The bill, H.B. No. 2475, aims to enhance medical education in Texas by mandating coursework in cultural competence and implicit bias for medical students. It introduces a new section, 51.310, to the Education Code, which requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish rules for medical schools to offer approved coursework in these areas. Furthermore, a medical school cannot award a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree unless the student has successfully completed the required hours of this coursework.

Additionally, the bill adds Section 153.017 to the Occupations Code, defining "cultural competence" and "implicit bias" and outlining the requirements for the coursework. The Texas Medical Board is tasked with approving the coursework, which must address medical decisions related to various demographic factors and be developed in consultation with relevant educational and medical organizations. The implementation of these rules is required by December 1, 2025, and the new requirements will apply to students enrolling in medical programs on or after January 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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