47-839. Confidentiality; exceptions; waiver. - Kansas Statutes

47-839

Chapter 47.--LIVESTOCK AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS Article 8.--REGISTRATION OF VETERINARIANS

      47-839.   Confidentiality; exceptions;waiver.(a) Except as otherwise provided under K.S.A. 47-622 and47-624, and amendments thereto, a licensed veterinarian shall notdisclose any informationconcerning the veterinarian's care of an animal except on written authorizationor other waiver by the veterinarian's client or on appropriate court order orsubpoena. Any veterinarian who releasesinformation under written authorizationor other waiver by the client or under court order or subpoena shall not beliable to the client or any other person. The privilege provided by thissection shall be waived under the followingcircumstances: (1) Reporting cruel or inhumane treatment of any animal tofederal, state or local governmental agencies; (2) where information isnecessary to provide care in an emergency where the absence of immediatemedical attention could reasonably be expected to place the animal's health inserious jeopardy or impair bodily function; (3) where the failure to disclosevaccination information may endanger the public's health, safety or welfare;(4) where the veterinarian's client or theowner of the animal places the veterinarian's care and treatment of the animalor the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil orcriminal proceeding; or (5) in relation to any investigation by the boardand any subsequent administrative disciplinary action brought by the board.

      (b)   This section shall be part of and supplemental to the Kansasveterinary practice act.

      History:   L. 1991, ch. 153, § 2;L. 1999, ch. 25, § 12;L. 2006, ch. 46, § 2; July 1.