The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to update the structure and responsibilities of the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel. Key changes include the administrative attachment of the panel to the Health and Human Services Commission instead of the Texas Department of Health, and an increase in the panel's membership from nine to thirteen members. The new composition requires three public representatives, including one with a background in health literacy, and specifies that members licensed to practice law must have experience representing both patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is given the authority to appoint members and fill vacancies, while ensuring that a majority of medical members must be present for any votes.

Further amendments clarify the panel's limitations, stating that it cannot take actions that alter the scope of practice for physicians or healthcare providers. The bill also establishes that public representatives cannot be registered lobbyists or individuals working in healthcare-related fields, emphasizing the preference for those with experience advocating for public interests. The executive commissioner is required to appoint new members by January 1, 2026, and the act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74.102, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74.103 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74)
House Committee Report: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74.102, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74.103 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 74)