H.B. No. 4069

AN ACT

relating to the required disclosure of prices by a veterinarian before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.3581 to read as follows:

Sec. 801.3581. PRICE TRANSPARENCY FOR EMERGENCY CARE. (a) The board shall adopt rules to require a veterinarian to disclose to the owner or other caretaker of an animal the following information before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal:

(1) a description of the proposed treatment; and

(2) the estimated price of the proposed treatment.

(b) Rules adopted under this section must ensure the veterinarian has a reasonable opportunity to:

(1) assess the animal's condition and develop proposed options for treatment before providing the information described by Subsection (a); and

(2) propose additional treatment options and price estimates based on changes in the animal's medical condition.

SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2023, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall adopt rules to implement Section 801.3581, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 4069 was passed by the House on May 12, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 130, Nays 7, 2 present, not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.B. No. 4069 was passed by the Senate on May 23, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________

Date

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Governor