Sec. 258.106.  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.