Section 193.18 - Pronouncement of Death(a) Purpose. These rules are promulgated under the authority of the Medical Practice Act, § 157.001, to allow physicians to receive information from Texas licensed vocational nurses through electronic communication for the purpose of making a pronouncement of death. Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.(b) Do not resuscitate order. A do not resuscitate (DNR) order must be kept in the patient's file.(c) Required information. In order to make a pronouncement of death through electronic communication, a physician must receive, at a minimum, the following information regarding the condition of the patient:(1) absence of palpable pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds;(2) absence of discernible blood pressure for a minimum of 60 seconds;(3) absence of evidence of respiration for a minimum of 60 seconds;(4) absence of evidence of heartbeat for a minimum of 60 seconds; and(5) other information as the physician may require.(d) Follow-up by physician. If a physician makes a pronouncement of death based on information received pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the physician retains responsibility for all acts related to this pronouncement.22 Tex. Admin. Code § 193.18
The provisions of this §193.18 adopted to be effective November 7, 2013, 38 TexReg 7711