The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §573.27, concerning Observance of Confidentiality, without changes to the proposed text as published in the July 9, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 6518).

The amendments update the statutory references contained in the section and increase the readability of the section. An important exception to veterinarian-client-patient confidentiality is contained in the Health and Safety Code, §826.0211, which allows information contained in a rabies certificate to be released to a governmental entity only for purposes related to protection of public health and safety. This exception to confidentiality is re-stated in the section to increase public awareness of the provision.

No comments were received concerning the amendment to this section.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Occupations Code, §801.151(a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.