Sec. 32.005. EXAMINATION WITHOUT CONSENT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF CHILD. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a physician, dentist, or psychologist having reasonable grounds to believe that a child's physical or mental condition has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect may examine the child without the consent of the child, the child's parents, or other person authorized to consent to treatment under this subchapter.
(b) An examination under this section may include X-rays, blood tests, photographs, and penetration of tissue necessary to accomplish those tests.
(c) Unless consent is obtained as otherwise allowed by law, a physician, dentist, or psychologist may not examine a child:
(1) 16 years of age or older who refuses to consent; or
(2) for whom consent is prohibited by a court order.
(d) A physician, dentist, or psychologist examining a child under this section is not liable for damages except for damages resulting from the physician's or dentist's negligence.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 575, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Last modified: September 28, 2016