H.B. No. 1779
AN ACT
relating to the disclosure in certain judicial proceedings of
confidential communications between a physician and a patient and
confidential patient records.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 159.002, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter
other than Sections 159.003(a)(10) and (c), a communication or
record that is otherwise confidential and privileged under this
section may be disclosed or released by a physician without the
patient's authorization or consent if the disclosure or release is
related to a judicial proceeding in which the patient is a party and
the disclosure or release is requested under a subpoena issued
under:
(1) the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure;
(2) the Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(3) Chapter 121, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
(g) Subsection (f) does not prevent a physician from
claiming, or otherwise limit the authority of a physician to claim,
the privilege of confidentiality on behalf of a patient.
SECTION 2. Section 159.003(a), Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
(a) An exception to the privilege of confidentiality in a
court or administrative proceeding exists:
(1) in a proceeding brought by a patient against a
physician, including:
(A) a malpractice proceeding; or
(B) a criminal proceeding or license revocation
proceeding in which the patient is a complaining witness and
disclosure is relevant to a claim or defense of the physician;
(2) if the patient or a person authorized to act on the
patient's behalf submits a written consent to the release of
confidential information as provided by Section 159.005;
(3) in a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a
claim for medical services provided to the patient;
(4) in a civil action or administrative proceeding, if
relevant, brought by the patient or a person on the patient's
behalf, if the patient or person is attempting to recover monetary
damages for a physical or mental condition including the patient's
death;
(5) in a disciplinary investigation or proceeding
conducted under this subtitle, if the board protects the identity
of any patient whose billing or medical records are examined other
than a patient:
(A) for whom an exception exists under
Subdivision (1); or
(B) who has submitted written consent to the
release of the billing or medical records as provided by Section
159.005;
(6) in a criminal investigation of a physician in
which the board is participating, or assisting in the investigation
or proceeding by providing certain billing or medical records
obtained from the physician, if the board protects the identity of a
patient whose billing or medical records are provided in the
investigation or proceeding other than a patient:
(A) for whom an exception exists under
Subdivision (1); or
(B) who has submitted written consent to the
release of the billing or medical records as provided by Section
159.005;
(7) in an involuntary civil commitment proceeding,
proceeding for court-ordered treatment, or probable cause hearing
under Chapter 462, 574, or 593, Health and Safety Code;
(8) if the patient's physical or mental condition is
relevant to the execution of a will;
(9) if the information is relevant to a proceeding
brought under Section 159.009;
(10) in a criminal prosecution in which the patient is
a victim, witness, or defendant;
(11) to satisfy a request for billing or medical
records of a deceased or incompetent person under Section
74.051(e), Civil Practice and Remedies Code; or
(12) to a court or a party to an action under a court
order [or court subpoena].
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1779 was passed by the House on May 5,
2015, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
No. 1779 on May 23, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 129, Nays 0,
1 present, not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1779 was passed by the Senate, with
amendments, on May 22, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays
0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor