85R20610 MK-D
By: Burkett, Bonnen of Galveston H.B. No. 2848
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 2848:
By: Cain C.S.H.B. No. 2848
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to consultations with contracted physician networks and
physician systems during certain investigations of child abuse and
neglect.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 261.3017 to read as follows:
Sec. 261.3017. CONSULTATION WITH PHYSICIAN NETWORKS AND
SYSTEMS REGARDING CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS. (a) In this
section:
(1) "Network" means the Forensic Assessment Center
Network.
(2) "System" means the entities that receive grants
under the Texas Medical Child Abuse Resources and Education System
(MEDCARES) authorized by Chapter 1001, Health and Safety Code.
(b) Any agreement between the department and the network or
system to provide assistance in connection with abuse and neglect
investigations conducted by the department must require the network
and the system to have the ability to obtain consultations with
physicians who specialize in identifying unique health conditions,
including:
(1) rickets;
(2) Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome;
(3) osteogenesis imperfecta;
(4) vitamin D deficiency; and
(5) other similar metabolic bone diseases or
connective tissue disorders.
(c) In providing assessments to the department as provided
by Subsection (b), the network and the system must use a peer review
process to resolve cases where physicians in the network or system
disagree in the assessment of the causes of a child's injuries or in
the presence of a condition listed under Subsection (b).
(d) The department shall include the requirements of
Subsections (b) and (c) in an agreement with the network or system
only if the department receives an appropriation to enter an
agreement described by Subsection (b).
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
a contract entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of
this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.