By:AANelson, et al.
S.B.ANo.A1877
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of the Texas Medical Child Abuse Resources
and Education System grant program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AAChapter 1001, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter F to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. TEXAS MEDICAL CHILD ABUSE RESOURCES AND EDUCATION
SYSTEM (MEDCARES)
Sec.A1001.151.AATEXAS MEDICAL CHILD ABUSE RESOURCES AND
EDUCATION SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM.
(a)AAThe department shall
establish the Texas Medical Child Abuse Resources and Education
System (MEDCARES) grant program to award grants for the purpose of
developing and supporting regional programs to improve the
assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of child abuse and neglect as
described by the report submitted to the 80th Legislature by the
committee on pediatric centers of excellence relating to abuse and
neglect in accordance with Section 266.0031, Family Code, as added
by Chapter 1406 (S.B. 758), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2007.
(b)AAThe department may award grants to hospitals or academic
health centers with expertise in pediatric health care and a
demonstrated commitment to developing basic and advanced programs
and centers of excellence for the assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of child abuse and neglect.
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(c)AAThe department shall encourage collaboration among
grant recipients in the development of program services and
activities.
Sec.A1001.152.AAUSE OF GRANT.
A grant awarded under this
subchapter may be used to support:
(1)AAcomprehensive medical evaluations, psychosocial
assessments, treatment services, and written and photographic
documentation of abuse;
(2)AAeducation and training for health professionals,
including physicians, medical students, resident physicians, child
abuse fellows, and nurses, relating to the assessment, diagnosis,
and treatment of child abuse and neglect;
(3)AAeducation and training for community agenc