Important Information

 Notice Regarding Records Requests Containing Protected Health Information

For clients seeking copies of their records:
• If you are represented by an attorney: Please have your attorney submit a written request to my office using one of the contact methods provided.
• If you are representing yourself: Please send your written request through the same contact options.

Additional resources:
• Contact information for Health Care Regulation (HCR) staff: Texas HHS – HCR Program Staff
• Office of the Attorney General’s Health Care Consumer Protection website: Texas Attorney General – Health Care Consumer Protection

Author ~ Christy Bradshaw Schmidt

The required Child Custody Evaluation Training on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, presented by Dr. Sandra Roland on January 9 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. This training is truly outstanding—not only for Child Custody Evaluators, but also for Parenting Facilitators, therapists, and anyone working with court‑involved families. You can register for this training on our website at Texas Chapter AFCC.

The Texas AAML–AFCC Innovations in Child Custody Conference will take place in Austin on September 17–18, 2026. This first‑ever joint conference brings together two leading organizations in the field: the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).

Author ~ Christy Bradshaw Schmidt

  Proposed BHEC Rule Changes – Public Comments Requested

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council has updated its Proposed Rule Changes webpage, where the public can review proposed rules and submit comments. There are a number of significant changes that affect mental health professionals.

The deadline for public comment is 5:00 p.m. on January 11, 2026.

These proposed rules have the potential to shape our day‑to‑day work, our ethical obligations, and the expectations placed on us by both the public and the courts. Public comments are one of the few opportunities we have to ensure that the voices of practicing professionals—those who understand the realities of clinical work, forensic practice, and the needs of families—are part of the rulemaking process.

Thoughtful feedback from the field helps BHEC identify unintended consequences, clarify ambiguous language, and strengthen rules in ways that ultimately protect the public while supporting competent, ethical practice. Even brief comments can make a meaningful difference.

As stated, these changes may significantly affect our work, so I encourage all members to review and respond.

Author ~ Christy Bradshaw Schmidt

  Important Correction for Child Custody Evaluators

I also want to provide an important clarification for our Child Custody Evaluators regarding information shared during the Legislative Update on December 9, 2025. At that time, we informed evaluators that they could request a waiver of the requirement to redact all Social Security numbers and children’s dates of birth in records submitted to the court and/or the attorneys of record.

With the most recent recommended rule changes issued by BHEC, this waiver option will no longer be available should this rule pass. Under the updated recommendations, evaluators will be required to redact all Social Security numbers and all children’s dates of birth without exception.

Author ~ Christy Bradshaw Schmidt

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!