The bill, H.B. No. 1295, aims to enhance health literacy in Texas by mandating the statewide health coordinating council to develop a long-range health literacy plan. This plan will be updated every two years and will include an analysis of the economic impact of low health literacy on state health programs. The council is tasked with identifying risk factors contributing to low health literacy, examining methods for healthcare practitioners to improve patient understanding, and assessing the effectiveness of quality measures in state health programs. Additionally, the council will explore strategies for using plain language in patient instructions and evaluate how improved health literacy can enhance patient safety and outcomes.

Furthermore, the bill amends the state health plan to include the prevalence of low health literacy among healthcare consumers as a major statewide health concern. It proposes strategies for improving health literacy to achieve better patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in healthcare delivery. The bill also emphasizes the importance of incorporating information technology and collaboration with state-supported institutions of higher education in addressing health service gaps. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 104.002, Health and Safety Code 104.022 (Health and Safety Code 104)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 104.002, Health and Safety Code 104.022 (Health and Safety Code 104)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 104.002, Health and Safety Code 104.022 (Health and Safety Code 104)