Bill > SB124

This bill establishes comprehensive patient rights for hospitals in Texas, creating a new subchapter in the state's Health and Safety Code that mandates hospitals adopt and implement a written policy ensuring patients' fundamental rights. The policy requires hospitals to provide patients with responsive and respectful care, allow unrestricted visitation, permit patient choice in treatment and physicians, protect patient privacy and confidentiality, and enable patients or their designated decision-makers to make informed healthcare choices. The bill specifically addresses special considerations for hospitals providing comprehensive medical rehabilitation, chemical dependency, and mental health services, requiring them to provide additional protections for patients, particularly minors. Hospitals must prominently display their patients' rights policy, provide written and oral explanations of these rights to patients (preferably in their primary language), and establish procedures for addressing ethical issues and informed treatment decisions. The legislation imposes an administrative penalty of $1,000 for each violation, with each continuing day potentially considered a separate violation. Importantly, hospitals are not required to fully implement these new requirements until January 1, 2026, giving them time to develop and adapt their policies. The bill aims to enhance patient autonomy, dignity, and involvement in their own healthcare by establishing clear, comprehensive rights across different types of hospital settings.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB124