House Bill 4224 (89th Regular Session), which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2025, requires licensees to, per Section 181.105 of the Health and Safety Code, prominently post on their website and at any facility detailed instructions for a consumer to:
Under the law, you have the right to access and obtain copies of your medical records from your healthcare provider (the “licensee”).
Submit a Written Request: While some offices accept verbal requests, it is best to provide a written, signed, and dated letter.
Specify the Records: Clearly state what you need (e.g., “All records from January 2023 to present” or “Specific imaging results from my July visit”).
Provide Identification: Include your full name, date of birth, and contact information so the provider can verify your identity.
Be Aware of Fees: Licensees are permitted to charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copying and mailing records. They cannot, however, deny you records simply because you have an unpaid bill for the services themselves.
Timeline: Most providers are required to respond within 30 days.
If you have questions regarding professional standards or need to verify a license, you can reach out to the Council directly.
Visit the Website: Navigate to the official Contact Us webpage on the Council’s site.
Select the Appropriate Channel:
Email: Best for non-urgent inquiries or submitting documentation.
Phone: Best for immediate questions regarding the status of a license.
Online Form: Many Councils provide a direct web form for specific inquiries.
Prepare Your Details: Have the name of the licensee and their license number (if known) ready before you call or write.
If you have a dispute regarding billing, deceptive practices, or unfair treatment, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Go to the OAG Consumer Protection Webpage: Look for the “File a Complaint” button or link.
Gather Your Evidence: Before starting the form, have the following ready:
Receipts, invoices, or contracts.
Chronology of events (dates and times of interactions).
Names of the individuals you spoke with at the business.
Complete the Online Form: Provide a concise, factual description of the issue and what you consider a fair resolution (e.g., a refund or correction of billing).
The Mediation Process: The OAG typically acts as a mediator, sending your complaint to the business to request a response.
