VIDEO TESTIMONY OF CERTAIN PROFESSIONALS

(a) In this section, "professional" has the meaning assigned by Section 261.101(b). (b) In a proceeding brought by the Department of Family and Protective Services concerning a child who is alleged in a suit to have been abused or neglected, the court may order that the testimony of a professional be taken outside the courtroom by videoconference: (1) on the agreement of the department's counsel and respondent's counsel; or (2) if good cause exists, on the court's own motion. (c) In ordering testimony to be taken as provided by Subsection (b), the court shall ensure that the videoconference testimony allows: (1) the parties and attorneys involved in the proceeding to be able to see and hear the professional as the professional testifies; and (2) the professional to be able to see and hear the parties and attorneys examining the professional while the professional is testifying. (d) If the court permits the testimony of a professional by videoconference as provided by this section to be admitted during the proceeding, the professional may not be compelled to be physically present in court during the same proceeding to provide the same testimony unless ordered by the court.