The Texas Society of Pathologists is active year-round monitoring important legislative and economic issues that impact our members. The Economic Affairs Committee and the Legislative Council are action-based and results driven to support positive outcomes for pathologists across the state. TSP leadership maintains active communication with the TSP’s lobbyist on important issues and maintains a presence within various Texas Medical Association committees for additional advocacy support.  Additionally, relationships with national organizations, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) serve as invaluable resources to the TSP on numerous legislative and economic focuses throughout the year.

The TSP needs your support to continue impacting positive change for our members and for the profession of pathology! 

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June 2025 Advocacy Update

Final Report on the 89th Texas Legislative Session

With the conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, this report outlines several issues the Texas Society of Pathologists engaged in during the session and highlights ongoing efforts to advocate for the practice of pathology while supporting the best interests of patients. 

Sensitive Test Results 

SB 922, authored by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) and HB 1699 sponsored by Rep. Caroline Fairly (R-Amarillo) addressed concerns stemming from the federal 21st Century Cures Act, which required immediate electronic release of test results to patients. While intended to improve access, the law led patients to receive serious or life-altering results - such as cancer diagnoses - through electronic portals before their physicians could review or explain causing unnecessary stress, confusion, and emotional harm. 

SB 922 provided a state-level solution by allowing a three-day delay in electronically releasing of sensitive test results, giving physicians time to first communicate with patients directly by phone, video, or in person. The bill does not prevent immediate communication by a physician and aims to ensure more compassionate, informed delivery of difficult medical news. SB 922 was signed by Governor Abbott and will go into effect on 9/1/25. 

Direct Blood Donations 

With the Texas Society of Pathologists' support, a controversial blood donation bill, SB 125, failed to pass out of committee; effectively 'killing' the bill. 

SB 125, authored by Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) was intended to promote autologous and direct blood donations but in practice circumvented the role of the blood bank in blood product management and potentially circumvented the role of the blood bank in blood product management and potentially contradicted best medical practices. TSP members testified citing concerns that the bill could compromise the safety and efficiency of the blood supply without proven public health benefits. Though the bill eventually passed the state Senate, it was during a hearing in the House Public Health Committee where the bill was left pending. 

Laboratory Claim Integrity Program for Health Benefit Plans

Rep. Dennis Paul (R-Houston) introduced HB 3042 that would exempt certain insurance programs from robust state law requirements, risking unfair insurance practices against laboratories and pathologists. The legislation favored the insurance industry, undermining the protections provided by Texas law. The bill excluded denials or reductions in payments for laboratory and pathology services as qualifying for Texas law protections against improper insurance industry actions. Under Texas law, health insurance programs must comply with specific standards for determining medical appropriateness, directly involving physicians in the process. 

TSP President, Raul Benavides, MD, FCAP, testified against the bill and the bill was left pending in committee effectively 'killing' the bill. 

Medical Examiner Authority 

HB 2845, a bill presented to threaten the independent judgement of medical examiners, failed to advance after opposition from Texas Society of Pathologists and other organizations. House Bill 2845 would have superseded medical examiner judgement in the classification of deaths related to substance overdoses. In conjunction with CAP, TSP advocated to ensure the preservation of medical discretion and integrity in forensic autopsies.