The proposed bill, H.B. No. 3472, aims to establish informed consent requirements for health care services in Texas. It emphasizes the right of individuals lawfully residing in the state to provide or withhold consent for health care services, including vaccinations. The bill introduces Chapter 174 to the Health and Safety Code, which outlines definitions related to health care facilities, practitioners, and services. It prohibits coercion or compulsion in obtaining health care services and mandates that informed consent must be obtained from the individual or an authorized representative before any health care service is provided.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect individuals from adverse actions for refusing health care services and allows for exemptions based on sincerely held religious beliefs or recognized medical conditions. It grants the attorney general the authority to seek injunctive relief against violations of this chapter and establishes civil liability for health care practitioners who fail to comply, with a minimum damage amount of $5,000. The bill is designed to reinforce the principles of informed consent and ensure that individuals have the autonomy to make decisions regarding their health care.

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