Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 81.006 – Duty to Report
(a) If a mental health services provider or the employer of a mental health services provider has reasonable cause to suspect that a patient has been the victim of sexual exploitation by a mental health services provider during the course of treatment, or if a patient alleges sexual exploitation by a mental health services provider during the course of treatment, the mental health services provider or the employer shall report the alleged conduct not later than the 30th day after the date the person became aware of the conduct or the allegations to:
(1) the prosecuting attorney in the county in which the alleged sexual exploitation occurred; and
(2) any state licensing board that has responsibility for the mental health services provider’s licensing.
(b) Before making a report under this section, the reporter shall inform the alleged victim of the reporter’s duty to report and shall determine if the alleged victim wants to remain anonymous.
Attorney's Note
Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class C misdemeanor | up to $500 |
Terms Used In Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 81.006
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
(c) A report under this section need contain only the information needed to:
(1) identify the reporter;
(2) identify the alleged victim, unless the alleged victim has requested anonymity; and
(3) express suspicion that sexual exploitation has occurred.
(d) Information in a report is privileged information and is for the exclusive use of the prosecuting attorney or state licensing board that receives the information. A person who receives privileged information may not disclose the information except to the extent that disclosure is consistent with the authorized purposes for which the person first obtained the information. The identity of an alleged victim of sexual exploitation by a mental health services provider may not be disclosed by the reporter, or by a person who has received or has access to a report or record, unless the alleged victim has consented to the disclosure in writing.
(e) A person who intentionally violates Subsection (a) or (d) is subject to disciplinary action by that person’s appropriate licensing board and also commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.