During this meeting of the health committee, several key bills were discussed primarily focusing on health care practices and patient rights in Texas. In particular, House Bill 4553 drew significant attention as it aims to improve transparency in midwifery practices and ensure the safety of out-of-hospital births. Testimonies were presented both in support and opposition, with concerns raised by midwives regarding the implications of the bill on their practice and autonomy. Additionally, House Bill 3708, designed to assist those burdened by medical debt, was strongly supported by several witnesses bringing forth personal stories underscoring the need for improved access to charity care information. The meeting also covered discussions on organ transplant eligibility and informed consent related to vaccines, echoing larger public health considerations in the post-pandemic era.
Relating to the regulation of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy, including the administration of a medication and the ordering and administration of an immunization or vaccination by a pharmacist.
Relating to charity care provided by certain nonprofit hospitals and hospital systems and the calculation of net patient revenue for purposes of determining the charity care provided by those entities; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the sale of certain e-cigarettes in this state and a directory of e-cigarette manufacturers and their products; authorizing fees; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of anesthesiologist assistants; requiring an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.