47-839. Confidentiality; exceptions; waiver. (a) Except as otherwise provided under K.S.A. 47-622 and 47-624, and amendments thereto, a licensed veterinarian shall not disclose any information concerning the veterinarian's care of an animal except on written authorization or other waiver by the veterinarian's client or on appropriate court order or subpoena. Any veterinarian who releases information under written authorization or other waiver by the client or under court order or subpoena shall not be liable to the client or any other person. The privilege provided by this section shall be waived under the following circumstances: (1) Reporting cruel or inhumane treatment of any animal to federal, state or local governmental agencies; (2) where information is necessary to provide care in an emergency where the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to place the animal's health in serious jeopardy or impair bodily function; (3) where the failure to disclose vaccination information may endanger the public's health, safety or welfare; (4) where the veterinarian's client or the owner of the animal places the veterinarian's care and treatment of the animal or the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil or criminal proceeding; or (5) in relation to any investigation by the board and any subsequent administrative disciplinary action brought by the board.

(b) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the Kansas veterinary practice act.

History: L. 1991, ch. 153, § 2; L. 1999, ch. 25, § 12; L. 2006, ch. 46, § 2; July 1.