86R7062 SOS-F
By: Seliger S.B. No. 1750
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain confidential or privileged information related
to veterinary care or treatment.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 801.353, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsections (d-2) and (f-1) and amending Subsection (g) to
read as follows:
(d-2) The privilege provided by this section is waived by
the client or the owner of the animal treated by the veterinarian
with respect to information regarding the animal's care and
treatment by the veterinarian that the client or owner publishes in
a public forum.
(f-1) A veterinarian does not violate this section by
providing to a veterinarian or an appropriate governmental entity
information regarding:
(1) the prescribing, dispensing, or requesting of a
controlled substance; or
(2) cruelty to or an attack of an animal.
(g) A public health authority or other governmental entity
that receives information under Subsection (f) or (f-1) 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 law
enforcement or the protection of public health and safety.
SECTION 2. Section 801.353, Occupations Code, as amended by
this Act, applies only to the disclosure or release of information
under that section on or after the effective date of this Act. The
disclosure or release of information before that date is governed
by the law in effect on the date of the disclosure or release, and
the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.