Bill > HB3318

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access individualized investigational treatments, which are unique medical interventions custom-designed for a specific patient based on their genetic profile. The bill defines key terms like "life-threatening illness" (a condition with high likelihood of death) and "severely debilitating illness" (a disease causing major irreversible harm), and outlines specific eligibility requirements for both patients and healthcare facilities. To access these treatments, patients must have considered all FDA-approved options, provide detailed written informed consent that includes potential risks and outcomes, and receive recommendation from a physician who has analyzed the patient's genomic information. The bill protects healthcare providers by preventing licensing boards from taking action against them for recommending such treatments and ensures that manufacturers are not obligated to provide these treatments. Additionally, the bill clarifies that health insurers are not required to cover these treatments, patients are responsible for associated costs, and neither the patient's heirs nor the state can be held liable for complications. Importantly, the bill prohibits state officials from blocking a patient's access to an individualized investigational treatment that complies with the established guidelines. The law is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3318