TITLE: Relating to requiring coursework in nutrition at public medical schools.

SUMMARY: Relating to requiring coursework in nutrition at public medical schools.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to requiring coursework in nutrition at public medical schools. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.311 to read as follows: Sec. 51.311. NUTRITION MEDICAL EDUCATION COURSEWORK. (a) In this section, "medical school" means: (1) a medical school as defined by Section 61.501; or (2) any other institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003, or school, department, or college of such an institution, that awards medical degrees. (b) Each medical school shall include in the curriculum required for a medical degree at least three hours of coursework in nutrition. The coursework must cover, at a minimum, information about: (1) normal caloric intake for healthy adults; (2) diet modifications for individuals with food allergies, diabetes, or other chronic conditions that require diet modification; (3) the importance of proper nutrition as a primary strategy to prevent certain diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; and (4) additives commonly found in food and beverage products produced in the United States, as opposed to food and beverage products produced in foreign countries. (c) The coursework required under Subsection (b) may not be developed, funded, or influenced by a pharmaceutical company or a food or beverage company. (d) This section does not apply to the requirements for the degree program of a student who entered the degree program at a medical school before the 2026 spring semester. This subsection expires January 1, 2032. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.