H.B. No. 1700 amends the Occupations Code by adding new subsections that require regulatory agencies overseeing health professionals who provide telemedicine, teledentistry, or telehealth services to establish standardized rules for the documentation and retention of patient consent records. Specifically, the bill mandates that these rules address consent for treatment, data collection, and data sharing, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific services being provided. Additionally, the rules must include provisions for consent documentation in an audio-only format, reflecting the evolving nature of telehealth services.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following its passage in both the House and Senate with overwhelming support. This legislative change aims to enhance the consistency and reliability of consent documentation in telehealth practices, ultimately improving patient care and compliance with legal standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 111.004 (Occupations Code 111)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 111.004 (Occupations Code 111)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 111.004 (Occupations Code 111)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 111.004 (Occupations Code 111)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 111.004 (Occupations Code 111)