## Texas Hospitals Implement New Law on Patient Legal Status Inquiry During Admissions
### Background Information
On September 1, 2021, a new law (HB 1207) went into effect in Texas, requiring hospitals to inquire about a patient's legal status upon admission. This law was passed in response to concerns that undocumented immigrants were accessing healthcare services without paying for them.
### Key Provisions of the Law
The new law requires hospitals to:
### Impact on Patients
The new law has raised concerns among immigrant advocates, who argue that it will discourage undocumented immigrants from seeking healthcare. They worry that undocumented immigrants will be afraid to go to the hospital, even if they are experiencing a medical emergency, because they fear being reported to the federal government.
### Impact on Hospitals
The new law has also created a number of challenges for hospitals. Hospitals are now required to collect and store sensitive information about patients' legal status. They must also develop new procedures for reporting undocumented patients to the federal government.
### Ongoing Debate
The debate over the new law is likely to continue. Immigrant advocates argue that the law is discriminatory and will harm the health of undocumented immigrants. Hospitals are concerned about the legal and ethical implications of the law.
### Conclusion
The new law on patient legal status inquiry during admissions in Texas is a complex issue with a number of stakeholders and perspectives. It is important to consider all of these perspectives when evaluating the law and its impact.