Responding to requests for treatment records in New York: what veterinary practices need to know

Veterinary practices frequently receive requests for treatment records from clients, attorneys, insurers, law enforcement, and regulators. Each request is not the same, and should be reviewed and responded to in coordination with counsel to make sure the practice, and the individual veterinarians, are in compliance with New York State laws and regulations. The unauthorized disclosure of treatment records by a veterinarian or veterinary practice can result in complaints to the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professional Discipline (“OPD”), or a potential civil lawsuit. In short, veterinary practices must keep treatment records confidential unless the law requires or allows disclosure.

Owner’s Right to Treatment Records

Under New York law, upon the written request from an owner, a veterinarian must provide the owner with all the treatment records relating to an animal’s care, within a reasonable time period. Covered treatment records include all information concerning or related to the examination or treatment of the animal kept by the veterinarian in the course of their practice, and includes diagnostic materials such as x-rays or electrocardiograms. An owner may be charged a reasonable fee for copies of such treatment records. (N.Y. Educ. Law § 6714(1)).

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