Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2475

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to medical education coursework in cultural competence and implicit bias.

Impact

The introduction of HB2475 is expected to influence state laws related to healthcare education and practice by formalizing the need for cultural and bias training within medical curricula. This aligns Texas with other states that have initiated similar educational requirements, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are better equipped to serve an increasingly diverse population. The bill represents a proactive approach to addressing issues of health equity and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes related to race and ethnicity.

Summary

House Bill 2475 mandates that medical schools in Texas provide coursework related to cultural competence and implicit bias in their curriculum. This legislative effort reflects a growing recognition of the need for healthcare providers to understand and address the diverse backgrounds of their patients. The bill specifically stipulates that students must complete a designated number of hours in this coursework before they can be awarded their medical degrees, which aims to enhance the quality of care given to individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The requirement applies to students enrolling on or after January 1, 2026, with implementation rules to be established by December 1, 2025.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits outlined by supporters of HB2475, some points of contention may arise regarding its implementation and the adequacy of the proposed coursework. Critics may express concerns about the additional burden on medical schools to develop new curricula and ensure compliance, questioning whether existing programs can effectively incorporate these changes. Additionally, discussions may reflect on varying interpretations of what constitutes effective cultural competence and implicit bias training, potentially leading to disputes over the course content and its effectiveness in real-world clinical settings.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: New Section

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 153. Powers And Duties
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1165

Relating to medical education coursework in cultural competence and implicit bias.

TX HB1162

Relating to continuing education in cultural competence and implicit bias for certain physicians.

TX HB3410

Relating to staff development for public school employees in cultural competence and implicit bias and to discrimination on the basis of hair texture or protective hairstyle associated with race.

TX HB1627

Relating to implicit bias training for justices and judges of state courts, judicial officers, certain court personnel, and attorneys licensed to practice law in this state.

TX SB458

Relating to the authorization for and approval of certain nursing programs offered by private postsecondary educational institutions or for-profit entities.

TX HB4867

Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4005

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB4766

Relating to payment by a school district of the costs of developmental coursework provided by an institution of higher education under the success initiative.

TX SB462

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CA AB242

Courts: attorneys: implicit bias: training.

NJ S1798

Requires implicit bias training for physicians.

NJ A3303

Requires implicit bias training for physicians.

NJ A3701

Requires implicit bias training for physicians.

HI HB2185

Relating To Maternal Health.

HI SB900

Relating To Maternal Health.

IN HB1178

Implicit bias training.

CA AB282

Aiding, advising, or encouraging suicide: exemption from prosecution.