Texas Health and Safety Code 161.652 – Information Regarding Down Syndrome
(a) The department shall make available information regarding Down syndrome that includes:
(1) information addressing physical, developmental, educational, and psychosocial outcomes, life expectancy, clinical course, and intellectual and functional development for individuals with Down syndrome;
(2) information regarding available treatment options for individuals with Down syndrome;
(3) contact information for national and local Down syndrome education and support programs, services, and organizations, including organizations in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, and information hotlines, resource centers, and clearinghouses; and
(4) any other information required by the department.
(b) The information described by Subsection (a) must be:
(1) current, evidence-based information that:
(A) has been reviewed by medical experts and local Down syndrome organizations; and
(B) does not explicitly or implicitly present pregnancy termination as an option when a prenatal test indicates that the unborn child has Down syndrome; and
(2) published in English and Spanish.
Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 161.652
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) The department shall make the information described by Subsection (a) available on the department’s Internet website in a format that may be easily printed. The department may provide the information described by Subsection (a) in writing to health care providers if the department determines that providing written information is cost-effective.