Sec. 531.996.  COMMUNICATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY.  (a) A person may communicate with an 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.
(b)  A communication with an ombudsman is confidential during an investigation or review of a complaint and remains confidential after the complaint is resolved.
(c)  The records of an ombudsman are confidential and must be maintained in a manner that preserves the confidentiality of the records.
(d)  The disclosure of confidential information to an ombudsman under this subchapter does not constitute a waiver of confidentiality. Any information disclosed to the ombudsman under this subchapter remains confidential and privileged following disclosure.
(e)  An ombudsman is not prohibited from communicating with the commission or department regarding confidential information disclosed to the ombudsman.
(f)  An 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.
Amended by: 
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 741 (H.B. 3462), Sec. 14, eff. June 12, 2023.