Sec. 801.353. CONFIDENTIALITY; WAIVER. (a) A veterinarian may not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and the veterinarian's client.

(b) A veterinarian may not be required to release information concerning the veterinarian's care of an animal, except on the veterinarian's receipt of:

(1) a written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or

(2) an appropriate court order or subpoena.

(c) A veterinarian who releases information as required under Subsection (b) is not liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting from the disclosure.

(d) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner of an animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at issue in a civil or criminal proceeding:

(1) the nature and extent of the animal's injuries; or

(2) the care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.

(d-1) The privilege provided by this section is waived by the client or the owner of the animal treated by the veterinarian in a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a claim for the provision of or a debt incurred for veterinary services.

(e) This section does not apply to an inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board.

(f) A veterinarian does not violate this section by providing the name or address of a client, or the rabies vaccination status of a specific client's specific animal, to a public health authority, veterinarian, physician, or other licensed health care professional who requests the identity of the client to obtain information for:

(1) the verification of a rabies vaccination;

(2) other treatment involving a life-threatening situation; or

(3) a public health purpose.

(g) A public health authority that receives information under Subsection (f) shall maintain the confidentiality of the information, may not disclose the information under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not use the information for a purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 971 (H.B. 1767), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 231 (H.B. 413), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 411 (S.B. 811), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2011.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 161 (S.B. 1093), Sec. 14.003, eff. September 1, 2013.