H.B. No. 1984, also known as Alyssa's Law, introduces a new criminal offense in Texas related to the misrepresentation of medical history to obtain unnecessary medical treatment for vulnerable individuals, specifically children, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals. The bill adds Section 22.042 to Chapter 22 of the Penal Code, defining key terms such as "child," "disabled individual," "elderly individual," "health care institution or provider," and "medical history." Under this new section, a person commits an offense if they knowingly misrepresent the medical history of a vulnerable individual to a health care provider with the intent to obtain unnecessary medical treatment, which subsequently causes bodily injury or mental impairment to the individual.

The bill classifies this offense as a felony of the third degree and stipulates that it applies only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the law, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law in effect at that time. This legislative measure aims to protect vulnerable populations from potential harm caused by unnecessary medical treatments resulting from deceitful practices.

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