adoption law class for doctors who treat pregnant women

The text as introduced · 466 words

2025S0040-1 01/23/25

By: Sparks
S.B. No. 903

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to continuing education requirements for certain

physicians regarding adoption.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 156, Occupations Code, is

amended by adding Section 156.061 to read as follows:

Sec. 156.061. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS ON

TEXAS ADOPTION LAW. (a) A physician who submits an application

for the renewal of a license and whose practice includes treating

pregnant women must complete at least one hour of continuing

education in Texas adoption law. The continuing education must

include instruction on:

(1) the process to voluntarily terminate the rights of

an alleged biological father under Section 161.002, Family Code,

for the purpose of adoption;

(2) the process to terminate parental rights before

birth or after birth under Sections 161.002 and 161.003, Family

Code;

(3) the ability of a mother to authorize the release of

her newborn child from the hospital or birthing center to a licensed

child-placing agency, the Department of Family and Protective

Services, or another designated person as provided by Section

161.108, Family Code;

(4) the terms regarding limited post-termination

contact under Section 161.2061, Family Code;

(5) accepting possession of an abandoned child under

Section 262.302, Family Code;

(6) financial assistance available to an expectant

mother who decides to place her baby for adoption as provided by

Section 25.08, Penal Code; and

(7) the differences between private adoption and

foster care adoption, including:

(A) the processes and legal requirements for

private adoption versus foster care adoption;

(B) the role of private adoption agencies versus

the Department of Family and Protective Services in facilitating

adoptions;

(C) support services available to expectant

mothers and adoptive families in each process; and

(D) the rights and responsibilities of birth

parents, adoptive parents, and the state in private and foster care

adoptions.

(b) A physician must complete the hours required by

Subsection (a) in each of the first two renewal periods following

the issuance of the physician's initial registration permit under

this chapter, with at least one hour to be completed not later than

the first anniversary of the date of issuance.

(c) After the period described by Subsection (b), a

physician must complete at least two hours of continuing education

described by Subsection (a) every eight years.

(d) The hours required by this section may count toward the

continuing education requirements of Section 156.051(a)(2).

(e) The board shall adopt rules to implement this section,

ensuring that the content and delivery of the continuing education

align with current medical standards and guidelines.

SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2025, the Texas

Medical Board shall adopt rules necessary to implement the changes

in law made by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.