H.B. No. 216 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish new requirements for health care providers regarding itemized billing for services and supplies. The bill mandates that providers submit a written, itemized bill detailing the amount due for each service and supply within 30 days after receiving final payment from a third party. It allows for the itemized bill to be issued electronically, through mail, or in person, and introduces a new requirement for providers to verify if a patient has an active profile on their patient portal before issuing the bill electronically. If the patient does not have an active profile or if the provider cannot determine the status, they must provide a physical copy of the bill according to the patient's preferred method.

Additionally, the bill outlines the rights of patients to request an itemized bill after it has been issued, specifying that they can obtain it through their chosen method of issuance. It also includes provisions for disciplinary action against providers who violate these billing requirements, while offering protections for those who make a good faith effort to mail bills that are returned as undeliverable. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to itemized bills issued after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003 (Health and Safety Code 185)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003, Health and Safety Code 311.002 (Health and Safety Code 311, Health and Safety Code 185)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003, Health and Safety Code 311.002 (Health and Safety Code 311, Health and Safety Code 185)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003, Health and Safety Code 311.002 (Health and Safety Code 311, Health and Safety Code 185)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003, Health and Safety Code 311.002 (Health and Safety Code 311, Health and Safety Code 185)