health care facility that:
(A)  is capable of primary or comprehensive treatment of stroke victims;
(B)  is part of an emergency medical services and trauma care system as defined by Section 773.003;
(C)  has a health care professional available 24 hours a day, seven days a week who is knowledgeable about stroke care and capable of carrying out acute stroke therapy; and
(D)  records patient treatment and outcomes.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 299 (S.B. 330), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter H. Emergency Stroke Services › Section 773.203. Stroke Committee

Sec. 773.203.  STROKE COMMITTEE.  (a)  The advisory council shall appoint a stroke committee to assist the advisory council in the development of a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria.
(b)  The stroke committee must include the following members:
(1)  a licensed physician appointed from a list of physicians eligible for accreditation in vascular neurology from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, recommended by a statewide organization of neurologists;
(2)  a licensed interventional neuroradiologist appointed from a list of neuroradiologists recommended by a statewide organization of radiologists;
(3)  a neurosurgeon with stroke expertise;
(4)  a member of the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke who has expertise in stroke care;
(5)  a licensed physician appointed from a list of physicians recommended by a statewide organization of emergency physicians;
(6)  a neuroscience registered nurse with stroke expertise; and
(7)  a volunteer member of a nonprofit organization specializing in stroke treatment, prevention, and education.
(c)  Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the stroke committee.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 299 (S.B. 330), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter H. Emergency Stroke Services › Section 773.204. Duties of Stroke Committee; Development of Stroke Emergency Transport Plan and Stroke Facility Criteria

Sec. 773.204.  DUTIES OF STROKE COMMITTEE; DEVELOPMENT OF STROKE EMERGENCY TRANSPORT PLAN AND STROKE FACILITY CRITERIA.  (a)  The advisory council, with the assistance of the stroke committee and in collaboration with the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, shall develop a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria.
(b)  The stroke emergency transport plan must include:
(1)  training requirements on stroke recognition and treatment, including emergency screening procedures;
(2)  a list of appropriate early treatments to stabilize patients;
(3)  protocols for rapid transport to a stroke facility when rapid transport is appropriate and it is safe to bypass another health care facility; and
(4)  plans for coordination with statewide agencies or committees on programs for stroke prevention and community education regarding stroke and stroke emergency transport.
(c)  In developing the stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria, the stroke committee shall consult the criteria for stroke facilities established by national medical organizations such as The Joint Commission.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 299 (S.B. 330), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1572, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter H. Emergency Stroke Services › Section 773.205. Rules

Sec. 773.205.  RULES.  The executive commissioner may adopt rules regarding a statewide stroke emergency transport plan and stroke facility criteria based on recommendations from the advisory council.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 299 (S.B. 330), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.251. Definitions

Sec. 773.251.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Educational curriculum" means a distance-learning emergency medical services curriculum that provides remote courses of instruction and training to emergency medical services personnel who serve a rural area.
(2)  "General academic teaching institution," "medical and dental unit," "other agency of higher education," and "public technical institute" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(3)  "Program" means the emergency medical services assistance program established under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.252. Establishment of Program

Sec. 773.252.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall establish the emergency medical services assistance program to provide financial and educational assistance to eligible emergency medical services providers.
(b)  The program includes grants to eligible emergency medical services providers and an educational curriculum to provide training to rural emergency medical services personnel.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.253. Rules

Sec. 773.253.  RULES.  (a)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this subchapter, including rules for:
(1)  determining eligibility under the program;
(2)  establishing requirements for the educational curriculum; and
(3)  establishing requirements for a general academic teaching institution, medical and dental unit, other agency of higher education, or public technical institute that develops and offers the educational curriculum.
(b)  The rules must require that:
(1)  an emergency medical services provider demonstrate financial need to be eligible for assistance under the program;
(2)  a general academic teaching institution, medical and dental unit, other agency of higher education, or public technical institute applying to offer the educational curriculum demonstrate the qualifications necessary to develop and offer the educational curriculum; and
(3)  the educational curriculum provide to rural emergency medical services personnel the remote instructional courses and training necessary for the personnel to achieve department certification under Subchapter C.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.254. Application by Emergency Medical Services Provider

Sec. 773.254.  APPLICATION BY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDER.  (a)  An emergency medical services provider may apply to the department in the form and manner provided by department rule to receive assistance under the program.
(b)  If the department determines an applicant is eligible for assistance under the program, the department may provide a grant under Section 773.257 to the applicant.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.255. Educational Curriculum

Sec. 773.255.  EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM.  (a)  A general academic teaching institution, medical and dental unit, other agency of higher education, or public technical institute may apply to the department in the form and manner provided by department rule to develop and offer the educational curriculum under this subchapter.
(b)  The department may contract with not more than three qualified general academic teaching institutions, medical and dental units, other agencies of higher education, or public technical institutes to develop and offer the educational curriculum under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.256. Administrative Support

Sec. 773.256.  ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.  The department may provide administrative support to the program.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 773 - Emergency Medical Services › Subchapter I. Emergency Medical Services Assistance Program › Section 773.257. Grants

