(a) The board of regents of The University of Texas System may operate The University of Texas Health Science Center–South Texas as provided by § 79.02, with its administrative offices to be located in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties. The health science center shall consist of a medical school, as provided by § 74.752, other health and health-related degree programs, and related programs and facilities as the board considers appropriate.
(b) The board of regents may include facilities located in Bee, Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata Counties in the health science center and may operate programs and activities and provide related services of the center in those counties.