Relating to a requirement that certain hospitals submit a summary of parts of their emergency operations plans to the Health and Human Services Commission.
Summary
SB 672 requires certain Texas hospitals to submit to the Health and Human Services Commission a written summary of the portion of their emergency operations plans that addresses diverting emergency patients when the hospital is experiencing a cyberattack or electrical power outage. The bill applies to hospitals licensed under Chapter 241 that have an emergency department or otherwise regularly provide emergency services.
The summary must describe the hospital’s diversion procedures for these specific disruptions, and hospitals must update and resubmit the summary within 30 days after any changes are adopted by the hospital’s governing body or approved by the appropriate administrator. The bill also defines the relevant terms, including “emergency operations plan,” and sets a compliance deadline of December 1, 2025, with the act taking effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill adds Section 311.025 to the Health and Safety Code, creating a new reporting requirement for hospitals with emergency departments or regular emergency services. It does not require hospitals to file their full emergency operations plans, but only a written summary of the parts dealing with emergency department diversions during cyberattacks or power outages. The submitted summaries are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the Public Information Act, and the requirement is enforced through the Health and Human Services Commission.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition. It passed the Senate unanimously and cleared the House by a wide margin, indicating general agreement that hospitals should provide the state with basic information about emergency diversion planning for cyber and power-related disruptions. The voting history suggests the measure was viewed as a practical preparedness and patient-safety bill rather than a controversial regulatory expansion.
Contention
There is little evidence of major contention in the available record. The main policy balance is between state oversight and hospital confidentiality: hospitals must disclose a summary of sensitive emergency planning information to HHSC, but the bill protects that summary from public release. Any concern would likely come from hospitals or privacy-minded stakeholders worried about administrative burden or the sensitivity of emergency response details, while supporters likely emphasized preparedness, continuity of care, and patient safety during cyberattacks and outages.
Relating to certain reports required to be prepared or submitted by or in collaboration with the Health and Human Services Commission or submitted to the governor or a member of the legislature under the Health and Safety Code.
State Commissioner of Health; requiring Commissioner and Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services conduct a feasibility study to gather certain information. Emergency.