(a) This section applies when an adult qualified patient has executed or issued a directive and is incompetent or otherwise mentally or physically incapable of communication.
(b) If the adult qualified patient has designated a person to make a treatment decision as authorized by § 166.032(c), the attending physician and the designated person may make a treatment decision in accordance with the declarant’s directions.

Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 166.038

  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(c) If the adult qualified patient has not designated a person to make a treatment decision, the attending physician shall comply with the directive unless the physician believes that the directive does not reflect the patient’s present desire.