S.B. No. 984 establishes a new chapter in the Texas Health and Safety Code, specifically Chapter 491, which focuses on providing access to individualized investigational treatments for patients suffering from life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses. The bill defines key terms such as "individualized investigational treatment," "life-threatening illness," and "severely debilitating illness," and outlines eligibility criteria for both patients and healthcare facilities. Patients must have a qualifying illness, have considered all other FDA-approved treatment options, and provide written informed consent, while healthcare facilities must operate under federal protections for human subjects.

The bill also addresses the responsibilities of manufacturers and healthcare providers regarding the provision of these treatments. It clarifies that manufacturers are not obligated to provide treatments, and if a patient dies while receiving treatment, their heirs are not liable for any related debts. Additionally, the legislation prohibits state interference in a patient's access to these treatments and protects healthcare providers from punitive actions based solely on their recommendations for such treatments. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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