Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 2488	House Author:  Scott
Effective:  5-30-11	Senate Sponsor:  Harris

            House Bill 2488 amends the Family Code to require the custodian of a child's medical, mental health, or drug or alcohol treatment record that is privileged or confidential under other law to release the record, without requiring a further order or release, to an attorney ad litem, a guardian ad litem for the child, or an amicus attorney appointed in a suit affecting the parent‑child relationship who is authorized to access the record.  The bill limits the release of a child's drug or alcohol treatment record that is confidential under federal law only as provided under applicable federal regulations.  The bill specifies that such a disclosure does not affect the confidentiality of the record and that physician fees apply to the disclosure.  The bill prohibits the person provided access to the record from disclosing the record further except as provided by court order or other law and requires records obtained as provided by the bill to be destroyed on termination of the applicable appointment.