SECTION 573.28. Observance of Confidentiality

(a) A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and a client.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a veterinarian shall not disclose any information concerning the relationship between the veterinarian and the client or the veterinarian's care for an animal except:

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

(2) for law enforcement purposes or on receipt by the veterinarian of an appropriate court order or subpoena;

(3) as necessary to substantiate and collect on a debt incurred by a client for veterinary services; or

(4) as part of a good faith effort to determine ownership of the animal.

(c) A veterinarian may, without authorization by the client, disclose information contained in a rabies certificate or any information regarding reportable communicable diseases to a governmental entity only for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety.

Source Note: The provisions of this §573.28 adopted to be effective June 14, 2012, 37 TexReg 4229; amended to be effective August 17, 2015, 40 TexReg 5154; amended to be effective February 24, 2019, 44 TexReg 707