Montana § 50-16-535 - When Health Care Information Available By Compulsory Process
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 50-16-535 — When Health Care Information Available By Compulsory Process, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-16-535. When Health Care Information Available By Compulsory Process
When health care information available by compulsory process. (1) Health care information may not be disclosed by a health care provider pursuant to compulsory legal process or discovery in any judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding unless: (a) the patient has authorized in writing the release of the health care information in response to compulsory process or a discovery request; (b) the patient has waived the right to claim confidentiality for the health care information sought; (c) the patient is a party to the proceeding and has placed the patient's physical or mental condition in issue; (d) the patient's physical or mental condition is relevant to the execution or witnessing of a will or other document; (e) the physical or mental condition of a deceased patient is placed in issue by any person claiming or defending through or as a beneficiary of the patient; (f) a patient's health care information is to be used in the patient's commitment proceeding; (g) the health care information is for use in any law enforcement proceeding or investigation in which a health care provider is the subject or a party, except that health care information so obtained may not be used in any proceeding against the patient unless the matter relates to payment for the patient's health care or unless authorized under subsection (1)(j); (h) the health care information is relevant to a proceeding brought under 50-16-551 through 50-16-553 ; (i) the health care information is relevant to a proceeding brought under Title 41, chapter 3; (j) a court has determined that particular health care information is subject to compulsory legal process or discovery because the party seeking the information has demonstrated that there is a compelling state interest that outweighs the patient's privacy interest; (k) the health care information is requested pursuant to an investigative subpoena issued under 46-4-301 or a similar federal law; or (l) the health care information is requested pursuant to an administrative subpoena as required in investigative and disciplinary proceedings before a professional or occupational licensing board as defined in 37-1-302 or license program as defined in 37-1-401 . (2) This part does not authorize the disclosure of health care information by compulsory legal process or discovery in any judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding in which disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law.
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 50-16-535
What does Montana Code Annotated § 50-16-535 cover?
Section 50-16-535 ("When Health Care Information Available By Compulsory Process") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 50-16-535?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 50-16-535" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 50-16-535 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.