Texas has enacted legislation with regulations and protections for workers in specific industries.
Under House Bill 2187, new protections are offered to nurse staffing in hospitals. It goes into effect September 1, 2025. The Texas Department of State Health Services is required to provide the Texas Health and Human Services Commission with an annual nurse staffing report for each hospital, with the chief nursing officer of the hospital attesting to the accuracy of the information.
Covered hospitals may not retaliate against a nurse who reports law violations to the HHSC or hospital management. Additionally, special, general, and mental hospitals may not terminate, suspend, discriminate against, or discipline a nurse for refusing to work mandatory overtime.
House Bill 4215 includes rules for Delivery Network Companies (DNC) and also takes effect on September 1, 2025. This type of business entity utilizes or offers a digital network for delivering food, beverages, or consumer products from a retail establishment or eatery to customers. DNCs must obtain permits from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and pay the associated fees. Companies are also required to ensure that individuals accessing the digital network are at least 18 years old, hold a valid, government-issued driver’s license or photo ID, and pass a criminal background check and a review of their driving record.
DNCs are also required to adopt and notify covered workers of policies regarding intoxicating substances (prohibiting delivery workers from any amount of intoxication) and nondiscrimination policies (prohibiting discrimination against customers and potential customers based on location, age, disability, destination, sex, race, religious beliefs or affiliation, color, or national origin).
Under House Bill 742, medical assistants must receive human trafficking prevention training. It will go into effect on September 1, 2025. The course must be approved by the HHSC Executive Commissioner). It also defines a medical assistant as an individual who assists with patient care management, executes administrative duties, and performs clinical procedures under the supervision of a physician.
All covered facilities must display a poster stating who is required to receive this training and other details regarding the law.
