A. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and its employees, independent contractors, appointed committee members, or other agents shall keep confidential, all information obtained:

1. During an investigation of citizen complaints into allegations of violations of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act, including:

a.any review or investigation made to determine whether to allow an applicant to take an examination, or

b.whether the Board shall grant a certificate, license, or permit; and

2. In the course of conducting an investigation, including:

a.investigative reports provided to the Board by a registrant, and

b.examinations and test scores.

B. To ensure the confidentiality of the information for the protection of the affected individual or entity, the information obtained shall not be deemed to be a record as that term is defined in the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

C. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, information obtained by the Board or any of its agents shall be considered competent evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction only in matters directly related to actions of the Board and the affected individual or entity as a result of the Board obtaining the information and the information shall not be admissible as evidence in any other type of civil or criminal action.

D. At the discretion of the Board or any committee designated by the Board and in the interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, any information contained in the investigation files of the Board may upon request be provided to the following:

1. Any board or commission of the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States which exercises disciplinary authority; and

2. Any law enforcement agency which makes a proper showing that such information is necessary to conduct or complete a pending investigation of a crime not covered by the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 78, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004. Amended by Laws 2006, c. 72, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.