House Bill No. 4147 aims to enhance informed consent protocols for screening tests related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Texas. The bill introduces a new definition of "screening test" in the Health and Safety Code, specifying it as a rapid analytical procedure to determine the need for further diagnostic evaluation concerning certain infections. Additionally, it mandates that health care providers must obtain consent from individuals before collecting blood samples for STD screenings and inform them that the screening will proceed unless they opt out. If a positive result is obtained, the provider is required to offer information on available health care and support services.

The bill also outlines that the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission must adopt rules to implement these provisions by January 1, 2026, although compliance is not required until that date. Furthermore, it includes a provision that allows the commission to delay implementation of mandatory actions unless specific funding is appropriated for that purpose, with a requirement to report any such delays in future budget requests. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 85.002 (Health and Safety Code 85)