By: Jones of Dallas H.B. No. 2235
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to HIV and AIDS tests.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Subchapter D, Chapter 85, Health
  and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D. HIV TESTING, TESTING PROGRAMS, AND COUNSELING
         SECTION 2.  Subchapter D, Chapter 85, Health and Safety
  Code, is amended by adding Section 85.0815 to read as follows:
         Sec. 85.0815.  OPT-OUT HIV TESTING IN CERTAIN ROUTINE
  MEDICAL SCREENINGS. (a)  A health care provider who takes a sample
  of an individual's blood as part of a medical screening may submit
  the sample for an HIV diagnostic test, regardless of whether an HIV
  test is part of a primary diagnosis, unless the individual opts out
  of the HIV test.
         (b)  Before taking a sample of an individual's blood as part
  of a medical screening, a health care provider must obtain the
  individual's written consent for an HIV diagnostic test or verbally
  inform the individual that an HIV diagnostic test will be performed
  unless the individual opts out of the HIV test.
         (c)  A health care provider who submits an individual's blood
  for an HIV diagnostic test shall provide to each individual who
  receives a positive test result information on available HIV health
  services and referrals to community support programs.
         (d)  The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to
  implement this section.  In adopting rules, the executive
  commissioner must consider the most recent recommendations of the
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for HIV testing of
  adults and adolescents.
         SECTION 3.  Section 32.024, Human Resources Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (ee) to read as follows:
         (ee) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to require
  the commission to provide an HIV test in accordance with Section
  85.0815, Health and Safety Code, to an individual who receives
  medical assistance.
         SECTION 4.  (a)  The executive commissioner of the Health and
  Human Services Commission shall adopt the rules required by Section
  85.0815, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act, and Section
  32.024(ee), Human Resources Code, as added by this Act, not later
  than January 1, 2024.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 85.0815, Health and Safety
  Code, as added by this Act, a health care provider is not required
  to comply with that section until January 1, 2024.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.