Sec. 574.006. NOTICE. (a) The proposed patient and his attorney are entitled to receive a copy of the application and written notice of the time and place of the hearing immediately after the date for the hearing is set.

(b) A copy of the application and the written notice shall be delivered in person or sent by certified mail to the proposed patient's:

(1) parent, if the proposed patient is a minor;

(2) appointed guardian, if the proposed patient is the subject of a guardianship; or

(3) each managing and possessory conservator that has been appointed for the proposed patient.

(c) Notice may be given to the proposed patient's next of kin if the relative is the applicant and the parent cannot be located and a guardian or conservator has not been appointed.

(d) Notice of the time and place of any hearing and of the name, telephone number, and address of any attorneys known or believed to represent the state or the proposed patient shall be furnished to any person stating that that person has evidence to present upon any material issue, without regard to whether such evidence is on behalf of the state or of the proposed patient. The notice shall not include the application, medical records, names or addresses of other potential witnesses, or any other information whatsoever. Any clerk, judge, magistrate, court coordinator, or other officer of the court shall provide such information and shall be entitled to judicial immunity in any civil suit seeking damages as a result of providing such notice. Should such evidence be offered at trial and the adverse party claim surprise, the hearing may be continued under the provisions of Section 574.005, and the person producing such evidence shall be entitled to timely notice of the date and time of such continuance.

Any officer, employee, or agent of the department shall refer any inquiring person to the court authorized to provide the notice if such information is in the possession of the department. The notice shall be provided in the form that is most understandable to the person making such inquiry.

Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 623, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.