S.B. No. 883, known as the Right to Treat Act, aims to enhance patient access to prescription drugs for off-label use in the treatment of COVID-19. The bill establishes Chapter 491 in the Health and Safety Code, which defines key terms such as "COVID-19," "off-label use," and "physician." It prohibits state officials from restricting physicians' ability to prescribe off-label drugs for patients diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not create any legal cause of action against drug manufacturers or healthcare providers for harm resulting from off-label drug use in this context.

Furthermore, the legislation protects physicians from adverse actions regarding their medical licenses solely based on their off-label prescribing practices for COVID-19, as long as they adhere to the medical standard of care. This provision aims to alleviate concerns among healthcare providers about potential repercussions for prescribing off-label treatments during the pandemic. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()