Tex. Health & Safety Code Section 161.007
Immunization Registry; Reports to Department


(a)

The department, for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a single repository of accurate, complete, and current immunization records to be used in aiding, coordinating, and promoting efficient and cost-effective communicable disease prevention and control efforts, shall establish and maintain an immunization registry. The executive commissioner by rule shall develop guidelines to:

(1)

protect the confidentiality of patients in accordance with Section 159.002 (Confidential Communications), Occupations Code;

(2)

inform the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative about the registry and that registry information may be released under Section 161.00735 (Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster);

(3)

require the written or electronic consent of the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative before any information relating to the individual is included in the registry;

(4)

permit the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative to withdraw consent for the individual to be included in the registry; and

(5)

determine the process by which consent is verified, including affirmation by a health care provider, birth registrar, regional health information exchange, or local immunization registry that consent has been obtained.

(a-1)

The written or electronic consent required by Subsection (a)(3) for an individual younger than 18 years of age is required to be obtained only one time. The written or electronic consent of the individual’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian must be submitted to the department before the individual’s 18th birthday. After consent is submitted, the individual’s immunization information may be included in the registry until the individual becomes 26 years of age unless the consent is withdrawn in writing or electronically, or renewed after the individual’s 18th birthday as provided by Subsection (a-2). A parent, managing conservator, or guardian of a minor may provide the consent by using an electronic signature on the minor’s birth certificate.

(a-2)

The written or electronic consent required by Subsection (a)(3) for an individual who is 18 years of age or older is required to be obtained only one time and must be received from the individual before the information may be released. An individual’s legally authorized representative or the individual, after the individual has attained 18 years of age, may consent in writing or electronically for the individual’s information to remain in the registry. The consent of the representative or individual is valid until the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative withdraws consent in writing or electronically. The department may not include in the registry the immunization information of an individual who is 26 years of age or older until written or electronic consent has been obtained as provided by this subsection. The department shall coordinate with the Texas Education Agency to distribute materials described in Section 161.0095 (Education Programs and Information)(a)(2) to students and parents through local school districts.

(a-3)

The executive commissioner by rule shall develop guidelines and procedures for obtaining consent from an individual after the individual’s 18th birthday, including procedures for retaining immunization information in a separate database that is inaccessible by any person other than the department during the eight-year period during which an individual who is 18 years of age or older may consent to inclusion in the registry under Subsection (a-2).

(a-4)

After an individual’s 18th birthday, the department shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to an individual whose immunization information is included in the registry with consent that was provided by a parent, managing conservator, or guardian under Subsection (a-1). The reasonable effort shall include at least two attempts by the department to provide the notice required by this subsection by telephone or e-mail, by regular mail to the individual’s last known address, or by general outreach efforts through the individual’s health care provider, school district, or institution of higher education. The notice must inform the individual that the individual’s immunization records will be included in the registry until the date of the individual’s 26th birthday unless the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative:

(1)

withdraws consent in writing or electronically before that date; or

(2)

provides consent for the records to continue to be included in the registry as provided by Subsection (a-2).

(a-5)

After an individual’s 25th birthday, the department shall make a reasonable effort to provide notice to an individual whose immunization information is included in the registry with consent that was provided under Subsection (a-1) and has not been renewed under Subsection (a-2). The reasonable effort shall include at least two attempts by the department to provide the notice required by this subsection by telephone or e-mail, by regular mail to the individual’s last known address, or by general outreach efforts through the individual’s health care provider or institution of higher education. The notice must inform the individual that the individual’s immunization records will be included in the immunization registry until the individual’s 26th birthday unless the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative renews consent as provided by Subsection (a-2).

(a-6)

The department shall make a reasonable effort to obtain current contact information for written or electronic notices sent by the department under Subsection (a-5) that are returned due to incorrect address information.

(b)

Except as provided by Section 161.0071 (Notice of Receipt of Registry Data; Exclusion from Registry), the immunization registry must contain information on the immunization history that is obtained by the department under:

(1)

this section of each individual for whom consent has been obtained in accordance with guidelines adopted under Subsection (a);

(2)

Section 161.00705 (Recording Administration of Immunization and Medication for Disasters and Emergencies) of persons immunized to prepare for or in response to a declared disaster, public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency;

(3)

Section 161.00706 (First Responder Immunization Information) of first responders or their immediate family members; and

(4)

Section 161.00735 (Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster) of persons evacuated or relocated to this state because of a disaster.

(b-1)

The department shall remove from the registry information for any individual for whom consent has been withdrawn. The department may not retain individually identifiable information about any individual:

(1)

for whom consent has been withdrawn;

(2)

for whom a consent for continued inclusion in the registry following the end of the declared disaster, public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency has not been received under Section 161.00705 (Recording Administration of Immunization and Medication for Disasters and Emergencies)(f);

(3)

for whom a request to be removed from the registry has been received under Section 161.00706 (First Responder Immunization Information)(e);

(4)

for whom consent for continued inclusion in the registry following the end of a disaster has not been received under Section 161.00735 (Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster)(f); or

(5)

for whom a request to remove information from the registry has been received under Section 161.00735 (Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster)(g).

