H.B. No. 413
 
 
 
 
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, or other licensed health
  care professional
  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.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 413 was passed by the House on April
  7, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 144, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting; and that the House concurred in Senate amendments to H.B.
  No. 413 on May 19, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 138, Nays 0, 2
  present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 413 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 16, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays
  0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor