Texas House Bill HB2130

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to access to a deceased person's mental health information.

Impact

If enacted, HB2130 would significantly affect how mental health information is handled post-mortem in the state of Texas. The amendment would expand the ability of family members and legal representatives to access important health information, which could aid in financial, legal, and medical decisions following the death of individuals. This aligns with the broader goal of improving transparency and access to health records for involved parties who are managing the deceased's affairs.

Summary

House Bill 2130 aims to amend existing laws regarding the access to mental health information of deceased individuals. The bill proposes that confidential information can be disclosed to the executor or administrator of a deceased person's estate, as well as to certain relatives. The intention is to ensure that those who are managing the affairs of the deceased have access to necessary health records that may be pertinent to the administration of their estate.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may include concerns over the privacy of deceased persons and how their mental health information is handled after death. Some may argue that there needs to be strict guidelines to protect the confidentiality of mental health records, even post-mortem, to prevent misuse of sensitive information. Balancing the need for access with privacy considerations will likely be a focal point in discussions as the bill progresses.