Texas House Bill HB2133

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to public access to certain hospital inspection and investigation information and materials.

Impact

One principal effect of HB2133 is that it reinforces the confidentiality of sensitive information pertaining to patients and healthcare professionals, which could bolster trust in the reporting and investigation processes. By defining clear boundaries on information disclosure, the bill seeks to protect the privacy of individuals while still allowing some information flow to relevant entities, including law enforcement and regulatory agencies. This could help ensure that investigations can be conducted thoroughly without impeding on patient privacy rights.

Summary

House Bill 2133 addresses the confidentiality of information related to hospital inspections and investigations. The bill amends the Health and Safety Code and establishes guidelines for what information collected during these processes is considered confidential. It aims to clarify that while certain information is confidential and not subject to public disclosure, there are exceptions where such information may be disclosed to authorized parties involved in enforcement actions or bona fide research, provided identifying details are removed.

Contention

Notably, the bill has been met with varying perspectives regarding the balance between transparency and confidentiality in healthcare. Advocates argue that protecting sensitive information is vital in maintaining patient trust and encouraging reporting of violations or concerns within hospital settings. Conversely, some critics may contend that the limits on information disclosure could hinder accountability and transparency regarding hospital operations and the quality of care. The dialogue surrounding this aspect of the bill suggests an ongoing debate about the extent to which public access is necessary for oversight in the healthcare sector.