81R13884 UM-F
 
  By: Hilderbran H.B. No. 3831
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to persons authorized to receive certain medical or
  treatment information.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 611, Health and Safety Code, is amended
  by adding Section 611.009 to read as follows:
         Sec. 611.009.  APPLICATION FOR DISCLOSURE.  (a)  A person may
  apply to a county or district court with probate jurisdiction for a
  court order allowing access to confidential information relating to
  the patient if the person:
               (1)  is a member of the patient's family or is the
  patient's caregiver;
               (2)  provides financial, emotional, or other
  substantial support to the patient; and
               (3)  enhances or facilitates the treatment, care, or
  well-being of the patient.
         (b)  The court may deny access to any portion of a record if
  the court determines that release of that portion would be harmful
  to the patient's physical, mental, or emotional health.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.