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House Bill 413 |
House Author: Aycock |
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Effective: 9-1-11 |
Senate Sponsor: Hegar |
House Bill 413 amends the Occupations Code to establish that the veterinarian-client confidentiality privilege provided by state law relating to practice by a veterinarian is waived by the client or owner of an animal treated by a veterinarian in a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a debt incurred for veterinary services. The bill expands the circumstances related to public health under which a veterinarian may provide certain information to a third party but not violate the privilege. The bill requires a public health authority that receives information under the bill's provisions to maintain the confidentiality of the information and prohibits the authority from disclosing the information under state public information laws and from using the information for a purpose that does not directly relate to the protection of public health and safety.