61G18-18.001. Medical Records of Deceased Veterinarian, Retention, Time Limitations

(1) The executor, administrator, personal representative or survivor of a deceased veterinarian licensed pursuant to chapter 474, F.S., shall retain medical records in existence upon the death of the veterinarian concerning any patient of the veterinarian for at least a period of two (2) years from the date of the death of the veterinarian.

(2) Within one (1) month from the date of death of the veterinarian, the executor, administrator, personal representative or survivor of the deceased veterinarian shall do one of the following:

(a) Cause to be published in the newspaper of greatest general circulation in the county where the veterinarian resided or practiced, a notice indicating to the owners of the patients of the deceased veterinarian, that the veterinarian’s medical records are available to the owners of the patients or their duly constituted representative from a specific person at a certain location. At the conclusion of a twenty-two (22) month period of time from the date of the veterinarian’s death, or thereafter, the executor, administrator, personal representative, or survivor shall cause to be published once during each week for four (4) consecutive weeks, in the newspaper of greatest general circulation in the county where the veterinarian resided, a notice indicating to the owners of the patients of the deceased veterinarian that the veterinarian’s medical records will be disposed of or destroyed one (1) month or later from the last day of the fourth week of publication of notice.

(b) Send electronic notifications, either mail or text, to all clients that have been seen within the last 3 years a notice indicating to the owners of the patients of the deceased veterinarian, that the veterinarian’s medical records are available to the owners of the patients or their duly constituted representative from a specific person at a certain location and that the veterinarian’s medical records will be disposed of or destroyed in 2 years.

(c) Maintain the existing practice website for a period of 2 years posting a notice indicating to the owners of the patients of the deceased veterinarian, that the veterinarian’s medical records are available to the owners of the patients or their duly constituted representative from a specific person at a certain location and that the veterinarian’s medical records will be disposed of or destroyed in 2 years.

Rulemaking Authority 474.206, 455.242 FS. Law Implemented 455.242 FS. History–New 9-15-80, Formerly 21X-18.01, Amended 7-26-90, Formerly 21X-18.001, Amended 7-4-95, 12-30-97, 7-29-99, 5-23-23.