Oklahoma § 59-698.29 - Confidentiality of information

§ 59-698.29. Confidentiality of information

A. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, the

State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and its employees,

independent contractors, appointed committee members, or other

agents shall keep confidential, all information obtained:

1. During an investigation of citizen complaints into

allegations of violations of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act,

including:

a.

any review or investigation made to determine whether

to allow an applicant to take an examination, or

b.

whether the Board shall grant a certificate, license,

or permit; and

2. In the course of conducting an investigation, including:

a.

investigative reports provided to the Board by a

registrant, and

b.

examinations and test scores.

B. To ensure the confidentiality of the information for the

protection of the affected individual or entity, the information

obtained shall not be deemed to be a record as that term is defined

in the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 59. Professions and Occupations

C. Except as provided in subsection D of this section,

information obtained by the Board or any of its agents shall be

considered competent evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction

only in matters directly related to actions of the Board and the

affected individual or entity as a result of the Board obtaining the

information and the information shall not be admissible as evidence

in any other type of civil or criminal action.

D. At the discretion of the Board or any committee designated

by the Board and in the interest of protecting the health, safety

and welfare of the public, any information contained in the

investigation files of the Board may upon request be provided to the

following:

1. Any board or commission of the District of Columbia or any

state or territory of the United States which exercises disciplinary

authority; and

2. Any law enforcement agency which makes a proper showing that

such information is necessary to conduct or complete a pending

investigation of a crime not covered by the Oklahoma Veterinary

Practice Act.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 78, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2004. Amended by Laws

2006, c. 72, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.