(c)

A payor that receives data elements from a health care provider who administers an immunization to an individual younger than 18 years of age shall provide the data elements to the department. A payor is required to provide the department with only the data elements the payor receives from a health care provider. A payor that receives data elements from a health care provider who administers an immunization to an individual 18 years of age or older may provide the data elements to the department. The data elements shall be submitted in a format prescribed by the department. The department shall verify consent before including the reported information in the immunization registry. The department may not retain individually identifiable information about an individual for whom consent cannot be verified.

(d)

A health care provider who administers an immunization to an individual younger than 18 years of age shall provide data elements regarding an immunization to the department. A health care provider who administers an immunization to an individual 18 years of age or older may submit data elements regarding an immunization to the department. At the request and with the authorization of the health care provider, the data elements may be submitted through a health information exchange as defined by Section 182.151 (Definition). The data elements shall be submitted in a format prescribed by the department. The department shall verify consent before including the information in the immunization registry. The department may not retain individually identifiable information about an individual for whom consent cannot be verified.

(e)

The department shall provide notice to a health care provider that submits an immunization history for an individual for whom consent cannot be verified. The notice shall contain instructions for obtaining consent in accordance with guidelines adopted under Subsection (a) and resubmitting the immunization history to the department.

(f)

The department and health care providers may use the registry to provide notices by mail, telephone, personal contact, or other means to an individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative regarding an individual who is due or overdue for a particular type of immunization according to the department’s immunization schedule for children or another analogous schedule recognized by the department for individuals 18 years of age or older. The department shall consult with health care providers to determine the most efficient and cost-effective manner of using the registry to provide those notices.

(g)

The department shall provide instruction and education to providers about the immunization registry provider application and enrollment process. The department shall:

(1)

initially target providers in the geographic regions of the state with immunization rates below the state average for preschool children; and

(2)

expedite the processing of provider applications.

(h)

Nothing in this section diminishes a parent’s, managing conservator’s, or guardian’s responsibility for having a child immunized properly, subject to Section 161.004 (Statewide Immunization of Children)(d).

(i)

A person, including a health care provider, payor, or an employee of the department who submits or obtains in good faith immunization data elements to or from the department in compliance with the provisions of this section and any rules adopted under this section is not liable for any civil damages.

(j)

Except as provided by Sections 161.00705 (Recording Administration of Immunization and Medication for Disasters and Emergencies), 161.00706 (First Responder Immunization Information), 161.00735 (Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster)(b), and 161.008 (Immunization Record), information obtained by the department for the immunization registry is confidential and may be disclosed only with the written or electronic consent of the individual or the individual’s legally authorized representative.

(k)

The executive commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 900, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 14.780, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1081, Sec. 2.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 258 (S.B. 11), Sec. 12.03, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 346), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 35 (S.B. 347), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.0459, eff. April 2, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 764 (H.B. 2171), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1085 (H.B. 2641), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2015.

Source: Section 161.007 — Immunization Registry; Reports to Department, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.­161.­htm#161.­007 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

