Texas Senate Bill SB1352

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of facility fees charged by freestanding emergency medical care facilities.

Impact

The amendments introduced by SB1352 are expected to have a significant impact on the operational standards of freestanding emergency medical facilities across Texas. By mandating conspicuous signage regarding facility fees, the bill seeks to empower patients with the necessary information that can influence their healthcare decisions. It enhances consumer rights by ensuring that patients are adequately informed about potential costs they could incur when seeking emergency care, which could lead to more informed and financially aware patient choices.

Summary

SB1352 proposes amendments to the Texas Health and Safety Code regarding the notice requirements for facility fees charged by freestanding emergency medical care facilities. The bill stipulates that notifications must be clearly posted in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience. The design specifications for these notices include contrasting colors and a minimum font height of one inch, which are aimed at enhancing visibility and comprehension by the public. This legislative initiative reflects a commitment to improving transparency in healthcare costs for consumers utilizing emergency medical services.

Contention

While the bill generally received support for its consumer-friendly provisions, there may be concerns about the implementation costs associated with the signage requirements imposed on healthcare facilities. Facilities might argue that the financial burden required to comply with new signage standards could detract from their operational budgets. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the benefits of increased transparency and consumer awareness substantially outweigh these concerns, recognizing the importance of visibly communicating healthcare costs in today's economy.