Bill > HB473

This bill modifies the requirements for providing patient rights information in mental health, chemical dependency, and rehabilitation facilities in Texas. The bill expands the scope of facilities covered, including inpatient facilities and child-care facilities that provide treatment for mental health or chemical dependency. It mandates that facilities must provide a "patient's bill of rights" both in writing and orally, with specific language access requirements. The bill introduces new provisions for communicating rights, including requiring information to be provided on two separate days with different timelines depending on the patient's primary language. For English-speaking patients, rights must be communicated at admission and within three days, while for non-English speaking patients, the first communication must occur within 24 hours of admission and the second within three days. Facilities must also ensure patients (or their guardians) sign documents acknowledging they understand their rights, and the signed documents must be included in the patient's clinical record. Additionally, the bill requires facilities to post the bill of rights prominently, including contact information for filing complaints, and to display the information in English and a second language appropriate to the community's demographic composition. The changes will apply to patients admitted on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB473