Texas law lets people donate their own blood for surgery

Texas is passing a new law to help people donate their own blood before surgery. Senate Bill 56 makes sure that blood banks and hospitals let patients give autologous or direct blood donations when a doctor orders them. Autologous blood donation means a person gives blood to themselves before an operation. Direct blood donation means a person gives blood directly to a family member or friend who needs it. The law applies to all Texas hospitals that handle blood donations. When a doctor prescribes this type of donation for a patient, the hospital must allow it to happen. Blood banks are also required to follow a doctor's order for autologous or direct blood donations. Blood banks can charge patients a reasonable fee to cover the costs of helping with these donations. The fee must only cover what it actually costs the blood bank to set up and manage the process. This makes sure fees are fair and not too high. This new law gives Texans more choices about their medical care. People can feel safer knowing their own blood will be used in their surgery. The law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends, giving hospitals and blood banks time to prepare.