Sec. 773.257.  GRANTS.  (a)  The commissioner may use money from the permanent fund for emergency medical services and trauma care established under Section 403.106, Government Code, to provide grants, in addition to funding available from other sources, to emergency medical services providers applying for assistance under the program or to provide funding to a general academic teaching institution, medical and dental unit, other agency of higher education, or public technical institute offering the educational curriculum under this subchapter.
(b)  The commissioner shall ensure that at least 60 percent of the grants provided under this section are provided to emergency medical services providers that serve a rural area.
(c)  The executive commissioner by rule shall establish a procedure for the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council to establish priorities for issuance of grants under this section.
(d)  The department shall distribute grants under this section in accordance with the requirements of Subsection (b) and the grant priorities established under Subsection (c).
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1009 (H.B. 1407), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 774 - Local Provision of Emergency Medical Services › Section 774.001. Mutual Assistance Among Municipalities and Counties in Providing Emergency Medical Services

Sec. 774.001.  MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AMONG MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES IN PROVIDING EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.  (a)  On request, a county shall provide emergency medical services for a municipality within that county or for a county bordering that county if:
(1)  an agreement has been executed between the county and the requesting municipality or county;
(2)  an emergency exists in the requesting municipality or county;
(3)  the requesting municipality or county is temporarily unable to provide its own emergency medical services;
(4)  the request is for services that the county receiving the request provides or contracts to provide for persons within its jurisdiction;  and
(5)  the county providing the services will be able to provide reasonable protection to persons within its jurisdiction while providing services for the requesting municipality or county.
(b)  On request, a municipality shall provide emergency medical services for the county in which that municipality is located or for a municipality located within 30 miles of that municipality if:
(1)  an agreement has been executed between the municipality and the requesting municipality or county;
(2)  an emergency exists in the requesting municipality or county;
(3)  the requesting municipality or county is temporarily unable to provide its own emergency medical services;
(4)  the request is for services that the municipality receiving the request provides or contracts to provide for persons within its jurisdiction;  and
(5)  the municipality providing the services will be able to provide reasonable protection to persons within its jurisdiction while providing services for the requesting municipality or county.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 774 - Local Provision of Emergency Medical Services › Section 774.002. Educational Incentive Pay for Emergency Medical Technicians

Sec. 774.002.  EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS.  (a)  A municipality or other political subdivision that employs emergency medical technicians may pay educational incentive pay to employees holding certificates from the Department of State Health Services as emergency medical technicians.
(b)  The educational incentive pay is in addition to any other form of compensation provided by law for emergency medical technicians.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1573, eff. April 2, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 774 - Local Provision of Emergency Medical Services › Section 774.003. Emergency Ambulance Service Provided by Counties

Sec. 774.003.  EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE PROVIDED BY COUNTIES.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county may provide for emergency ambulance service in the county, including the provision of necessary equipment, personnel, and maintenance for the service.
(b)  In providing for the services authorized by Subsection (a), a commissioners court may enter into exclusive agreements with any municipality, hospital district, sheriff's office, fire department, private ambulance service, or other agency or entity that the commissioners court finds to be suitably organized to provide efficient emergency ambulance service in the county.  The governing body of a municipality or hospital district in which emergency ambulance service is to be rendered must approve an agreement made with the commissioners court to provide that service in the municipality or hospital district.
(c)  A commissioners court operating under this section may expend county funds to defray the expense of establishing, operating, and maintaining the emergency ambulance service in the county.  The funds may be expended whether the service is provided directly by the county or by agreement with some other governmental agency or private entity.
(d)  A commissioners court providing emergency ambulance service under this section shall establish reasonable fees for the service.  The commissioners court or any other agency or entity performing the service may charge and collect the fees.
(e)  A commissioners court may make special provisions for rendering emergency ambulance service to indigent persons.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 915, Sec. 20, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 774 - Local Provision of Emergency Medical Services › Section 774.004. Municipal Police Officer Response Accompanying Municipal Ambulance Response Outside Municipality

Sec. 774.004.  MUNICIPAL POLICE OFFICER RESPONSE ACCOMPANYING MUNICIPAL AMBULANCE RESPONSE OUTSIDE MUNICIPALITY.  (a)  This section applies to an agreement between two municipalities under Section 774.001(b) or between a county and a municipality under Section 774.001(b) or 774.003.
(b)  The agreement may authorize police officers employed by the responding municipality to secure the scene of an emergency, accident, fire, or disaster to which the municipality's emergency ambulance service responds under the agreement.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 479 (H.B. 233), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 775 - Emergency Services Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 775.001. Definitions

Sec. 775.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the board of emergency services commissioners.
(2)  "District" means an emergency services district created under this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 775 - Emergency Services Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 775.002. Liberal Construction

Sec. 775.002.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION.  This chapter and a proceeding under this chapter shall be liberally construed to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Health and Safety Code › Title 9 - Safety › Subtitle B - Emergencies › Chapter 775 - Emergency Services Districts › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 775.003. Authorization

Sec. 775.003.  AUTHORIZATION.  An emergency services district may be organized as provided by Article III, Section 48-e, of the Texas Constitution, as proposed by S.J.R. No. 27, Acts of the 70th Legislature, Regular Session, 1987, and adopted by the voters at an election held November 3, 1987, and by this chapter to protect life and health.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.