Sec. 13.002.  ADMISSION OF OTHER PATIENTS.  (a)  The department may admit to any hospital under its supervision a patient who:
(1)  is eligible to receive patient services under a department program; and
(2)  will benefit from hospitalization.
(b)  Admission to a hospital as authorized under this section is subject to the availability of:
(1)  appropriate space after the needs of eligible tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disease patients have been met;  and
(2)  trained medical personnel for the necessary medical care and treatment.
(c)  The executive commissioner may adopt rules and the department may enter into contracts as necessary to implement this section.
(d)  This section does not require the executive commissioner or department to:
(1)  admit a patient to a particular hospital;
(2)  guarantee the availability of space at any hospital; or
(3)  provide treatment for a particular medical need at any hospital.
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. 3.0049, eff. April 2, 2015.