(a)A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and a client. (b)Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a veterinarian shall not disclose any information concerning the veterinarian's care for an animal except: (1)on written or oral authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or (2)on receipt by the veterinarian of an appropriate court order or subpoena. (c)A veterinarian may, without authorization by the client, disclose information contained in a rabies certificate to a governmental entity only for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety. [In accordance with §18E of the Veterinary Licensing Act, a licensed veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and a client, and may not be required to disclose any information concerning the veterinarian's care for an animal except on written authorization or another form of waiver executed by the client or on receipt by the veterinarian of an appropriate court order, or subpoena duces tecum. Another form of waiver includes verbal authorization by the client. Confidentiality extends to care and treatment of the animal, but does not preclude the veterinarian from divulging the name and address of the animal owner to any health authority, veterinarian, or physician who requests the identity of the client for purposes of obtaining the information to verify rabies vaccinations or other treatment involving life threatening situations.]
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on June 22, 2004
TRD-200404162 Julie A. Barker
Executive Assistant
Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Proposed date of adoption: October 14, 2004
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555
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