By: Aycock (Senate Sponsor - Hegar) H.B. No. 413

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 11, 2011; April 20, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs; May 11, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 3, Nays 0; May 11, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the confidentiality of certain information held by a veterinarian.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 801.353, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d-1) and (g) and amending Subsection (f) to read as follows:

(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 debt incurred for veterinary services.

(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, or physician who requests the identity of the client to obtain information for:

(1) the verification of a rabies vaccination; [or]

(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.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

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