Sec. 36.003.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Communication disorder" means an abnormality of functioning related to the ability to express and receive ideas.
(1-a)  "Electronic eye chart" means any computerized or other electronic system, device, or method of displaying on an electronic screen medically accepted and properly sized optotypes, which may be letters, numbers, or symbols, a health care practitioner or other person uses to assess an individual's visual acuity.  The term does not include an automated computer program that assesses an individual's visual acuity through the individual's interaction with the program by playing a game.
(2)  "Other benefit" means a benefit, other than a benefit under this chapter, to which an individual is entitled for payment of the costs of remedial services, and includes:
(A)  benefits received under a personal insurance contract; 
(B)  payments received from another person for personal injury caused by the other person's negligence or wrongdoing;  and
(C)  payments received from any other source.
(3)  "Preschool" means an educational or child-care institution that admits children who are three years of age or older but younger than five years of age.
(4)  "Professional examination" means a diagnostic evaluation performed by an appropriately licensed professional or, if the professional is not required to be licensed under the laws of this state, by a certified or sanctioned individual whose area of expertise addresses the diagnostic needs of an individual identified as having a possible special senses or communication disorder.
(5)  "Provider" means a person who provides remedial services to individuals who have special senses and communication disorders, and includes a physician, audiologist, speech pathologist, optometrist, psychologist, hospital, clinic, rehabilitation center, university, or medical school.
(6)  "Remedial services" means professional examinations and prescribed remediation, including prosthetic devices, for individuals with special senses or communication disorders.
(7)  "School" means an educational institution that admits children who are five years of age or older but younger than 21 years of age.
(8)  "Screening" means a test or battery of tests administered to rapidly determine the need for a professional examination.
(9)  "Special senses" means the faculties by which the conditions or properties of things are perceived, and includes vision and hearing.
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 313 (H.B. 1297), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.