Attention Orthotists and Prosthetists. The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 216 during the 89th legislative session. The bill amends Health and Safety Code Chapter 185 as it relates to health care billing. The bill builds on the requirement from Senate Bill 490 requiring itemized billing from last session by including language about how the bill is actually provided to the patient.
Not everyone has access to email, or the skills needed to easily use an online patient portal. The bill restricts providers from using an electronic portal to provide the itemized bill unless the provider either first:
- verifies that the patient uses the portal, or
- additionally hands the patient a hard copy of the bill or sends it to the patient’s choice of mail or email.
The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025. Failure to comply may be grounds for disciplinary action under the rule at 16 Texas Administrative Code § 114.70.