Committee For the Protection of Human Subjects

Texas State Laws

POLICY

It is the policy of UTHSC-H that with the help of legal counsel, UTHSC-H Human Research Protection Program shall ensure that all research activities are compliant with applicable federal and state laws. 

Mandatory Reporting

Child Abuse or Neglect - Professionals are required to report not later than the 48th hour after the professional has cause to believe the child has been or may be abused or is the victim of the offense of indecency with a child and the professional has cause to believe the child has been abused.

Abuse, Neglect or exploitation of Elderly or Disabled Persons - A person having cause to believe that an elderly or disabled person is in the state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall report immediately to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.

Notifiable Condition - A physician, dentist, veterinarian, chiropractor, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or person permitted by law to attend a pregnant woman during gestation or at the delivery of an infant shall report, as required by these sections, each patient (person or animal) he or she shall examine and who has or is suspected of having any notifiable condition, and shall report any outbreak, exotic disease, or unusual group expression of illness of any kind whether or not the disease is known to be communicable or reportable.

Cancer - All laboratories, hospitals, facilities and practitioners are required to report to the Department of Health within 6 months of diagnosis any cancer in an individual if making the initial diagnosis. The report includes the diagnosis, occupation, family history and personal habits of the person diagnosed with cancer.

Review - IRB members are to be aware of the state law that may be relevant to the conduct of human subject research and to apply to the consideration of whether research meets the criteria for approval. IRB members are to be aware of the state law that may be relevant to the conduct of human subjects research and to consider whether disclosure of the implications of the law is required for legally effective informed consent.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

1.       Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 129 Age of Majority

2.       Texas Statutes Health & Safety Code Chapter 313. Consent to Medical Treatment Act

3.       Texas Statutes Family Code Title 2. Chapter 32 Subchapter A. Consent to Treatment of Child by Non-Parent or Child

4.       Texas Family Code Chapter 261, Investigation Of Report Of Child Abuse Or Neglect

5.       Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 97, Control Of Communicable Diseases

6.       Texas Administrative Code  Title 25, Health Services  Part 1, Department of State Health Services  Chapter 91, Cancer  Subchapter A, Cancer Registry  Effective Date: July 9, 2006

7.       Human Resources Code Chapter 48. Investigations And Protective Services For Elderly And Disabled Persons

REFERENCES TO OTHER SOP

1.                   None.

Document Number:	101-A03
Document Name:	State Laws
Approved by:	ORSC Director
Effective:	1 Sep 2008
Revised:	1 Aug 2011