HB 163 — A pharmacy benefit manager's communications with a presc
This bill covers a pharmacy benefit manager's communications with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff by a secure digital communication system.
This bill covers a pharmacy benefit manager's communications with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff by a secure digital communication system.
Author: Oliverson. Filed: 11/09/2026 (H Filed). Caption: “Relating to a pharmacy benefit manager's communications with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff by a secure digital communication system.”
Subjects: Electronic Information Systems (I0311), Health Care Providers (I0387), Health--Privacy/Use of Information (I0389), Insurance--Health & Accident (I0422), PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS (S0648). Council document: see the Legislature history page.
Full bill text (Introduced)
Official text from the Texas Legislature. Bill history for HB 163 · Bill text (HTML).
90R2463 SCR-D By: Oliverson H.B. No. 163 relating to a pharmacy benefit manager's communications with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff by a secure digital communication system.
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 4151, Insurance Code, is amended by adding Section 4151.1532 to read as follows: Sec. 4151.1532. SECURE DIGITAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. (a) In this section, "secure digital communication system" means an electronic communication method that protects confidential health care information by using encryption or requiring a password or other form of user authentication for access. The term includes an encrypted e-mail, physician portal, or standardized electronic prior authorization system. (b) A pharmacy benefit manager shall use a secure digital communication system to communicate with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff. (c) A pharmacy benefit manager may not require the use of a fax to communicate with a prescribing health care provider and the provider's staff.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.
Sources: Texas Legislature, Today's Filed Bills in the House (11/09/2026), HB 163; 90th Legislature BillLookup history and Introduced bill text.