Re: House Bill 3423

[Guest guest]

While I can't be considered an authority on the subject, I would like to give

my understanding of the background of this bill. My understanding is that it

specifically applies to abandonment of an infant. In the Houston area (and

I'm sure other places as well) there have been a number of instances of

infants being abandoned in places like dumpsters, in alleys, etc., and left

to die. I also understand that there have been some recent changes in the

law that reduce the charges that can be filed against the person who abandons

an infant if the infant is left at a safe place, like a hospital, instead of

being left somewhere to die. I have been told that an EMS provider is

considered to be one of those safe places, and that this specifically relates

to abandoned infants. I have also been told that the EMS provider, not law

enforcement, is responsible for notifying the appropriate protective or

regulatory agency (CPS), and would retain possession until that agency took

possession.

As I said before, I don't claim to be an authority and definitely don't have

all of the answers. However, part of my information did come directly from

personnel within TDH. If my understanding of this subject is correct, then

the powers that be really slipped one by most of us in passing this bill.

We all really do need to make sure we understand what is expected of us/our

departments, and make sure that policies are in place dealing with this

subject.

Maxine

In a message dated 01/22/00 6:14:42 PM Central Standard Time, malouf@...

writes:

<< IT SEEMS AFTER REVIEWING THE ORIGINAL POST, THAT THE

LEGISLATIVE INTENT WAS TO GIVE THE EMS SERVICE AUTHORITY TO

TREAT THE CHILD IF NECESSARY. NOTHING ELSE SEEMS OUT OF THE

ORDINARY IN DEALING WITH AN ABANDONED CHILD. >>