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. Key changes include the requirement that physicians referred for specialty consultations must not have been involved in the report of suspected abuse or neglect or in reviewing the case as part of a review or multidisciplinary team. Additionally, before a case is referred, the department must provide the child's parent or legal guardian, or their attorney, with all relevant medical records and documentation used during the investigation. The bill also mandates that the department must share information used to resolve cases where there are conflicting assessments 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 and clarifies that the rights of parents or legal guardians to access medical records and documentation are protected. 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)