House Bill No. 4503 introduces new regulations regarding electronic health records (EHR) in Texas by adding Chapter 183 to the Health and Safety Code. The bill mandates that covered entities, which include health care practitioners, must ensure that electronic health records containing patient information are stored within the United States. It also requires that these records include specific medical history information, such as communications related to an individual's metabolic health and diet, and prohibits the collection of certain personal information, like credit scores and voter registration status, in EHRs. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for documenting an individual's biological sex and any sexual development disorders, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostic processes.

The bill establishes a framework for enforcement, allowing the attorney general to seek injunctive relief and impose civil penalties for violations, with penalties ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 depending on the nature of the violation. It also stipulates that regulatory agencies must investigate credible allegations of violations and may take disciplinary action against entities that repeatedly violate the provisions. The new regulations will apply to electronic health records prepared on or after the effective date of the Act, with specific storage requirements taking effect from January 1, 2026. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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