By: Morrison H.B. No. 3374
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to information regarding Down syndrome.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter W to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER W. INFORMATION REGARDING DOWN SYNDROME
Sec. 161.651. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Down syndrome" means a chromosomal condition
caused by the presence of an extra whole or partial copy of
chromosome 21.
(2) "Health care provider" has the meaning assigned by
Section 34.001 and includes a genetic counselor.
Sec. 161.652. INFORMATION REGARDING DOWN SYNDROME. (a) A
health care provider that administers or causes to be administered
a test for Down syndrome shall, upon receiving a test result that is
positive for Down syndrome, provide the expectant or new parent
with educational information made available by the department under
subsection(c).
(b) Delivery of information prepared by the department in
accordance with subsection (c) at the time genetic results or
diagnostic conclusions are provided shall constitute compliance
with this section.
(c) The department shall make the following information
available on the department's publicly accessible Internet
website:
(1) information addressing physical, developmental,
educational, and psychosocial outcomes, life expectancy, clinical
course, and intellectual and functional development for
individuals with Down syndrome;
(2) information regarding available treatment options
for individuals with Down syndrome;
(3) contact information for national and local Down
syndrome education and support programs, including organizations
in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, as well as other local
Down syndrome organizations in Texas;
(4) information hotlines and websites, resource
centers, and clearinghouses specific to Down syndrome; and
(4) any other information the department considers
necessary.
(d) The written information described by Subsection (c)
must be current, evidence-based information that has been reviewed
by medical experts and national Down syndrome organizations.
(e) The information described by Subsection (c) must be
published in English and Spanish.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.