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Human Trafficking Education for Texas Healthcare Professionals

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery and a significant global public health and human rights issue. It is a multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise occurring in every region of the world, including all 50 U.S. states. According to the most recent global estimates, approximately 49.6 million people were living in situations of forced labor or forced marriage in 2021. Individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds may be affected. Survivors may experience sex trafficking, forced labor in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, or domestic work, wage theft, coercion, violence, and unsafe living or working conditions.

The purpose of this educational offering is to equip healthcare professionals with current, evidence-based knowledge regarding human trafficking. Participants will learn how to recognize potential indicators of trafficking, provide trauma-informed care, identify available community and legal support services, and understand the mandatory reporting requirements applicable in Texas.

This course meets the Texas Board of Nursing continuing education requirements for human trafficking prevention and is approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in accordance with House Bill 2059 (2019).

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

Define human trafficking under federal and Texas law and differentiate between force, fraud, coercion, and labor trafficking.
Identify common physical, psychological, and reproductive health consequences associated with human trafficking.
Recognize clinical indicators and red flags of potential human trafficking in healthcare settings.
Explain mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare providers under Texas Family Code §261 and Texas Human Resources Code §48.
Select appropriate referral resources and community-based services available to trafficking survivors.
Distinguish the role of healthcare professionals from that of law enforcement in trafficking cases.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Overview of Human Trafficking

Global Statistics and Barriers to Accurate Data
Definitions of Human Trafficking
Where Healthcare Providers May Encounter Victims
Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking
Stages of Grooming
Male Survivors of Trafficking
Trafficker Profiles and Recruitment Techniques
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) and Texas Law

Chapter 2: Health Impacts of Human Trafficking

Acute and Chronic Health Issues Commonly Seen With Trafficking
Mental Health Impacts of Trafficking
Trauma Bonds and Human Trafficking
Impact on Quality of Life, Autonomy, and Independence
Post-Trafficking Recovery

Chapter 3: Identification, Assessment, Response

Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking in Healthcare Settings
Potential Indicators of Trafficking
Challenges to Identification and Response
Survivor Barriers to Disclosure
Tips for Conducting Interviews
Importance of Language Interpreters
Possible Implications of Law Enforcement Involvement
Patient-Centered Care: Assessment, Intervention, Response
Healthcare Provider and Patient Safety
Strategies for Private Conversations
Facility and Organizational Protocols

Chapter 4: Community Resources and Services Available

Introduction to Community Resources
Federal Programs Supporting Survivors
Texas-Specific Reporting and Resources
Community-Based Services
Human Trafficking & Legal Services
Immigration Relief for Trafficking Survivors
Trauma-Informed, Survivor-Centered Referrals
Role of Healthcare Organizations
Community Awareness and the Role of Every Professional

Chapter 5: References

California BON Required Implicit Bias Information

Price: $24.00

Contact Hours: 2

Course Author

Kendall Moore

Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She has a deep passion for nutrition and hormone health, is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, and is currently enrolled in Pacific College's RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program. Upon graduation, Kendall intends to begin a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program to further expand her expertise.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the company while simultaneously attending school and authoring educational courses. Her unique blend of leadership, clinical knowledge, and dedication to holistic health reflects her commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.