Texas § OC.258.106 - EXCEPTION TO PRIVILEGE FOR CERTAIN DISCLOSURES BY DENTIST

§ OC.258.106. EXCEPTION TO PRIVILEGE FOR CERTAIN DISCLOSURES BY DENTIST

EXCEPTION TO PRIVILEGE FOR CERTAIN DISCLOSURES BY DENTIST. (a) The privilege does not apply to the disclosure of information by a dentist to: (1) a governmental agency, if: (A) the disclosure is required by another law; and (B) the agency agrees to keep confidential the identity of a patient whose dental record is disclosed; (2) medical or law enforcement personnel, if the dentist determines that it is more likely than not that the following will occur: (A) imminent physical injury to the patient, the dentist, or others; or (B) immediate mental or emotional injury to the patient; (3) a person in relation to a management or financial audit, program evaluation, or research, if the person agrees to keep confidential the identity of a patient whose dental record is disclosed; (4) a person involved in the payment or collection of fees for services rendered by a dentist, if necessary; or (5) another dentist, or a person under the direction of the dentist, who participates in the diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of the patient. (b) A person who receives information under Subsection (a)(3) may not disclose a patient's identity in writing. (c) A record reflecting a charge or specific service provided may be disclosed only when necessary in the collection of fees for a service provided by a dentist, professional association, or other entity qualified to provide or arrange for a service. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.086(b), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.