Jurisdiction Report June 2023
Monthly reports share short summary highlights of tracked legislative bills and rules & regulations that have seen recent activity, as well as available board and state VMA updates.
There are two report views available! The June 2023 Conventional Report sorts the same reported items by activity and topic.
Updates by Jurisdiction
Alabama
Alaska
Veterinary – PMP
AK HB56 removes the Veterinary Board and animal prescriptions from the PMP statutes, presumably exempting veterinarians from the PMP, which has been considered the past few years. (v) This section does not apply to a schedule II, III, or IV controlled substance prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian licensed under AS 08.98 to treat an animal.
Wholesale drug distributor license |
Arizona
Veterinary – CAIT
AZ SB1401 creates certification for animal acupuncturists and provides an exemption from the veterinary practice act. Must be certified, have a veterinary referral, and provide records to veterinarian upon request.
British Columbia
College of Veterinarians of British Columbia | June 2, 2023 Can a registrant from one accredited facility “fill a prescription” for a registrant from another facility? This is a common question and one that creates a great deal of confusion in practice. The path to the answer is laid out in detail in this blog, but for those who prefer the quick response: Summary: Veterinarians can prescribe and dispense to their own patients (or the facility patients that have a group VCPR with the other veterinarians in the practice), but they are not allowed to dispense to patients of another facility if only presented a prescription. We are not authorized to engage in “retail pharmacy”, for an animal owner’s convenience or for preferred prices. However, in urgent and exceptional circumstances when other alternatives aren’t available, it is understood and accepted by the CVBC that it may be in the animal’s best interest for a veterinarian to dispense prescriptions issued by other veterinarians from outside of their practice facility and this is accomplished by creating a narrow, defined VCPR for the purpose of dispensing in these situations (ie. they are now dispensing to their patient, as they have created a VCPR for that purpose). This should not be a blind “filling of a prescription” – the dispensing veterinarian bears responsibility for the veterinary service that is the dispensing activity. It should be treated as a “stop-gap” measure to meet the animal’s needs until the owner can acquire medication directly from their prescribing veterinarian. This should not be done routinely or as a matter of convenience. And it’s important to understand that the above “exceptional” dispensing activity does not apply to controlled drug prescriptions. Those should only be dispensed by a veterinarian to their own clients, for their own patients, and on the basis of their own prescription. Otherwise, they should be filled by a pharmacist. If requested to fill a controlled drug prescription for another facility, the registrant should decline, or examine the patient and establish a full VCPR, then decide whether or not to prescribe and dispense the controlled drug for their patient. |
California
Spay/Neuter
CA ACR86 Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Veterinary Medical Board, with support from the Governor, other state boards and agencies, and interested stakeholders, encourages out-of-state licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians to become licensed in California to perform the necessary spay and neuter surgeries and other medical services to address pet overpopulation; and be it further
Resolved, That the state and local municipalities, in cooperation with public and private shelters, nonprofit rescue organizations, and private foundations, are encouraged to develop and fund high-volume spay and neuter clinics across the state to provide sterilization services; and be it further
Resolved, That allocation of adequate funding for statewide spay and neuter programs and resources for broader enforcement of state and local licensing, breeding, and spay and neuter laws is urgently needed; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of California is encouraged to conduct a public relations campaign urging Californians to adopt shelter animals rather than buying an animal from a breeder, and to always spay and neuter them;
Veterinary – Telemedicine
CA AB1399 VCPR requires a consent form that the service will meet the same standards and the client has an option for an in-person exam at any time. The veterinarian must obtain past records. Electronically established VCPR allows for prescribing drugs with no restriction on controlled substances.
(f) …
(1) “Veterinarian-client-patient relationship” means a relationship that exists if all of the following conditions
are met:
(A) The veterinarian and client agree to the veterinarian assuming responsibility for making medical
judgments regarding the health of the animal patient.
