TX HB2816

Allows physicians, health care providers, and health care facilities to decline to participate in or offer any health care service based on sincerely held religious or philosophical moral convictions ("conscience")

Exempts emergency medical treatment required under federal EMTALA law (42 U.S.C. Section 1395dd) and life-sustaining treatment from conscience-based refusals

Prohibits adverse actions against providers or facilities that decline services for conscience reasons, including discrimination in licensure, certification, employment, staff privileges, educational program admission, or receipt of aid and benefits

Requires health care facilities to develop written protocols by December 1, 2025, for handling conscience-based refusals, including prompt transfer of medical records to assist patients in accessing requested services elsewhere

Creates civil remedies allowing injured parties to sue for injunctive relief, actual damages, court costs, and attorney's fees, with governmental immunity waived; also authorizes licensing agencies to take disciplinary action for violations