Definitions

Sec. 317.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Aftercare" means assistance provided by a designated caregiver to a person after that person's discharge from a hospital, as described by this chapter. The term includes assistance with tasks that are related to the person's condition at the time of that person's discharge from a hospital but does not include those tasks required to be performed by a licensed health care professional. (2) "Designated caregiver" means an individual designated by a patient, including a relative, partner, friend, or neighbor, who: (A) is at least 18 years of age; (B) has a significant relationship with the patient; and (C) will provide aftercare to the patient. (3) "Discharge" means a patient's release from a hospital following an inpatient admission. (4) "Hospital" means a general or special hospital licensed under Chapter 241 or exempt from licensure under Section 241.004(3). (5) "Patient" means a person that is receiving or has received health care services at a hospital. (6) "Surrogate decision-maker" has the meaning assigned by Section 313.002. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 163 (H.B. 2425), Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 2017.