This subchapter sets out laws related to mandatory reporting of certain diseases. It describes who must report positive cases or deaths, who may receive these reports, and the confidentiality of those reports.

On pages 4-7 of this publication, the authors address questions about how protected personal health information may be shared with local authorities during a public health crisis. Be sure to check the updates provided at the end of the document.

This bulletin from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services discusses HIPAA regulations and COVID-19. It lists some regulations that have been temporarily suspended and discusses when and how protected health information may be disclosed.

This page describes the Texas DSHS's efforts related to contact tracing, "a method used to find and follow up with people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19."

This page from the Texas Department of State Health services is written for those who have been identified as a "contact" of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It answers frequently asked questions about their contact tracing efforts.

This website allows you to ask a lawyer a legal question in writing for free. You can even upload documents for an attorney to review.

Our Legal Help guide has information on free legal hotlines, legal clinics, and legal aid organizations, as well as information on how to find a lawyer who could represent you.

Questions? Ask us! Librarians at the State Law Library can provide information about the law, but cannot give legal advice.