Texas legislation would waive 'confidentiality' for delinquent veterinary clients

Austin, Texas

— Legislation in the Texas House of Representatives would waive confidentiality privileges for clients who are delinquent in paying for services.House Bill 413, adopted Dec. 10, states that veterinary clients waive confidentiality privileges "in a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a debt incurred for veterinary services."

The legislation states veterinarians would not violate confidentiality by providing client information for public health purposes, like the rabies vaccination.

If passed, the bill would take effect Sept. 1. No action was scheduled on the legislation at press time.