CONSULTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS WITH OUTSIDE PARTIES

(a) The department and review committee may consult with any relevant experts and stakeholders, including: (1) anesthesiologists; (2) intensivists or critical care physicians; (3) nutritionists; (4) substance abuse treatment specialists; (5) hospital staff or employees; (6) representatives of the state Medicaid program; (7) paramedics or other emergency medical response personnel; (8) hospital-based risk management specialists; (9) representatives of local health departments and public health districts in this state; (10) public health experts; (11) government representatives or officials; and (12) law enforcement officials. (b) In gathering information, the department and review committee may consult with representatives of any relevant state professional associations and organizations, including: (1) District XI of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; (2) the Texas Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; (3) the Texas Nurses Association; (4) the Texas Section of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; (5) the Texas Academy of Family Physicians; (6) the Texas Pediatric Society; (7) the Consortium of Texas Certified Nurse-Midwives; (8) the Association of Texas Midwives; (9) the Texas Hospital Association; (10) the Texas Medical Association; and (11) the Texas Public Health Association. (c) In consulting with individuals or organizations under Subsection (a) or (b), a member of the review committee or employee of the department may not disclose any identifying information of a patient or health care provider. (d) The department on behalf of the review committee may enter into agreements with institutions of higher education or other organizations consistent with the duties of the department or review committee under this chapter.