S.B. No. 2826 proposes the establishment of a Medical Child Abuse Education Program in Texas, aimed at preventing medical child abuse through standardized training for medical students, healthcare professionals, and child protective services (CPS) caseworkers. The bill introduces a new subchapter, titled "Alyssa's Law," within Chapter 531 of the Government Code, which defines medical child abuse and outlines the necessary training to identify, report, and prevent such cases. The program is to be developed by the commission in collaboration with the Texas Medical Board and the Department of Family and Protective Services, with a deadline for establishment set for September 1, 2027.

The bill mandates that Texas medical schools integrate medical child abuse education into their curricula and that the Texas Medical Board require continuing education on identifying and preventing medical child abuse. Additionally, CPS investigators and caseworkers are to receive annual training on investigative protocols and collaboration with medical professionals. The commission will oversee the program's development and implementation, ensuring accessibility for all relevant professionals as part of their required training and continuing education. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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