Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB635

Filed
12/16/16  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to issuance of a vendor permit for the sale of goods during an authorized event held in the Texas mall area of the Capitol Complex.

Impact

The bill's implementation is poised to have a profound impact on state laws pertaining to healthcare and pharmaceutical regulation. It authorizes the establishment of protocols that ensure patient information is adequately safeguarded while simultaneously improving their rights in terms of medication access. The changes could lead to reform in how pharmacies operate, potentially improving customer service and reducing wait times for prescriptions. Overall, the legislation serves to align state standards more closely with contemporary healthcare challenges.

Summary

House Bill 635 addresses significant changes within the healthcare sector, focusing on the regulation of pharmaceuticals and patient rights. The bill aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of medications for citizens by implementing new guidelines for pharmacies and insurance providers. It emphasizes the need for transparency in the pricing of drugs and aims to streamline processes for patients needing prescription medication, thereby enabling easier access to necessary treatments.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 635 have elicited a mixed sentiment. Advocates of the bill, including various health organizations and patient rights advocates, praised the legislative effort as a long-overdue advancement in healthcare reform. They argue that the legislation signifies a crucial step towards more equitable healthcare access. Conversely, certain stakeholders, particularly some pharmacy owners and insurance companies, expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of the measures proposed, fearing that the new regulations might introduce additional burdens on their operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention included debates on the financial implications for pharmacies and whether the proposed regulations would place undue constraints on their business models. Furthermore, there were concerns regarding how the bill would affect the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Aspects related to the accountability of pharmaceutical companies and the potential for increased costs for consumers if new regulations lead to decreased competition among pharmacies were also heavily debated. These discussions underscore the ongoing struggle between maintaining adequate healthcare access while ensuring the economic viability of healthcare providers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1508

Relating to notice to applicants to and enrollees in certain educational programs regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction on eligibility for an occupational license.

TX HB457

Relating to the confidentiality of certain home address information in ad valorem tax appraisal records.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.