Bill > HB4094

This bill clarifies regulations for freestanding emergency medical care facilities in Texas by defining key terms and establishing guidelines for fee collection and patient disclosure. The bill adds a definition of "patient" as an individual seeking or receiving emergency care and establishes the purpose of protecting patients by ensuring emergency care facilities meet required standards for stabilizing and transferring patients. It explicitly allows for the colococation of emergency and non-emergency healthcare services at the same facility, while ensuring that services outside of emergency care are governed by their respective regulations. The bill mandates that facilities must post notices informing patients about their status as a freestanding emergency medical care facility, potential out-of-network provider status, and possible separate physician billing. Importantly, the bill restricts facilities from charging facility fees for non-emergency healthcare services and requires detailed disclosure statements that outline potential facility fees, including median fees, fee ranges, and fees for different levels of care. These provisions aim to increase transparency and protect patients from unexpected medical charges. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.