The bill, H.B. No. 473, amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance the notice of rights for patients receiving mental health, chemical dependency, or rehabilitation services in certain facilities. It introduces a "patient's bill of rights" that must be adopted by the executive commissioner, which includes rights from various chapters of the law and additional provisions deemed necessary for patient protection. The bill specifies that facilities must provide written copies of this bill of rights to patients and their guardians, ensuring that the information is communicated in the patient's primary language and through appropriate means for those with impairments.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the oral and written communication of rights must occur on two separate days, with specific timelines depending on whether English is the patient's primary language. It also requires facilities to post the bill of rights prominently and to include contact information for filing complaints. The changes apply only to patients admitted or minors accepted for treatment after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, while those admitted before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 321.002, Health and Safety Code 576.009 (Health and Safety Code 576, Health and Safety Code 321)