Sec. 81.095. TESTING FOR ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE  


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  • (a) In a case of accidental exposure of a health care worker to blood or other body fluids of a patient in a licensed hospital, the hospital, following a report of the exposure incident, shall take reasonable steps to test the patient for hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

    (b) This subsection applies only in a case of accidental exposure of certified emergency medical services personnel, a firefighter, a peace officer, or a first responder who renders assistance at the scene of an emergency or during transport to the hospital to blood or other body fluids of a patient who is transported to a licensed hospital. The hospital receiving the patient, following a report of the exposure incident, shall take reasonable steps to test the patient for hepatitis B or hepatitis C if the report shows there is significant risk to the person exposed. The organization that employs the person or for which the person works as a volunteer in connection with rendering the assistance is responsible for paying the costs of the test. The hospital shall provide the test results to the department or to the local health authority, which are responsible for following the procedures prescribed by Section 81.050(h) to inform the person exposed and, if applicable, the patient regarding the test results. The hospital shall follow applicable reporting requirements prescribed by Subchapter C. This subsection does not impose a duty on a hospital to provide any further testing, treatment, or services or to perform further procedures.

    (c) A test conducted under this section may be performed without the patient's specific consent.

    (d) The facility shall have a policy concerning the disclosure of the result of the testing as authorized or required by law.

    (e) The facility shall abide by all patient confidentiality standards as set out in Section 81.046.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1169, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 610, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 835, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.