Question:  I received a request from the Dept. of Human Services Adult Protective Services Division requesting financial info on one of our customers.  She referred me to Chapter 48 of the Human Resources Code, sub 154 on Access to Records or Documents.  Do you mind checking that out for me to see if it is legit and whether we need a subpoena or other document to be able to release this information?

 

Answer:   Go to Human Resources Code §§ 48.051 – 48.054 to get a fuller picture of what is going on.  Section 48.051 is the requirement to report, §48.052 is the penalty for failure to report, §48.053 is the penalty for filing a false report, and §48.054 provides immunity for reporting.  You don't need a subpoena to release the information, but I would ask for a request on department letterhead and the name of an individual and some identification like a badge number to make sure you are turning the information over to APS and not someone posing as someone from APS.