88R986 EAS-F
By: Hall S.B. No. 309
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to COVID-19 prevention and treatment information provided
to individuals receiving a COVID-19 viral test.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 81, Health and Safety Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter K to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER K. COVID-19 TESTING, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
Sec. 81.451. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus
disease.
(2) "Health care provider" means a person who is
licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to provide COVID-19
viral testing.
Sec. 81.452. COVID-19 PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
INFORMATION. The department shall post on the department's
Internet website a printable brochure containing information on
preventative measures and treatments for COVID-19. The brochure
must include the following information:
(1) methods to improve the functioning of an
individual's immune system;
(2) the importance of therapeutic prevention of
COVID-19, including:
(A) the use of nutraceuticals;
(B) the use of prescription medications; and
(C) the benefits and risks associated with
vaccination;
(3) the importance of seeking treatment for COVID-19
as soon as symptoms appear and a list of COVID-19 treatments that
may be effective, including available medications; and
(4) advanced home treatments for reducing COVID-19
symptoms and preventing hospitalization after an individual
contracts COVID-19, including monoclonal antibody therapy.
Sec. 81.453. REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. A
health care provider who performs a COVID-19 viral test on an
individual shall, at the time the provider performs the test,
provide a printed or electronic copy of the brochure described by
Section 81.452 to the individual.
SECTION 2. As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Act, the Department of State Health Services shall develop
and post on the department's Internet website the brochure required
by Section 81.452, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.