H.B. No. 4069
AN ACT
relating to the required disclosure of prices by a veterinarian
before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 801.3581 to read as follows:
Sec. 801.3581. PRICE TRANSPARENCY FOR EMERGENCY CARE. (a)
The board shall adopt rules to require a veterinarian to disclose to
the owner or other caretaker of an animal the following information
before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal:
(1) a description of the proposed treatment; and
(2) the estimated price of the proposed treatment.
(b) Rules adopted under this section must ensure the
veterinarian has a reasonable opportunity to:
(1) assess the animal's condition and develop proposed
options for treatment before providing the information described by
Subsection (a); and
(2) propose additional treatment options and price
estimates based on changes in the animal's medical condition.
SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2023, the State Board
of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall adopt rules to implement
Section 801.3581, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 4069 was passed by the House on May
12, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 130, Nays 7, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 4069 was passed by the Senate on May
23, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor