Illinois Code § 25.17

§ 25.17.

Disclosure of patient records; maintenance. (a) No veterinarian shall be required to disclose any information concerning the veterinarian's care of an animal except on written authorization or other waiver by the veterinarian's client or on appropriate court order or subpoena. Any veterinarian releasing information under written authorization, or other waiver by the client, or court order of subpoena is not liable to the client or any other person. The privilege provided by this Section is waived to the extent that the veterinarian's client or the owner of the animal places the care and treatment or the nature and extent of injuries to the animal at issue in any civil or criminal proceeding. When communicable disease laws, cruelty to animal laws, or laws providing for public health and safety are involved, the privilege provided by this Section is waived. (b) Copies of patient records must be released to the client upon written request as provided for by rule. (c) Each person who provides veterinary medical services shall maintain appropriate patient records as defined by rule. The patient records are the property of the practice and the practice owner. Patient records shall, if applicable, include the following: (1) patient identification; (2) client identification; (3) dated reason for visit and pertinent history; (4) physical exam findings; (5) diagnostic, medical, surgical or therapeutic procedures performed; (6) all medical treatment must include identification of each medication given in the practice, together with the date, dosage, and route of administration and frequency and duration of treatment; (7) all medicines dispensed or prescribed must be recorded, including directions for use and quantity; (8) any changes in medications or dosages, including telephonically or electronically initiated changes, must be recorded; (9) if a necropsy is performed, then the record must reflect the findings; (10) any written records and notes, radiographs, sonographic images, video recordings, photographs or other images, and laboratory reports; (11) other information received as the result of consultation; (12) identification of any designated agent of the client for the purpose of authorizing veterinary medical or animal health care decisions; and (13) any authorizations, releases, waivers, or other related documents. (d) Patient records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last known contact with a patient. (e) Information and records related to patient care shall remain confidential except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section. (Source: P.A. 103-309, eff. 1-1-24; 103-505, eff. 1-1-24.)