N.Y.
Education Law Section 6714
Treatment records
1.
Upon written request from the owner of an animal which has received treatment from or under the supervision of a veterinarian, such veterinarian shall provide to such owner within a reasonable time period a copy of all records relating to the treatment of such animal. For the purposes of this section, the term “records” shall mean all information concerning or related to the examination or treatment of the animal kept by the veterinarian in the course of his or her practice. A veterinarian may impose a reasonable charge for providing copies of such records. A veterinarian may make available to the owner either the original or a copy of such record or document including x-rays, electrocardiograms and other diagnostic tests and may impose a reasonable fee for the reproduction of such copies.2.
A veterinarian licensed pursuant to this article, may disclose records, as defined in this section, concerning a companion animal as defined in Agriculture & Markets Law § 350 (Definitions)section three hundred fifty of the agriculture and markets law which has received treatment by such veterinarian without the consent of the companion animal’s owner under the following circumstances:(a)
When a veterinarian reasonably and in good faith suspects that a companion animal’s injury, illness or condition is the result of animal cruelty in violation of section three hundred fifty-one, three hundred fifty-three or three hundred fifty-three-a of the agriculture and markets law, the veterinarian shall report the incident and disclose records concerning the companion animal’s condition and treatment to any officer or agent authorized pursuant to sections three hundred seventy-one and three hundred seventy-three of the agriculture and markets law to respond to and investigate complaints of animal cruelty. The identity of such veterinarian making a report pursuant to this paragraph shall only be made available to an officer or agent authorized pursuant to section three hundred seventy-one or three hundred seventy-three of the agriculture and markets law.(b)
When a veterinarian reasonably believes that disclosure of records as defined in this section, is necessary to protect the health or welfare of a companion animal, a person or the public, the veterinarian may disclose such records to any officer or agent authorized pursuant to sections three hundred seventy-one and three hundred seventy-three of the agriculture and markets law to respond to and investigate complaints of animal cruelty. The identity of such veterinarian making a disclosure of records pursuant to this paragraph shall only be made available to an officer or agent authorized pursuant to section three hundred seventy-one or three hundred seventy-three of the agriculture and markets law.(c)
Any such veterinarian who reports an incident or discloses records concerning a companion animal’s condition and treatment pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this subdivision shall be entitled to receive and be provided with, at no cost to such veterinarian, written or electronic documentation of such report by the agent or officer to whom such report was made. Such report shall include but not be limited to the date such report was made, the identity of the individual against whom such report was made, the species and description of the animal about which such report was made, the nature of the injuries to the animal and the name and license number of the veterinarian who made such report.3.
A veterinarian acts in good faith within the meaning of this section when he or she reasonably believes that his or her actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of the companion animal or the public.4.
A veterinarian who reasonably and in good faith reports or discloses records in accordance with this section shall be immune from liability in the form of damages in any civil or criminal proceeding on account of such reporting or disclosure.
Source:
Section 6714 — Treatment records, https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/6714 (updated Mar. 4, 2022; accessed Dec. 21, 2024).
