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AN ACT
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relating to the confidentiality of certain information held by a |
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veterinarian. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 801.353, Occupations Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsections (d-1) and (g) and amending Subsection (f) to |
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read as follows: |
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(d-1) The privilege provided by this section is waived by |
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the client or the owner of the animal treated by the veterinarian in |
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a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a debt incurred for |
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veterinary services. |
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(f) A veterinarian does not violate this section by |
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providing the name or address of a client, or the rabies vaccination |
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status of a specific client's specific animal, to a public health |
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authority, veterinarian, [or] physician, or other licensed health |
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care professional |
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who requests the identity of the client to obtain |
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information for: |
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(1) the verification of a rabies vaccination; [or] |
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(2) other treatment involving a life-threatening |
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situation; or |
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(3) a public health purpose. |
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(g) A public health authority that receives information |
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under Subsection (f) shall maintain the confidentiality of the |
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information, may not disclose the information under Chapter 552, |
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Government Code, and may not use the information for a purpose that |
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does not directly relate to the protection of public health and |
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safety. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 413 was passed by the House on April |
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7, 2011, by the following vote: Yeas 144, Nays 0, 1 present, not |
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voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B. |
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No. 413 on May 19, 2011, by the following vote: Yeas 138, Nays 0, 2 |
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present, not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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I certify that H.B. No. 413 was passed by the Senate, with |
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amendments, on May 16, 2011, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays |
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0. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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APPROVED: __________________ |
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Date |
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__________________ |
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Governor |