Texas Health and Safety Code 672.006 – Access to Information
(a) A review team may request information and records regarding adult deaths resulting from suicide, family violence, or abuse as necessary to carry out the review team’s purpose and duties. Records and information that may be requested under this section include:
(1) medical, dental, and mental health care information; and
(2) information and records maintained by any state or local government agency, including:
(A) a birth certificate;
(B) law enforcement investigative data;
(C) medical examiner investigative data;
(D) juvenile court records;
(E) parole and probation information and records; and
(F) adult protective services information and records.
(b) On request of the presiding officer of a review team, the custodian of the relevant information or records relating to the deceased adult shall provide the information or records to the review team. A law enforcement agency or a medical examiner may decline to provide investigative data to a review team until after the conclusion of the investigation.
Terms Used In Texas Health and Safety Code 672.006
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Presiding officer: A majority-party Senator who presides over the Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum, recognizing Members to speak, and interpreting the Senate's rules, practices and precedents.
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
(c) This section does not authorize the release of the original or copies of the mental health or medical records of any member of the deceased adult’s family, the guardian or caretaker of the deceased adult, or an alleged or suspected perpetrator of family violence or abuse of the adult that are in the possession of any state or local government agency as provided in Subsection (a)(2). Information relating to the mental health or medical condition of a member of the deceased adult’s family, the guardian or caretaker of the deceased adult, or the alleged or suspected perpetrator of family violence or abuse of the deceased adult acquired as part of an investigation by a state or local government agency as provided in Subsection (a)(2) may be provided to the review team.
(d) This section does not authorize any interference with a criminal investigation, inquest, or autopsy.