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, Subchapter X, to Chapter 531 of the Government Code, which is titled "Alyssa's Law." It defines medical child abuse and outlines the objectives of the education program, including the identification and reporting of medical child abuse, the implementation of training protocols, and the promotion of collaboration between CPS and medical professionals.

The bill mandates that by September 1, 2027, the Texas Medical Board, in collaboration with relevant agencies, must establish and administer the program. It requires the integration of medical child abuse education into medical school curricula and the provision of continuing education for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the Department of Family and Protective Services is tasked with ensuring that CPS investigators receive annual training on investigative protocols and collaboration with medical professionals. The program aims to enhance the accuracy of identifying medical child abuse cases and ensure that all training reflects best practices and legal responsibilities. The Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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