Sec. 1001.151.  TEXAS MEDICAL CHILD ABUSE RESOURCES AND EDUCATION SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall establish the Texas Medical Child Abuse Resources and Education System (MEDCARES) grant program to award grants for the purpose of developing and supporting regional programs to improve the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of child abuse and neglect as described by the report submitted to the 80th Legislature by the committee on pediatric centers of excellence relating to abuse and neglect in accordance with Section 266.0031, Family Code, as added by Chapter 1406 (S.B. 758), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007.
(b)  The department may award grants to hospitals or academic health centers with expertise in pediatric health care and a demonstrated commitment to developing basic and advanced programs and centers of excellence for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
(c)  The department shall encourage collaboration among grant recipients in the development of program services and activities.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1238 (S.B. 2080), Sec. 7(a), eff. September 1, 2009.