Bill > SB1197

This bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to add a new subchapter that requires hospitals to submit monthly reports to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (the Commission) regarding the number of reports they made to the Department of Family and Protective Services about suspected child abuse, exploitation, or neglect. The bill also requires hospitals to report whether they informed parents/guardians that they could obtain a second opinion, as well as any diagnostic codes used. The Commission is authorized to impose administrative penalties on hospitals that fail to timely submit these reports, with the penalty amount based on the hospital's total gross revenue. The Commission is also required to submit quarterly reports to the legislature summarizing the hospital reports. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2023.