Ex Parte John M. Abell

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that the trial court's contempt order was void because it exceeded permissible discovery, that the confidentiality statute Article 5561h applies retroactively and therefore bars disclosure of patient identities, and that the interrogatory sought privileged information. The Court discharged Abell and reversed the lower court's contempt judgment. Justice Spears dissented, arguing the statute does not protect the sexual‑contact inquiries.