House Bill No. 3318 aims to enhance access to individualized investigational treatments for patients suffering from life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses in Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 491 to the Health and Safety Code, which defines key terms such as "individualized investigational treatment," "life-threatening illness," and "severely debilitating illness." It establishes eligibility criteria for both healthcare facilities and patients seeking access to these treatments, emphasizing the need for informed consent and the role of the patient's physician in recommending such treatments based on genomic analysis.

The bill also outlines provisions regarding the costs associated with these treatments, stating that manufacturers are not obligated to provide them but may do so voluntarily. It protects patients' heirs from liability for debts incurred due to treatment and prohibits state interference in patients' access to investigational treatments. Additionally, it clarifies that the legislation does not impose new requirements on health coverage or hospital services, nor does it hold governmental agencies responsible for treatment costs. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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