Texas has mandated a delay in releasing specific test results via electronic health records (EHRs).
Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 922, assigning responsibility to EHR administrators for the delayed release of certain test results under provisions advocated by pathologists.
Why it matters: The provisions advocated by pathology ensure pathologists and clinical labs can comply with federal law expressly prohibiting “information blocking.” They cannot be held liable under state regulations that allow ordering and treating physicians to review EHR results and speak with patients.
- Introduced with amendments from the CAP, the Texas Society of Pathologists, and the Texas Medical Association, the legislation ensures that the responsibility for the delay in reporting test results is on those managing EHRs.
- The three organizations worked together to amend similar legislation in 2023.
State trend: Texas joins Montana, Tennessee, and Kentucky in enacting similar legislation.
What’s next: The new law takes effect on September 1.