(B) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal patient to initiate at least a general or
preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal through a recent observation and
examination, either in-person or using real-time video communication, of the animal or of
a group of animals of which the patient is a part, or through medically appropriate and timely
visits to the premises where the animal, or the group of animals of which the patient is a part,
is kept.
(C) The veterinarian is readily available or has provided for follow-up care in case of adverse
reactions or failure of treatment.
(2) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship shall not be established solely by audio-only communication
or by means of a questionnaire.
(g) “Veterinary telemedicine” means the mode of delivering veterinary medicine via electronic communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation, care management, or treatment of an animal patient, and includes, but is not limited to, real-time video and audio communication; real-time, two-way audio communication; and electronic transmission of images, diagnostics, data, and medical information.
CA SB669 allows RVTs to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for parasites in the hospital, under indirect supervision, or within 5 miles of operation and agreement by the clinic to treat any adverse effects (veterinarian or supervisor can provide indirect supervision), requires RVTs to work under written protocol with supervisors, specifies protocol requirements, must provide disclosure and obtain consent.
State Boards and Appropriations
CA SB887 The bill would revise the composition of wellness evaluation committees to require at least one licensed veterinarian, at least 2 public members, and at least one registered veterinary technician. The bill would require the Board to consider appointing individuals with specified experience, knowledge, or expertise in impairment to be applicable to all appointments to a wellness evaluation committee. Deletes the provision requiring a veterinarian to be licensed or employed by the state and not out of practice for more than 4 years in order to be a reviewer or investigator. Assembly Business and Professions Hearing 7/11/23
The California Veterinary Medical Board Webcast from the 05/24/23 meeting can be viewed here. AGENDA 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023
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Colorado
Veterinary – Loan Repayment/ Shortage
CO SB044 increases the veterinary loan repayment program from 4 to 6 applicants, increases the max loan amount from $70,000 to $90,000, step payment plan that increases $5,000 per step, and increases funding from $140,000 to $540,000.
Delaware
Pet Insurance
DE HB156 Model Pet Insurance Act.
Veterinary – Telemedicine
DE SB168 § 3303A. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
(a) For a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship must be established and maintained. Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is established and maintained if all of the following are met:
(1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of
the patient and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.
(2) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary
diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient. This means that the veterinarian is personally
acquainted with the keeping and care of the patient by virtue of a timely examination of the patient,
or medically appropriate and timely visits to the operation where the patient is managed.
(3) The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for the following:
veterinary emergency coverage and continuing care and treatment.
(4) The veterinarian provides oversite of treatment, compliance, and outcome.
(5) Patient records are maintained.
(b) In operations where there are several animals, such as shelters, farms, laboratories, or zoos, the veterinarian-client-patient requirement may be established and maintained by one of the following:
(1) Examination of health, laboratory, or production records.
(2) Consultation with owners, managers, directors, caretakers, or other supervisory staff who oversee the
health care management of the operation.
(3) Maintenance of information regarding the local epidemiology of diseases for the appropriate species.
Federal
Rules Reinstated after COVID changes
This memo serves as notice that the Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) is rescinding policy statement VBOG 20-02 Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship Requirements During the COVID-19 Response, filed on May 18, 2020, as WSR 20-11-049.
The board is rescinding this policy statement addressing enforcement of WAC 246-933-200(2), as the state of emergency ended on October 31, 2022. The policy was effective for the duration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) declared a state of emergency to allow veterinarians flexibility to establish veterinary-client-patient-relationships (VCPR) due to difficulties during COVID-19. The board determined VCPR requirements listed in WAC 246-933-200 are necessary to ensure the safety of animal patients. The board is currently considering rulemaking to amend WAC 246-933-200 requirements for a permanent solution for veterinarian flexibility. The board officially rescinded the policy statement at its December 5, 2022, business meeting.
Individuals requiring information on this rule should contact Loralei Walker, program manager, at 360-236-4947.
