S.B. No. 619, titled the Texas Health Care Conscience Protection Act, aims to protect health care providers from being compelled to participate in health care services that conflict with their personal beliefs. The bill establishes that health care providers have the right to decline participation in such services for reasons of conscience, with specific exceptions for emergency care and life-sustaining treatment. It also outlines definitions related to conscience, health care services, and the roles of health care providers and facilities. The bill mandates that health care facilities develop written protocols to ensure patient access to services when a provider declines participation.

Additionally, the bill provides civil remedies for individuals harmed by violations of these protections, allowing them to seek injunctive relief and damages, including emotional and physical injuries. It prohibits adverse actions against health care providers who exercise their right to decline participation based on conscience, and it subjects violators to disciplinary action by licensing agencies. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and requires health care facilities to have their protocols in place by December 1, 2025.

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