161.0001
Definitions
161.001
Liability of Person Who Orders or Administers Immunization
161.002
Inadmissibility of Immunization Survey Information
161.003
Immunization Reminder Notices
161.004
Statewide Immunization of Children
161.005
Immunizations Required
161.006
Department Immunization Service
161.007
Immunization Registry
161.008
Immunization Record
161.009
Penalties for Disclosure of Information
161.010
Immunization Education
161.011
Permission Required
161.012
Criminal Penalties
161.021
Authorization to Provide Information
161.022
Use and Publication Restrictions
161.023
No Liability for Reports to Medical Committee
161.024
Application to Health Maintenance Organization
161.031
Medical Committee Defined
161.032
Records and Proceedings Confidential
161.033
Immunity for Committee Members
161.041
Mandatory Reporting of Gunshot Wounds
161.0041
Immunization Exemption Affidavit Form
161.042
Mandatory Reporting of Controlled Substance Overdoses
161.043
Criminal Penalty
161.044
Controlled Substance Overdose Information Repository
161.045
Mandatory Reporting of Controlled Substance Overdoses for Public Safety Mapping
161.0051
Required Immunizations for Nursing Homes
161.0052
Immunization of Elderly Persons by Hospitals, End Stage Renal Disease Facilities, and Physicians’ Offices
161.061
Laboratory Information Required
161.062
Grounds for License Denial
161.071
Minimum Guidelines for Human Donor Milk Banks
161.0071
Notice of Receipt of Registry Data
161.0072
Providing Immunization Information to Department
161.0073
Registry Confidentiality
161.0074
Report to Legislature
161.0075
Immunity from Liability
161.0076
Compliance with Federal Law
161.081
Definitions
161.084
Warning Notice
161.085
Notification of Employees and Agents
161.086
Vendor Assisted Sales Required
161.087
Distribution of Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, or Tobacco Products
161.088
Enforcement
161.089
Preemption of Local Law
161.090
Reports of Violation
161.0095
Education Programs and Information
161.0101
Increase Immunization Awareness
161.101
Tests for Exposure to Lead
161.0102
Vaccines for Children Program
161.0104
Disaster Preparation
161.0105
Limitation on Liability
161.0106
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
161.0107
Electronic Medical Records Systems
161.0108
Injunction
161.0109
Human Papillomavirus
161.121
Definitions
161.122
Prohibition Relating to Certain Signs
161.123
Advertising Fee
161.125
Administrative Penalty
161.131
Definitions
161.132
Reports of Abuse and Neglect or of Illegal, Unprofessional, or Unethical Conduct
161.133
Inservice Training
161.134
Retaliation Against Employees Prohibited
161.135
Retaliation Against Nonemployees Prohibited
161.136
Brochure Relating to Sexual Exploitation
161.137
Penalties
161.201
Definition
161.202
Fees
161.203
Distribution of Records
161.204
Application of Other Law
161.0211
Epidemiologic or Toxicologic Investigations
161.0212
Right of Entry
161.0213
Confidentiality
161.251
Definitions
161.252
Possession, Purchase, Consumption, or Receipt of Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, or Tobacco Products by Minors Prohibited
161.253
E-cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program
161.255
Expungement of Conviction
161.256
Jurisdiction of Courts
161.257
Application of Other Law
161.301
Tobacco and E-cigarette Use Public Awareness Campaign
161.302
Grant Program for Youth Groups
161.0315
Authority of Governing Body to Form Committee to Evaluate Medical and Health Care Services
161.351
Definitions
161.352
Report to Department
161.354
Public Information
161.355
Injunction
161.356
Compliance with Federal Law
161.401
Definitions
161.402
Material Safety Data Sheet Required
161.403
Injunction
161.404
Civil Penalty
161.405
Recovery of Costs
161.406
Administrative Penalty
161.407
Remedies Cumulative
161.451
Definitions
161.452
Requirements for Delivery Sales
161.453
Age Verification Requirement
161.454
Disclosure Requirements
161.456
Registration and Reporting Requirements
161.457
Collection of Taxes
161.458
General Offenses
161.459
Knowing Violation
161.460
Civil Penalty for Nonpayment of Tax
161.461
Forfeiture
161.462
Enforcement
161.471
Definitions
161.472
Formation of Kidney Sharing Pool and Distribution to Longest Waiting Patients
161.473
Discrimination on Basis of Disability Prohibited
161.501
Resource Pamphlet and Resource Guide Provided to Parents of Newborn Children
161.502
Duties of Department, Executive Commissioner, and Commission
161.503
Liability Not Created
161.551
Definitions
161.552
Directory of Services
161.601
Purpose
161.602
Definitions
161.603
Fee Imposed
161.604
Rate of Fee
161.605
Distributor’s Report and Payment of Monthly Fee
161.606
Report to Attorney General Before Offering Non-settling Manufacturer Cigarettes or Cigarette Tobacco Products for Sale or Distribution in This State
161.607
Penalties for Noncompliance
161.608
Appointment of Agent for Service of Process
161.609
Audit or Inspection
161.610
Comptroller Information Sharing
161.611
Revenue Deposited in General Revenue Fund
161.612
Released Claims
161.613
Application of Subchapter
161.614
Rules
161.651
Definitions
161.652
Information Regarding down Syndrome
161.653
Duty of Health Care Provider
161.681
Notice for Children Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiation
161.701
Definitions
161.702
Prohibited Provision of Gender Transitioning or Gender Reassignment Procedures and Treatments to Certain Children
161.703
Exceptions
161.704
Prohibited Use of Public Money
161.00705
Recording Administration of Immunization and Medication for Disasters and Emergencies
161.705
Prohibited State Health Plan Reimbursement
161.00706
First Responder Immunization Information
161.706
Attorney General Enforcement
161.00707
Information and Education for First Responders
161.00708
Access to First Responder Immunization History
161.00735
Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster
161.0815
Nonapplicability
161.0825
Use of Certain Electronically Readable Information
161.0875
Sale of E-cigarette Nicotine Containers
161.0876
Prohibited E-cigarette Products
161.0901
Disciplinary Action Against Cigarette, E-cigarette, and Tobacco Product Retailers
161.0902
E-cigarette Report
161.0903
Use of Certain Revenue
161.01035
Provider Choice System

Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

§ 161.007’s source at texas​.gov