The Texas Hospital Association (THA) has responded to Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring the state’s hospitals to collect and report healthcare costs for illegal immigrants. Abbott, a Republican, issued the executive order on August 8, with the 94-year-old non-profit organization subsequently publishing a statement.

According to a press release attributed to THA, the group is reviewing the new requirement from the governor "as quickly as possible."

Patient immigration status currently isn’t a condition for treatment at hospitals, according to THA.

Hospitals are required by law to provide life-saving treatment to anyone, regardless of ability to pay or status, the release said.

Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to instruct hospitals and additional identified providers to collect information regarding patients who are not lawfully present in the U.S. who go to hospitals for inpatient and emergency care. The healthcare costs incurred as a result must be reported beginning by November 1, 2024.

The governor’s order requires covered hospitals to submit such data quarterly to HHSC, with initial submissions due on March 1, 2025.

Established in 1930, THA touts itself as the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and healthcare systems with headquarters in Austin.