TITLE: Relating to information regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

SUMMARY: Relating to information regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to information regarding fetal alcohol 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 Xto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER X. INFORMATION REGARDING FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS Sec. 161.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder" means one of a group of conditions that can occur in a person who is exposed to alcohol in utero. (2) "Health care provider" has the meaning assigned by Section 34.001. Sec. 161.702. DUTY OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. (a) At the time of initial contact, a health care provider who provides care to an expectant mother or who initially diagnoses a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder shall provide information regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to: (1) expectant parents; or (2) a parent of a child who receives a diagnosis of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. (b) The information described by Subsection (a) must be current and evidence-based and must have been reviewed by medical experts and state or national fetal alcohol 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.