The bill would amend Family Code to require the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to refer cases for a specialty consultation in certain circumstances. DFPS would be allowed to object to a specialist and propose new specialists and work with the parent, guardian or attorney to select a specialist.
The bill would also require the medical advisory board to assist DFPS in reviewing suspected cases of abuse or neglect and provide an independent evaluation in cases where the conclusion of the forensic assessment conflicts with the opinion of another qualified medical professional.
Based on analysis of DFPS and the Department of State Health Services, this analysis assumes there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill that could be absorbed within current resources.
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.