(a) Purpose. These rules are promulgated under the
authority of the Medical Practice Act, §157.001, to allow physicians
to receive information from Texas licensed vocational nurses through
electronic communication for the purpose of making a pronouncement
of death. Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to
telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.
(b) Do not resuscitate order. A do not resuscitate
(DNR) order must be kept in the patient's file.
(c) Required information. In order to make a pronouncement
of death through electronic communication, a physician must receive,
at a minimum, the following information regarding the condition of
the patient:
(1) absence of palpable pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds;
(2) absence of discernible blood pressure for a minimum
of 60 seconds;
(3) absence of evidence of respiration for a minimum
of 60 seconds;
(4) absence of evidence of heartbeat for a minimum
of 60 seconds; and
(5) other information as the physician may require.
(d) Follow-up by physician. If a physician makes a
pronouncement of death based on information received pursuant to subsection
(c) of this section, the physician retains responsibility for all
acts related to this pronouncement.
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