HB 1972

relating to requiring coursework in nutrition at public medical
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter F, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.311 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.311.  NUTRITION MEDICAL EDUCATION COURSEWORK.  (a)
In this section, "medical school" means:
(1)  a medical school as defined by Section 61.501; or
(2)  any other institution of higher education, as
defined by Section 61.003, or school, department, or college of
such an institution, that awards medical degrees.
(b)  Each medical school shall include in the curriculum
required for a medical degree at least three hours of coursework in
nutrition.  The coursework must cover, at a minimum, information
(1)  normal caloric intake for healthy adults;
(2)  diet modifications for individuals with food
allergies, diabetes, or other chronic conditions that require diet
(3)  the importance of proper nutrition as a primary
strategy to prevent certain diseases and conditions, such as
diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; and
(4)  additives commonly found in food and beverage
products produced in the United States, as opposed to food and
beverage products produced in foreign countries.
(c)  The coursework required under Subsection (b) may not be
developed, funded, or influenced by a pharmaceutical company or a
(d)  This section does not apply to the requirements for the
degree program of a student who entered the degree program at a
medical school before the 2026 spring semester.  This subsection
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.