H.B. No. 2071 amends the Family Code to establish new policies and procedures for health care specialty consultations in child abuse or neglect investigations. The bill specifies that when a specialty consultation is required, the department must refer the case to a physician who is not only licensed and board certified but also has no prior involvement with the case, including as a member of any review teams. Additionally, before making such referrals, the department is mandated to provide the child's parent or legal guardian with all relevant medical records and documentation used during the investigation. The bill also introduces a blind peer review process for resolving disagreements among physicians regarding a child's injuries.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits health care practitioners who reported suspected abuse or were involved in reviewing the case from providing forensic assessment services related to that investigation. It ensures that the department can still interview these practitioners as necessary and clarifies that parents or guardians have the right to access all medical records and documentation related to the case. The changes aim to enhance transparency and protect the rights of families involved in child abuse or neglect investigations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 261.3017, Family Code 261.30175 (Family Code 261)
House Committee Report: Family Code 261.3017, Family Code 261.30175 (Family Code 261)
Engrossed: Family Code 261.3017, Family Code 261.30175 (Family Code 261)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 261.3017, Family Code 261.30175 (Family Code 261)
Enrolled: Family Code 261.3017, Family Code 261.30175 (Family Code 261)