88R14193 KKR-D
By: Leach H.B. No. 4755
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the services provided under the alternatives to
abortion program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 2, Health and Safety Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 54 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 54. ALTERNATIVES TO ABORTION PROGRAM
Sec. 54.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "alternatives to
abortion program" means the program established by the commission
to enhance and increase resources that promote childbirth for women
facing unplanned pregnancy.
Sec. 54.002. PATIENT NAVIGATOR SERVICES FOR CERTAIN
EXPECTANT PARENTS. (a) The alternatives to abortion program must
provide access to a third-party patient navigator for expectant
mothers and fathers who receive a prenatal diagnosis for their
unborn child of a significant fetal anomaly, rare disorder, or
other chronic, medically complex disability or condition.
(b) A third-party patient navigator who provides services
under the alternatives to abortion program shall:
(1) connect expectant parents with support and
advocacy groups specific to the fetal diagnosis for their child;
and
(2) assist expectant parents with applying for home-
and community-based medical care, support, and services for their
child.
Sec. 54.003. NURSING FACILITY DIVERSION. (a) The
alternatives to abortion program must provide nursing facility
diversion space to allow immediate access to the medically
dependent children (MDCP) waiver program for children born with a
rare disorder or other chronic, medically complex disability or
condition.
(b) An expectant mother or father may apply for access to a
nursing facility diversion space described by Subsection (a) before
or after the child's birth.
Sec. 54.004. RULES. The executive commissioner shall adopt
rules as necessary to implement this chapter.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.