WSR 23-11-057
POLICY STATEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Veterinary Board of Governors)
[Filed May 12, 2023, 2:45 p.m.]
This memo serves as notice that the Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) is rescinding policy statement VBOG 20.01.01 Continuing Education Requirements During the COVID-19 Response, filed on November 15, 2021, as WSR 21-23-074.
The board is rescinding this policy statement as the state of emergency ended on October 31, 2022. The policy was effective for the duration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) declared a state of emergency through 90 days following the end of the emergency, which was January 31, 2023. The board determined there is no longer a concern with veterinarians’ and veterinary technicians’ access to acceptable continuing education. The board officially rescinded the policy statement at its March 6, 2023, business meeting.
Florida
Veterinary
FL H0719 A veterinarian who holds an active license to practice veterinary medicine in another jurisdiction in the United States and is in good standing in such jurisdiction and who performs dog or cat sterilization services or routine preventative health services at the time of sterilization as an unpaid volunteer under the responsible supervision, as defined in s. 474.202, of a veterinarian licensed in this state. The supervising licensed veterinarian is responsible for all acts performed under this subsection by an out-of-state veterinarian acting under her or his responsible supervision. An out-of-state veterinarian practicing pursuant to this subsection is not eligible to apply for a premises permit under s. 474.215.
Occupational Licensing – Reciprocity
FL S1364 Reciprocity for someone licensed in good standing for at least 1 year. Includes veterinarians. A board shall provide an applicant with a written decision regarding his or her application within 90 days of receiving a complete application.
Veterinary – Expanding Access
FL S722 allows out-of-state licensed veterinarians to provide sterilization and routine preventive care as a volunteer without obtaining a Florida veterinary license.
Illinois
Veterinary – Telemedicine
IL HB2395/ SB2059– Changes Veterinary Board sunset to January 1, 2029. Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Adds provisions concerning an email address of record and for electronic delivery of certain notices to an email address of records. Provides for instances in which telehealth may be used. Provides that a veterinarian shall not substitute telehealth, teleadvice, telemedicine, or teletriage when a physical examination is warranted or necessary for an accurate diagnosis of any medical condition or creation of an appropriate treatment plan. Makes changes to provisions concerning: application for licensure; reports; procedures for refusal to license or issue certificate; and hearing officers, reports, and review. Removes provisions concerning “refusing to issue or renew, revoking, suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action for a conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any violation of any law governing the practice of veterinary medicine; and certifying exhibits without cost”.
Iowa
Veterinary Technician
IA HF670 directs the Board to license veterinary technicians, defines auxiliary veterinary professional, provides general scope, and directs Board to develop rules for specifics. Provides an exemption from veterinary practice for animal massage.
Maine
Veterinary – Noncompete
ME LD688 Notwithstanding Subsection 2, an employer may not require or permit an employee to enter into a non-compete agreement with the employer if: The employee is a veterinarian licensed under Title 32, chapter 71-A and is employed in a veterinary facility in which the employee does not have an ownership interest. A court may not enforce a noncompete agreement entered into or renewed with an employee who is a veterinarian licensed under Title 32, chapter 71-A before the effective date of this paragraph unless the employee is working in a veterinary facility in which the employee has an ownership interest.
Veterinary – Tax Issues
ME LD1689 exempts prescription pet medications from sales tax.
