Tyler’s Law
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 2004, known as “Tyler’s Law,” directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study how hospital emergency departments handle fentanyl testing for patients experiencing an overdose. Within one year of enactment, HHS must examine how often emergency departments currently test for fentanyl alongside other substances, the costs of such testing, its potential benefits and risks, and its effects on patient privacy and the patient-physician relationship. Within six months after completing the study, HHS must issue guidance addressing whether emergency departments should adopt fentanyl testing as routine practice, how hospitals can ensure clinicians know which substances are covered by standard drug tests, and how fentanyl testing might affect future overdose risk and health outcomes.
The bill primarily affects hospital emergency departments, as defined under existing Medicare law, along with the clinicians who work in them and patients treated for overdoses. It does not mandate that hospitals adopt fentanyl testing but requires federal guidance to inform decision-making on the issue.
The bill was introduced in March 2025 by Rep. Ted Lieu and passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026, under a procedure used for non-controversial measures. It now goes to the Senate, which must consider, amend, or vote on the bill before it could be sent to the President for signature.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Tyler’s Law
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to complete, within one year after the bill’s enactment, a study on how frequently Medicare-participating hospital emergency departments test for fentanyl in patients experiencing an overdose, the costs associated with such testing, and how such testing may impact patients.
Within six months after the study’s completion and based on its results, HHS must issue guidance regarding (1) whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose, (2) how to ensure clinicians know which substances they are testing for in routine drug tests, and (3) how fentanyl testing may affect the future risk of overdose and other health outcomes.
Timeline
15 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
21 Jul 2026
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 46 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2004 do?
- H.R. 2004, known as “Tyler’s Law,” directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study how hospital emergency departments handle fentanyl testing for patients experiencing an overdose. Within one year of enactment, HHS must examine how often emergency departments currently test for fentanyl alongside other substances, the costs of such testing, its potential benefits and risks, and its effects on patient privacy and the patient-physician relationship. Within six months after completing the study, HHS must issue guidance addressing whether emergency departments should adopt fentanyl testing as routine practice, how hospitals can ensure clinicians know which substances are covered by standard drug tests, and how fentanyl testing might affect future overdose risk and health outcomes. The bill primarily affects hospital emergency departments, as defined under existing Medicare law, along with the clinicians who work in them and patients treated for overdoses. It does not mandate that hospitals adopt fentanyl testing but requires federal guidance to inform decision-making on the issue. The bill was introduced in March 2025 by Rep. Ted Lieu and passed the House by voice vote on September 15, 2026, under a procedure used for non-controversial measures. It now goes to the Senate, which must consider, amend, or vote on the bill before it could be sent to the President for signature.
- Has H.R. 2004 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.R. 2004 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 2004?
- H.R. 2004 was sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu [D-CA36] (Democrat-CA), with 65 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2004?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Sep 2026).
Related bills in Health
Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2026, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses.
Recognizing the importance of protecting continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment.
Community Health Worker Access Act
A resolution supporting the designation of October 2026 as “Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month” to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.