Sec. 55.007.  VALIDITY OF RELEASE.  (a)  A release of a cause of action or judgment to which a lien under this chapter may attach is not valid unless:
(1)  the charges of the hospital or emergency medical services provider claiming the lien were paid in full before the execution and delivery of the release;
(2)  the charges of the hospital or emergency medical services provider claiming the lien were paid before the execution and delivery of the release to the extent of any full and true consideration paid to the injured individual by or on behalf of the other parties to the release;  or
(3)  the hospital or emergency medical services provider claiming the lien is a party to the release.
(b)  A judgment to which a lien under this chapter has attached remains in effect until the charges of the hospital or emergency medical services provider claiming the lien are paid in full or to the extent set out in the judgment.
Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3564, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 337, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.