Texas Health and Safety Code - HEALTH & SAFETY § 104.042. Data Collection

(a) The executive commissioner by rule shall establish reasonable procedures for the collection of data by the department from health care facilities and for the distribution of data necessary to facilitate and expedite proper and effective health planning and resource development.

(b) The executive commissioner by rule shall specify the type of data required, the entities required to submit the data, and the period during which the data must be submitted.

(c) The department, in accordance with rules adopted by the statewide health coordinating council, shall collect and distribute data necessary to support specific state health plan goals.

(d) The department shall file, index, and periodically publish in a coherent manner summaries or analyses of the data collected.

(e) Data received by the department under this section containing information identifying specific patients is confidential, is not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be released unless the information identifying the patient is removed. This subsection does not authorize the release of information that is confidential under Chapter 108.