Texas Senate Bill SB1511

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/20/25

Caption

Relating to the provision of health care services by a freestanding emergency medical care facility and the collection of fees for providing those services.

Impact

The enactment of SB1511 is poised to impact the existing state laws governing healthcare delivery, particularly in the realm of emergency medical services. By imposing regulations on fee disclosures, the bill aims to protect patients from unexpected charges that are often encountered in emergency situations. This could create a more predictable financial landscape for patients, thereby improving access to emergency care without the fear of exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, the restrictions on charging facility fees for non-emergency care services may influence how these facilities operate and deliver services.

Summary

Senate Bill 1511 focuses on the operations of freestanding emergency medical care facilities and the regulations surrounding the fees they can charge. The bill mandates that these facilities adhere to specific guidelines to ensure they meet standards for providing emergency care, and it clarifies the conditions under which they may charge fees to patients seeking emergency services. A key provision in this bill is the requirement for facilities to post notices explaining their fee structures, which enhances transparency for patients regarding potential costs associated with emergency care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1511 center on the balance between patient protection and the operational freedom of freestanding emergency care facilities. While advocates argue that the bill promotes necessary transparency and protects patients against unexpected billing practices, opponents may raise concerns about the economic viability of these facilities. Some stakeholders could argue that strict regulations on fees could deter facilities from providing a broad range of services, ultimately impacting the availability of emergency care options. The discussion raises the issue of whether government regulation or market forces should primarily dictate how healthcare services are priced and provided.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 254. Freestanding Emergency Medical Care Facilities
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 155
  • Section: 1555
  • Section: 156