Urgent: Texas Public Hospitals Required To Inquire About Patients' Legal Immigration Status
Essential Information For Nurses
As of September 1, 2023, all public hospitals in Texas are required to inquire about the legal immigration status of their patients. This new law, SB 4, was passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
The law requires hospitals to ask all patients over the age of 18 for their citizenship or immigration status. Patients who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be asked to provide proof of their legal status, such as a passport, visa, or green card.
Hospitals are required to report the immigration status of all patients who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). DSHS will then share this information with the federal government.
The new law has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it will discourage undocumented immigrants from seeking medical care. However, supporters of the law say it is necessary to enforce immigration laws and reduce the burden of providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants.
Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare delivery, and they will play a key role in implementing the new law. Nurses must be aware of the new law and its requirements. They must also be prepared to answer patients' questions about the law and to provide resources to patients who need help.
Here are some resources that nurses can use to learn more about the new law and its implications:
Nurses can also contact their local hospital administration for more information about the new law and its implementation.