House adopts substitute to remove gag orders that limit physician‑patient treatment discussions

The House adopted a committee substitute and passed Senate Bill 43, which removes contractual gag clauses that prevent health care providers from discussing treatment options, costs and lower‑cost alternatives with patients. Sponsor Chairman Lee said the amendment guarantees physicians the right to discuss options and financial information that could guide patient decisions and reduce surprise billing.

Members described the bill as protecting the patient‑physician relationship. Representative Shiree (physician on the floor) said long provider contracts sometimes restrict what clinicians can discuss; Representative Bracey and others praised the substitute for increasing transparency and for its likely benefits to patients and pharmacists.

Members asked how the bill interacts with other pending PBM and surprise billing measures; sponsors said related bills have already addressed some PBM gag order issues and this substitute removes gag clauses applying to physicians. The House adopted the substitute and passed the bill (vote recorded 102-0). Supporters said it will let clinicians have candid conversations about treatment pathways and possible lower‑cost alternatives.