Seton sticking to DWI blood test policy

BURNET, Texas (KXAN) - State law may have to change before Seton Highland Lakes Medical Center in Burnet draws blood under a 'driving while intoxicated' search warrant. Hospital officials have met with Burnet County officials throughout October and tried to see eye-to-eye. Shortly after Burnet County launched their new DWI blood warrant program, Seton sent a letter stating they would no longer draw blood under a search warrant. The only case in which Seton will draw blood is if the suspect consents, or causes injury or death.
 
"Every citizen in the state of Texas is required by law to obey the orders of a peace officer who is executing a lawful search warrant," said Assistant County Attorney Bill Richardson. Richardson does not believe Seton understands how serious their actions have been. The county could arrest hospital staff who disregard a search warrant.  "That is not something we are willing to do," said Richardson. "Not even as a last resort with respect to nurses and doctors."
 
Seton Family of Hospital's Senior Vice-President Gerald Hill emailed a statement Friday that said, "expanding the conditions under which a private hospital can take a blood sample from a DWI suspect is a very complex issue involving local, state and federal law, hospital accreditation, clinical licensure and medical ethics."
 
Hill also stated Seton does want to help in the effort to get drunk drivers off Texas roads and waterways. Burnet County is currently taking all DWI blood warrant suspects to the hospitals in Llano and Lampasas.