^{By Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, ICE-CCP}

A Texas bill enacted in 2025 requires human trafficking training for all medical assistants. The American Association of Medical Assistants and the Texas Society of Medical Assistants had submitted testimony in favor of this bill.

On June 15, 2026, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued proposed regulations implementing this legislation. The following are excerpts from these proposed regulations:

A human trafficking prevention training course must … include content on the following topics:

(A)   types of human trafficking, including definitions;

(B)   victim vulnerability factors and health impacts;

(C)   how to identify, assess, and respond to human trafficking; and

(D)  resources to support victims.

…

Medical assistants must complete an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention training course.

Comments on the proposed regulations must be submitted by July 16, 2026. The American Association of Medical Assistants will be submitting comments.