S.B. No. 1232 introduces new regulations regarding facility fees charged by health care providers in Texas. The bill establishes Chapter 328 in the Health and Safety Code, which defines key terms such as "facility fee," "health care provider," and "telehealth service." It prohibits health care providers from charging facility fees for telehealth services and mandates that providers include a valid place of service code on claims for reimbursement. Additionally, the bill requires health care providers to give written notice to patients about any facility fees charged for services provided at certain facilities, ensuring transparency regarding costs.

The legislation also outlines enforcement measures, allowing the Health and Human Services Commission to impose administrative penalties of up to $1,000 for violations of the new regulations. Furthermore, it mandates a study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to analyze health care facility fees and their impact on patient costs, with a report due by December 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific provisions regarding notice of facility fees taking effect on January 1, 2026.

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