The Texas attorney general's office has been asked to clarify whether health professionals dealing with adults who say they were abused as children must report the cases.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Sunday that mental health providers for years have questioned whether child abuse reporting laws apply to adult patients during therapy.
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists last month asked for the review. Chairman Tim Branaman says ethical considerations have been raised, along with the potential negative effects for adult victims.
The 1995 law requires certain professionals, such as doctors, teachers and clergy, to report suspected child abuse within 48 hours of a disclosure.
Attorney General Greg Abbott's office has six months to rule. The office did not immediately return a message Monday from The Associated Press.
