Fade to Black: Texas's Do-Not-Resuscitate Law

The article examines Texas Senate Bill 11 (the Bill), which addresses the issue of "secret DNR orders" by codifying procedures for issuing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, particularly in in-hospital settings. While the Bill enhances patient autonomy by requiring transparency and limiting physicians' unilateral authority, it also raises ethical and practical challenges, such as balancing patient rights with physicians' professional judgment and addressing medical futility. The analysis highlights the Bill's strengths, including improved protections for disabled patients, but also identifies shortcomings, such as restrictive requirements that may burden physicians and delay care.