The bill, H.B. No. 473, aims to enhance the notice of rights for patients receiving mental health, chemical dependency, or rehabilitation services in certain facilities. It amends Section 321.002 of the Health and Safety Code by specifying that the "patient's bill of rights" must be adopted by the executive commissioner and include rights from various relevant chapters. New provisions require that facilities provide written copies of the bill of rights in the patient's primary language and ensure that these rights are explained orally within specified timeframes. Additionally, the bill mandates that the rights be communicated on two separate days, depending on whether English is the patient's primary language.

The bill also includes provisions for the display of the bill of rights in public areas of facilities and requires that it be available in a second language appropriate to the community's demographic. Furthermore, it amends Section 576.009 to ensure that patients receiving involuntary inpatient mental health services are informed of their rights through both written and oral communication. The changes will 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 321, Health and Safety Code 576)