Massachusetts
Veterinary
MA H375 Exemption to veterinary practice act: The giving of aid or care of sick, injured, debilitated, and orphaned wildlife by a trained wildlife rehabilitator, as permitted by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in accordance with 321 CMR 2.13. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators shall enter into a signed written agreement with a veterinarian subject to written approval by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife which shall outline the specific procedures, services, responsibilities, and limitations of the wildlife rehabilitator. Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing 6/26/23
Veterinary – Declaw/Ear/Tail/Devocalization
MA S190 No person shall perform, or cause to be performed, any declawing procedure of an animal unless the following apply: (1) The person performing such declawing procedure is licensed under section chapter 112; and (2) Such declawing procedure is for a therapeutic purpose as defined under this section; or (3) The person who causes a declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy procedure to be performed is relying upon the written opinion of a person licensed under section 55 of chapter 112 that such declawing procedure animal is required for a therapeutic purpose. (c) A veterinarian who performs a declawing procedure on an animal shall keep a record of the procedure for a period of 4 years after the last contact with the animal. Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing 6/26/23
Veterinary – Large Animal
MA H257 exempts the floating of teeth or removal of deciduous caps or erupted, non-displaced wolf teeth in horses by a licensed equine dental practitioner, as defined in Section 54A of this chapter, from the Veterinary Practice Act. Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing 6/26/23
MA H258 defines “equine dental practitioner” as a person who is a veterinarian or who is certified by the international association of equine dentistry. Creates certification and eligibility. Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing 6/26/23
Veterinary Technician
MA H332/MA S207 creates Veterinary Technician Licensing Board. The Subsidiary Board shall promulgate rules and regulations by which veterinary technicians shall be licensed and registered in the commonwealth, subject to approval by the Board. Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Hearing 6/26/23
Michigan
Veterinary – Declaw/Ear/Tail/Devocalization
MI HB4674 A licensee shall not perform by any means an onychectomy, a partial or complete phalangectomy, or tendonectomy procedure, or any other surgical procedure that prevents normal functioning of the claws, toes, or paws, on a cat unless the procedure is necessary to address a therapeutic purpose.
Minnesota
Pharmacy
MN SF2995 Creates the Minnesota One Health Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative to leverage new and existing partnerships. The Commissioner of Health shall consult and collaborate with organizations and agencies in fields including but not limited to health care, veterinary medicine, animal agriculture, academic institutions, and industry and community organizations to inform strategies for education, practice improvement, and research in all settings where antimicrobials are used.
Missouri
Veterinary – CAIT
MO SB157 Allows for the practice of chiropractic services on animals.
(10) Any animal chiropractic practitioner from engaging in the practice of animal chiropractic if the animal chiropractic practitioner has received a referral of the animal from a licensed veterinarian with a current Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship, as defined in section 340.200. The referring veterinarian may limit the number of visits or length of treatment at the time of referral or after consultation with the animal chiropractic practitioner.
Veterinary – Loan Repayment/ Shortage
MO HB202/MO SB138 expands Veterinarian Student Loan Repayment Program from 6 recipients to 12 recipients, $25,000 to $30,000 per year and $80,000 to $120,000 per person, allows for donations, allows recipients to be increased if funding is available.
Montana
Pharmacy
MT SB561 creates a Veterinary Retail Facility Permit and a Veterinary Dispensing Technician position. The VDT would be allowed to dispense veterinarian prescriptions for livestock only. Prescriptions can be transmitted electronically, orally, or in writing.
State Board and Appropriations
MT HB87 places all governor appointees for various boards under the same statutory language. Creates a board under section 2, but uncertain of intent. Reduces the veterinary board from 7 members to 5 members. Removes governor appointee language. Removes the requirement that veterinary and veterinary technician representatives be state-licensed and practice in state.
Nevada
State Board and Appropriations
NV SB342 Existing law further requires a participant who receives a stipend from such a program to complete a practice obligation in a health professional shortage area or an area with a medically underserved population in this state. (NRS 397.0645) Section 1 of this bill provides that this requirement does not apply to a participant who receives a stipend to participate in a program to earn a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Section 2 of this bill makes an appropriation from the state general fund to the interim finance committee for allocation to the Nevada office to enter into a contract with Utah State University for a program to provide stipends for the out-of-state tuition of 70 residents of Nevada to earn a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University.
NV SB431 creates an umbrella professional/licensure board, which has authority over the Veterinary and Pharmacy Boards; The Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions, and Councils Standards is hereby created within the Department of Business and Industry.
