and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to allow physicians to provide a child’s medical records to a court-appointed guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem. Sen. Chris Harris (R-Arlington) sponsored the bill in the Senate. The measure took effect immediately after passage. Texas Court Appointed Special Ad-


vocates (CASA), a network of 69 local CASA programs with more than 6,600 volunteers who provide aid to nearly 21,000 children in the state’s foster care system, sought passage of the bill. Andrea Sparks, director of public pol-


icy and outreach for Texas CASA, says the CASA volunteers serve children re- moved from their homes by the Texas Department of Child Protective Services. Because many have medical or mental health needs, their volunteer guardians need access to their medical records. Under previous provisions of the Tex-


as Family Code, physicians were permit- ted to provide medical records to CASA volunteers but there was some confusion as to whether this was a violation of the HIPAA privacy provisions. HB 2488 amends the family code to require physi- cians to provide the records. TMA worked with Texas CASA to


make sure physicians retain the right to charge for medical records, if necessary. Ms. Sparks says many physicians, how- ever, provide records to CASA volunteers for free. The volunteers are unpaid, so they otherwise would have to pay for the records out of their own pockets. Attorneys ad litem, however, can re-


ceive reimbursement from the courts for the cost of medical records. CASA volunteers are trained to ad-


vocate for children in foster care. Vol- unteer advocates get to know the child and speak to everyone involved in the child’s life. The information they gather and


their recommendations help the court overseeing the cases make informed de- cisions. CASA volunteers work to move children through the foster care system and into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. More information about Texas CASA


is at www.texascasa.org. For information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.BecomeACASA.org.


Be the voice of medicine


Most physicians know that the Texas Medical Association and TMA Alliance work actively throughout every session of the Texas Legislature to lobby, advo- cate, and educate lawmakers on TMA’s issues. The results of those efforts during the 82nd Texas Legislature yielded better public policy, improving physicians’ abil- ity to treat your patients. However, you might not be aware


that TMA’s political arm, the Texas Medi- cal Association Political Action Commit- tee (TEXPAC), is hard at work during the periods between legislative session edu- cating legislators and TMA members on how best to address the state’s pressing health care delivery challenges. Long be- fore the legislature convenes every other January, TEXPAC identifies policy solu- tions by establishing a political narrative helping to lead the legislature to positive results.


But TEXPAC needs your help. “Every TMA physician should consider


their role within the organization. Every- one has something to offer to improve our bottom line,” said TEXPAC Chair Joe Todd, MD, of Fort Worth. “Every legisla- tor and candidate wishes to gain the sup- port of their local physician community. If you have or would like to have a rela- tionship with your state senator or state representative, now is the time to reach out. In the coming months, you might consider educating your legislator on our issues and why they are important to your patients, your practice, and your profession.” TEXPAC officials say it should be no


surprise to anyone that our legislators are overwhelmed by the number of is- sues and bills they must deal with during a session, drinking from the proverbial fire hydrant as they attempt to solve all the state’s complex and pressing issues. That is why TEXPAC urges you and your colleagues to reach out now. Visiting with your legislator now can help TMA gain allies whom the association can count on during the next session. “Accountability starts at home and dur-


Promote Health and Wellness.


Immunize. Get involved with the Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise — ImmunizeSM program and host an immunization outreach event.


Vaccinations are important, effective, and safe.


For more information, visit our Web site at www.texmed.org/bewise, or contact the TMA Be Wise coordinator at (512) 370-1470 or bewisecoordinator@texmed.org.


Be Wise — Immunize is a joint initiative led by TMA physicians and the TMA Alliance, and funded by the TMA Foundation.


ing the campaign portion of the two-year legislative cycle,” Dr. Todd said. “If you don’t know where your member stands on clinical autonomy, scope of practice, insurance, Medicaid, tort reform, public health, etc., go ask him or her.” TEXPAC encourages physicians to


visit with local colleagues and county medical society leaders to coordinate lo- cal meetings to review these issues with your legislator. You can find the Candidate Briefing Document on the TEXPAC website at www.texpac.org. Further, you can con- tact either the TMA Division of Public Affairs or TEXPAC to gain additional in- sight on how your member might cur- rently view these issues prior to your meeting. n


Ken Ortolon is senior editor of Texas Medicine. You can reach him by telephone at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1392, or (512) 370-1392; by fax at (512) 370-1629; or by email at ken.ortolon@texmed.org.


Be Wise — Immunize is a registered service mark of the Texas Medical Association.


TxMed - 1/6 V: 2 1/4 x 4 13/16 October 2011 TEXAS MEDICINE 57


Promote Health and Wellness. Immunize.


Get involved with the Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise — ImmunizeSM program and host an immunization outreach event.


Vaccinations are important, effective, and safe.


For more information, visit our Web site at www.texmed.org/be- wise, or contact the TMA Be Wise coordinator at (512) 370-1470 or bewisecoordinator@texmed.org.


Be Wise — Immunize is a joint initiative led by TMA physicians and the TMA Alliance, and funded by the TMA Foundation.


Promote Health and Wellness. Immunize.


Get involved with the Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise — ImmunizeSM program and host an immunization outreach event. Vaccinations are important, effective, and safe.


For more information, visit our Web site at www.texmed.org/ bewise, or contact the TMA Be Wise coordinator at (512) 370-1470 or bewisecoordinator@texmed.org.


Be Wise — Immunize is a joint initiative led by TMA physicians and the TMA Alliance, and funded by the TMA Foundation.


Be Wise — Immunize is a registered service mark of the Texas Medical Association.


TxMed - 1/6 H: 4 11/16 x 2 3/8


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