HB 3318 creates a legal framework allowing patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access individualized investigational treatments based on their unique genetic profile. These include therapies like gene-targeted treatments and personalized vaccines. This bill empowers patients and physicians to act decisively when traditional options fail—free from unnecessary bureaucratic interference.

Medical Freedom Is a Core Principle
The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) affirms that medical freedom is a natural right and must not be restricted by government mandates (Platform § I.3.a). HB 3318 promotes that freedom by preserving individual autonomy in medical decision-making, particularly in cases where conventional treatments are ineffective. It ensures that the state cannot block access to promising, personalized interventions when patients freely and knowingly consent.

Respecting Voluntary Consent and Market Solutions
This bill appropriately limits government compulsion by:

• Requiring informed patient consent;
  
  
• Protecting health care providers from punitive actions;
  
  
• Allowing—but not forcing—manufacturers to offer treatments;
  
  
• Ensuring that taxpayers and insurers are not unfairly burdened with costs unless contractually obligated.
  
  

These provisions align with LPTexas’s commitment to voluntary interactions, personal responsibility, and free-market healthcare systems (Platform §§ I.3.b, I.3.f).

Protecting Physicians and Patient Rights
LPTexas supports protecting physicians from state retaliation when recommending investigational options in good faith. HB 3318 safeguards health care providers from losing licensure or Medicaid eligibility simply for advocating individualized treatments. It also prevents the state from interfering with treatment access when both patient and doctor agree on a path forward.

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas supports HB 3318 as a vital affirmation of medical freedom, patient autonomy, and limited government. By empowering patients and doctors to make deeply personal health decisions free from state coercion, this bill honors the principles of liberty and individual responsibility. We urge Texas lawmakers to pass HB 3318 and protect the rights of those who need hope the most.