The proposed bill, known as the Laura Avila Act, aims to enhance consumer awareness regarding medical procedures or treatments conducted outside the United States. It introduces Chapter 722 to the Business & Commerce Code, which mandates social media platforms to include a conspicuous warning in any paid advertisement promoting such medical services. The warning must inform users that these procedures do not adhere to U.S. safety standards and that complications may arise, potentially complicating follow-up care. Additionally, the bill establishes that violations of this warning requirement constitute a deceptive trade practice.

Furthermore, the bill adds Chapter 179 to the Health and Safety Code, which requires the Department of State Health Services to create a publicly accessible web page detailing the risks associated with medical tourism. This web page will provide information on potential health risks, regulatory differences, and guidance for obtaining follow-up care. It also mandates the establishment of a medical tourism incident reporting database to collect information on adverse incidents experienced by Texas residents who undergo medical procedures abroad. The Department is tasked with promoting awareness of this database and ensuring that the information is regularly updated. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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