Veterinary Technician
NV AB503 In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter, an applicant for a license to practice veterinary medicine or a license as a euthanasia technician or veterinary technician that is issued pursuant to this Chapter: 1. shall submit to the Board a complete set of fingerprints and written permission authorizing the Board to forward those fingerprints to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for its report on the criminal history of the applicant and for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its report on the criminal history of the applicant; and 2. is prohibited from receiving the reports obtained pursuant to Subsection 1.
State Boards and Appropriations
NV AB520 Veterinary Medical Services Appropriation bill.
New Hampshire
State Board and Appropriations
NH HB655 This bill redefines the roles and responsibilities of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) for the boards and commissions. OPLC issues licenses, sets fees, provides legal and investigatory services, and presents administrative rules as advised by the boards and commissions. The bill consolidates administrative authority for OPLC in a new chapter and repeals redundant provisions of law.
Veterinary – Vaccinations
NH SB162 Relative to rabies vaccines exemptions: The exemption shall be valid for one year. After the initial year has expired and if the animal still qualifies for the exemption, the exemption shall be recertified by a veterinarian licensed under RSA 332-B on an annual basis.
State Boards and Appropriations
NH SB107 Adds the following stipulation to the Board: The public member shall be a resident of the state of New Hampshire who is not, and never has been, a member of the veterinary profession or the spouse of any such person. The public member shall not have, and shall never have had, a material financial interest in either the provision of veterinary services or an activity directly related to veterinary practice, including the representation of the Board or its predecessor or the profession for a fee at any time during the 5 years preceding the date of appointment.
Repeals stipulations.
New Jersey
Veterinary – Telemedicine
NJ A4087 clarifies that veterinarians are NOT within the ambit of telemedicine.
New York
Veterinary – Client Advisement
NY S07459 amends Buoy’s law to limit it to only initial and only to dogs, cats, and rabbits. Delays the effective date from 180 days to 18 months. The information must be communicated orally or in written format.
Veterinary – Client Advisement
NY A06996 amends Buoy’s law to limit it to only initial and only to dogs, cats, and rabbits. Delays the effective date from 180 days to 18 months. The information must be communicated orally or in written format.
Veterinary – Compounding
NY S02314 permits the compounding, dispensing, and sale of pharmaceuticals to veterinarians. A pharmacist may dispense drugs, including veterinary-specific compounded medications, to a veterinarian, and a veterinarian may possess and keep in stock for administration and sale, such drugs pursuant to a non-patient specific regimen prescribed or ordered by any practitioner of veterinary medicine licensed pursuant to article one hundred thirty-five of this title. Provided, however, that any dispensing of drugs containing opioids or other controlled substances shall be subject to limitations determined by the Department of Health.
North Carolina
Veterinary – Facilities
NC S582 At least one week prior to conducting any inspection pursuant to g.s. 90-185(3) or g.s. 90-186(2), the Board shall provide written notice of the upcoming inspection to the veterinarian.
Pharmacy
NC H190 adds Gabapentin to Controlled Substance Reporting System (CSRS). Requires dispensers to report prescriptions for gabapentin to the CSRS. Provides an effective date of January 1, 2024, except the portion impacting veterinarians would become effective January 1, 2025. The Department reports that this does not make Gabapentin a controlled substance, but it is necessary so that prescribers who are prescribing controlled substances can see when patients are receiving gabapentin.
Oklahoma
Pharmacy
OK SB475 The Director is authorized to give agents and inspectors of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control authority to issue citations for violation of any rules of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control under subsection D of Section 2-304 of this title. Citations shall contain a statement of the basis therefore and shall call upon the registrant to appear before the appropriate person or agency at a time and place no more than sixty (60) days after the date of service of the citation. D. The Director may authorize the Deputy Director, General Counsel, or other designee of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control to initiate any individual proceeding against a registrant provided that citations issued by agents or inspectors are approved by the Director, Deputy Director, General Counsel, or other designee. Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to delegate the authority of the Director to issue a final agency order.
