TX SB2886

Creates a new occupational license for child life specialists through the Department of State Health Services, requiring individuals to be at least 18 years old and pay a $120 license fee ($90 for renewal) to provide psychosocial support services to pediatric patients and children of seriously ill adult patients

Establishes optional specialty certifications ($90 initial, $70 renewal) in areas including palliative care/hospice, neurodiverse populations, trauma-informed care, grief and bereavement, disaster relief, critical care, hematology/oncology, and community-based services, requiring completion of at least 12 continuing education units

Requires Medicaid to reimburse child life specialists for services provided to recipients and mandates the Health and Human Services Commission to establish a separate provider type for child life specialists in the Medicaid program

Mandates all health benefit plans, including state employee plans, teacher retirement plans, and CHIP, to cover child life services provided by licensed specialists, with equal coverage required for telehealth and telemedicine delivery

Takes effect September 1, 2025, with compliance required by March 1, 2026, and insurance coverage requirements applying to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026