Bill > SB392

This bill adds a new chapter to the Texas Health and Safety Code that prohibits health care providers from charging facility fees for telehealth and telemedicine services. A facility fee is defined as a charge separate from professional medical service fees that is intended to cover operational expenses. The bill broadly defines health care providers to include hospitals, hospital systems, freestanding emergency medical care facilities, and urgent care clinics. Under the new law, these providers cannot charge any additional facility fees when delivering medical services remotely through telehealth or telemedicine platforms. If a health care provider violates this prohibition, the Health and Human Services Commission can assess an administrative penalty of up to $1,000. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that this provision does not create a private right for patients to sue providers. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, otherwise it will become law on September 1, 2025. The goal of this legislation appears to be reducing healthcare costs for patients by eliminating extra charges for virtual medical consultations and services.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB392