85R672 AJZ-D
By: Lucio S.B. No. 545
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to information regarding autism spectrum disorders.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter X to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER X. INFORMATION REGARDING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Sec. 161.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Autism spectrum disorder" has the meaning
assigned by Section 1355.001, Insurance Code.
(2) "Health care provider" has the meaning assigned by
Section 34.001.
Sec. 161.702. INFORMATION REGARDING AUTISM SPECTRUM
DISORDERS. (a) The department shall make available information
regarding autism spectrum disorders that includes:
(1) information addressing physical, developmental,
educational, and psychosocial outcomes, behavioral safety
concerns, life expectancy, clinical course, and intellectual and
functional development for individuals with an autism spectrum
disorder;
(2) information regarding available treatment options
for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder;
(3) contact information for national and local autism
spectrum disorder education and support programs, services, and
organizations, including organizations in Houston, Dallas, San
Antonio, and Austin, and information hotlines, resource centers,
and clearinghouses; and
(4) any other information required by the department.
(b) The information described by Subsection (a) must be:
(1) current, evidence-based information that has been
reviewed by medical experts and local autism spectrum disorder
organizations; and
(2) published in English and Spanish.
(c) The department shall make the information described by
Subsection (a) available on the department's Internet website in a
format that may be easily printed. The department may provide the
information described by Subsection (a) in writing to health care
providers if the department determines that providing written
information is cost-effective.
Sec. 161.703. DUTY OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. (a) A health
care provider who administers or causes to be administered a test
for an autism spectrum disorder or who initially diagnoses a child
with an autism spectrum disorder shall provide the information
described by Section 161.702 to a parent of a child who receives:
(1) a test result indicating a probability or
diagnosis that the child has an autism spectrum disorder; or
(2) a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
(b) In addition to providing the information described by
Subsection (a), a health care provider may provide additional
information about autism spectrum disorders that is current and
evidence-based and has been reviewed by medical experts and
national autism spectrum disorder organizations.
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, this section does not
impose a standard of care or create an obligation or duty that
provides a basis for a cause of action against a health care
provider. A health care provider may not be held civilly or
criminally liable for failing to provide information as required by
Subsection (a).
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.