NY S02467

Empowers the professional conduct officer of the Office of the Professions to examine and obtain patient or client records during department investigations and proceedings without requiring express patient consent.

Requires that all patient or client information obtained be kept confidential and not disclosed except as necessary for proper departmental function, unless the patient or client expressly consents.

Prohibits disclosure of the patient or client's name by the department or its employees at any stage of proceedings unless express consent is obtained.

Prohibits any other use or dissemination of information from patient or client records except pursuant to a valid court order or other authorization by law.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.