The bill, S.B. No. 669, amends the Health and Safety Code to enhance the requirements for itemized billing by health care providers. It redefines "health care provider" to include specific professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, while removing the exclusion of federally-qualified health centers. The bill establishes that health care providers may issue itemized bills electronically, through mail, or in person, and mandates that if a patient has not created a profile on the provider's patient portal, a hard copy of the bill must be mailed to them. Additionally, patients are entitled to request an itemized bill at any time after its initial issuance and can choose their preferred method of receipt.

The bill also stipulates that health care providers who were not previously subject to Chapter 185 will not need to comply with its requirements until January 1, 2026. Disciplinary actions for violations of this chapter will be enforced by the appropriate licensing authority as if the provider had violated applicable licensing laws. The amendments will apply only to itemized bills issued on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 185.001, Health and Safety Code 185.002, Health and Safety Code 185.003 (Health and Safety Code 185)