Texas HB 300: What Healthcare Organizations Must Do to Comply
Texas HB 300 imposes stricter privacy requirements than federal HIPAA. Learn what HB 300 requires, who it covers, and what Texas healthcare organizations must do to stay compliant.
If your medical practice operates in Texas, HIPAA is not your only privacy compliance obligation. Texas House Bill 300 — enacted in 2012 and expanded since — imposes requirements that go significantly beyond federal HIPAA. Violations of Texas HB 300 can result in penalties up to $1.5 million per year, per violation category.
What Is Texas HB 300?
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 181 (HB 300) is a state law governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities operating in Texas. It was designed to strengthen patient privacy protections beyond HIPAA, and it applies to a broader set of organizations than the federal law.
Key Requirements: Where HB 300 Exceeds HIPAA
Employee Training — Stricter Standard
Texas HB 300 requires that training cover: state and federal law regarding PHI, the covered entity's privacy policies, and consequences of improper use or disclosure. Training must be provided to new employees within 60 days of hire and to existing employees at least every two years. Unlike HIPAA's general training requirement, HB 300 training must specifically address Texas law.
Enhanced Patient Rights
Patients have enhanced rights under HB 300 regarding their electronic health record data. Covered entities must have processes to accommodate these additional rights beyond what HIPAA requires.
Stricter Marketing Restrictions
HB 300 imposes stricter limitations on the use of PHI for marketing purposes than HIPAA. Patient authorization is required for a broader range of marketing-related communications under Texas law.
Building a Texas-Compliant Program
- Audit current policies against HB 300 requirements — not just HIPAA
- Update employee training to include Texas-specific content
- Establish a training completion tracking system with documented dates
- Review marketing practices and patient communication workflows
- Update your Notice of Privacy Practices to include Texas disclosures
- Map your BAA inventory against both federal and Texas law requirements
AuditVault covers Texas HB 300: AuditVault's Professional tier includes Texas HB 300 and TMRPA compliance controls alongside federal HIPAA requirements — so Texas practices manage both obligations in one platform.
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