The bill, 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. Specifically, it allows providers to issue itemized bills electronically through patient portals but mandates that they first verify whether the patient has created a profile on the portal. If the patient has not created a profile, the provider is required to mail a copy of the itemized bill to the patient. This change aims to enhance communication and transparency between health care providers and patients.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that disciplinary actions will be taken against health care providers who violate these billing regulations, treating such violations as if they were breaches of applicable licensing laws. The amendments will apply only to itemized bills issued on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025, while bills issued prior will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003 (Health and Safety Code 185)