House Bill No. 4147 amends the Health and Safety Code to establish informed consent requirements for screening tests related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The bill introduces a new definition for "screening test," which is described as a rapid analytical laboratory procedure to determine the need for further diagnostic evaluation concerning specific infections. It mandates that healthcare 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. Additionally, if an individual tests positive, the healthcare provider is required to provide information on available healthcare and support services.

The bill also stipulates 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 duties unless specific funding is appropriated for that purpose. This section will expire on September 1, 2029, at which point the duties will become mandatory. 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)