TITLE: Relating to the services provided under the alternatives to abortion program.

SUMMARY: Relating to the services provided under the alternatives to abortion program.

FULL TEXT:
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.