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HB 863

Regards health care facilities and infection prevention textiles

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Mathews

HB 863 would create a new Ohio law (3701.95) establishing standards for infection prevention textiles used in health care facilities.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · HB 863

Overview

House Bill 863 (HB 863), introduced in the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, relates to health care facilities and infection prevention textiles. The long title indicates the bill would enact a new section of the Revised Code (section 3701.95) to address these topics. The primary sponsor is Rep. Adam Mathews (R), with a listed co-sponsor. The bill has been introduced and would proceed through the usual legislative process.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a new statutory framework (Revised Code section 3701.95) concerning health care facilities and infection prevention textiles.
  • The bill aims to specify requirements or standards related to infection prevention textiles used in health care settings, positioning the state to regulate or guide procurement, handling, use, or stewardship of textiles intended to prevent infections.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

  • Creation of new Ohio Revised Code section 3701.95 covering health care facilities and infection prevention textiles. The exact text of the provision is not provided in the summary, but its placement suggests:
    • Standards or guidelines for infection prevention textiles used in health care facilities (e.g., textiles designed to reduce infection risk such as linens, gowns, drapes, gowns, scrubs, or other fabric-based items).
    • Possible requirements related to selection, handling, storage, laundering, sterilization, or disinfection of textiles.
    • Potential alignment with infection control practices and possibly reporting or enforcement mechanisms.
  • The bill’s general subject area is Health and Human Services: Health Care, indicating a public health focus rather than a purely administrative rule change.

Note: The exact textual provisions, duties, exemptions, penalties, and regulatory authority are not included in the provided summary. The “As Introduced” version would contain the precise language.

Who would be affected

  • Health care facilities in Ohio, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other entities subject to Ohio health care facility regulations.
  • Entities involved in procurement, laundering, handling, and management of infection prevention textiles.
  • Public health authorities or state agencies empowered under the new section (3701.95) to regulate or oversee compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the House on May 12, 2026.
  • Path: After introduction, the bill would move through committee consideration, potential amendments, and then be voted on by the House. If approved, it would proceed to the Senate for consideration, and then to the governor for potential signature, veto, or line-item actions.
  • As introduced, there is no available information in the summary about fiscal impact statements, implementation timelines, or effective dates.

Potential implications

  • Standardization: Could standardize requirements for infection prevention textiles across Ohio health care facilities.
  • Compliance costs: Facilities may incur costs to meet any new textile-related standards (e.g., procurement practices, laundering protocols, quality controls).
  • Public health impact: Aims to reduce infection risks associated with textiles, contributing to improved patient safety and infection control practices.
  • Regulatory oversight: May authorize state authorities to monitor compliance or enforce the new section.

Summary

HB 863 seeks to add a new section of the Revised Code (3701.95) focused on health care facilities and infection prevention textiles. While the introduced text confirms the intent to regulate or guide infection prevention textiles, the exact provisions, requirements, penalties, and implementation details are not provided in the summary. The bill would affect Ohio health care facilities and related textile management activities, pending passage through the General Assembly and any resulting governor action.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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