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A Win for Patients: Sen. Schwertner Files AI Bill to Safeguard Texas Healthcare

Writer's picture: Tex PatientsTex Patients

Patient advocates applaud SB 815 for prioritizing ethical AI use and responsible health insurance practices that protect Texans.


(AUSTIN, Texas)  - The Texas Coalition of Patients commends Sen. Charles Schwertner (Georgetown) for filing Senate Bill 815 (SB 815). The intent of this bill would prohibit health insurance companies from using artificial intelligence (AI) to delay, deny or modify claims. The legislation is crucial in ensuring that life-altering healthcare decisions remain in the hands of medical professionals rather than Big Insurance’s automated systems.


"No Texan should have to fight a faceless algorithm for the care they need," said Texas Coalition for Patients spokesperson Katherine McLane. "Patients deserve a healthcare system that treats them as human beings, not data points. AI may have its place in streamlining operations, but when it comes to life-altering medical decisions, nothing can replace doctors' expertise and patients' unique needs.”


Big insurance companies have begun using AI to review and deny prior authorization requests. However, no consumer protections currently exist to ensure transparency in AI usage or to safeguard patients from automated decisions that may not reflect their individual medical needs.


SB 815 seeks to address this issue by prohibiting health insurers from using AI to determine medical necessity on behalf of patients. Additionally, the bill grants the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) the authority to inspect and audit health plans to ensure compliance, holding insurance providers accountable for the integrity of their decision-making processes.


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About Texas Coalition for Patients (TCP)

The Texas Coalition for Patients (TCP) works to support patients, families, physicians and other clinicians who care for Texas communities by advocating for greater patient-centered transparency and accountability from all healthcare stakeholders. We are advocates from across the health sector and political spectrum working to give a voice to Texans by championing practices that put patients over profits. Learn more and join the fight to demand better coverage at TexasPatients.org.

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