Sec. 531.996. COMMUNICATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY. (a) A person may communicate with the ombudsman relating to a complaint by telephone, by mail, by electronic mail, or by any other means the ombudsman determines to be feasible, secure, and accessible to children and youth.
(b) A communication with the ombudsman is confidential during an investigation or review of a complaint and remains confidential after the complaint is resolved.
(c) The records of the ombudsman are confidential and must be maintained in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the records.
(d) The disclosure of confidential information to the ombudsman under this section or Section 531.995 does not constitute a waiver of confidentiality. Any information disclosed to the ombudsman under this section or Section 531.995 remains confidential and privileged following disclosure.
(e) The ombudsman is not prohibited from communicating with the department or another health and human services agency regarding confidential information disclosed to the ombudsman by the department or agency.
(f) The ombudsman may make reports relating to an investigation of a complaint public after the complaint is resolved. A report may not include information that identifies an individual complainant, client, parent, or employee or any other person involved in the complaint.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1168 (S.B. 830), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
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