H.B. No. 2586 introduces new regulations for pregnancy resource centers in Texas by adding Chapter 174 to the Health and Safety Code. The bill defines a "pregnancy resource center" and establishes minimum standards that these centers must adhere to in order to protect the health and safety of their patients. Key provisions include the requirement for centers to have at least one licensed obstetrician or gynecologist present when providing services, and the standards must align with existing regulations for ambulatory surgical centers. The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with adopting rules to implement these standards by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that pregnancy resource centers cannot perform abortions, make referrals for abortions, or provide comprehensive birth control services, and they are not required to be licensed or certified to provide medical services. Violations of these new standards could lead to disciplinary actions by the relevant state agency. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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