If a child in DFPS conservatorship has been diagnosed with an "irreversible condition" or a "terminal condition" and medical professionals suggest withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, the regular process for medical consent does not apply.

Withholding life-sustaining treatment means to refrain from administering or applying life support such as CPR, ventilators, defibrillation, and other related treatments.

Withdrawing life-sustaining treatment means to discontinue life support previously administered or applied.

In some cases, decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment may be done in advance of the need, such as with an Advance Directive or Do Not Resuscitate Order. This policy applies to advance directives and orders as well as other end-of-life medical care decisions.

See Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 166External Link for Texas law regarding advance medical directives for more information.

The caseworker and supervisor must follow the procedures outlined below. However, any party may seek court intervention at any time if all parties do not agree on a course of action or if any party is concerned about the child's rights.