State Board and Appropriations
OK HB2863 Creates the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority. Charged with the mission of supporting the veterinary medicine education programs of the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, entering into academic affiliation agreements in support of Oklahoma State University veterinarian training programs, operating or leasing the operations of the teaching animal hospital or hospitals for the benefit of the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and providing care for the animal patients of Oklahoma State University veterinarian trainers.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association PVMA needs you, our valued members, more than ever. Please take the time to share your support for Senate Bill 907 by contacting Pennsylvania State legislators today. What Is Senate Bill 785?
“Senate Bill 785 creates an Animal Welfare Board which consists of stakeholders who share the common goal of protecting animals.” Why Is Senate Bill 785 Important to the Veterinary Profession?
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Rhode Island
Veterinary – Declaw/Ear/Tail/Devocalization
RI H6508 It is unlawful for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, or a tendonectomy on any cat or otherwise alter a cat’s toes, claws, or paws to prevent or impair the normal function of the cat’s toes, claws, or paws. This does not apply to a procedure performed solely for a therapeutic purpose.
RI H5200 Of the general revenue amount, $50,000 is appropriated to the Conservation Districts and $100,000 is appropriated to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island for a veterinarian at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island.
Veterinary – CAIT
CA AB814 – It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation to authorize a veterinarian to refer an animal to a licensed physical therapist holding an advanced certification in animal physical rehabilitation to provide animal physical rehabilitation under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Veterinary – Declaw/Ear/Tail/Devocalization
RI S0403 It is unlawful for any person to perform surgical claw removal, declawing, or a tendonectomy on any cat or otherwise alter a cat’s toes, claws, or paws to prevent or impair the normal function of the cat’s toes, claws, or paws. This section does not apply to a procedure performed solely for a therapeutic purpose.
Texas
Agriculture
TX HB3257 Except as provided, information held by the Animal Health Commission is confidential and excepted from disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, if the information consists of or relates to a biosecurity plan, a secure food supply plan, an emergency preparedness plan, or biosecurity data that was voluntarily provided to the commission by an owner or caretaker of an animal. See exceptions.
Pet Product/Pet Care Services/Preemptions
TX HB2063 – A kennel owner or operator who is boarding or providing services to a dog or cat at the kennel may not leave the dog or cat unattended without an employee present unless: (1) the kennel owner or operator provides written notice to the owner of the dog or cat that the dog or cat will be left unattended at the kennel without an employee present during the hours specified in the notice; and (2) the owner of the dog or cat provides to the kennel owner or operator a signed document consenting to the dog or cat being left unattended as provided in the notice.
TX HB2127 A municipality may not adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance or rule that restricts, regulates, limits, or otherwise impedes a business involving the breeding, care, treatment, or sale of animals or animal products, including a veterinary practice, or the business’s transactions if the person operating that business holds a license for the business that is issued by the federal government or a state.
State Board and Appropriations
TX HB4123 allows the Veterinary Medical Board to obtain background checks for an applicant after that applicant is employed or, for an applicant who is not employed, after the check of the criminal history record information on that employee or contractor is completed. Texas criminal history record information obtained by the state Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners under subsection (a) may not be released or disclosed to any person except on court order, with the written consent of the person or entity that is the subject of the criminal history record information, or as provided by subsection (e). After an individual is licensed or certified, the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners shall destroy the criminal history record information that relates to that individual.
TX SB30 Higher Education Coordinating Board: rural veterinarians grant program. All unexpended and unobligated balances remaining as of the effective date of this act from appropriations made by the supplemental appropriations act, from the ARPA fund to the higher education coordinating board to provide funding for the rural veterinarians’ grant program (estimated to be $1,000,000) are appropriated to the coordinating board for the same purpose for the two-year period beginning on the effective date of this act.
TX SB1414 The Sunset Advisory Commission recommends administratively attaching SBVME to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for a four-year period, with another Sunset review at its conclusion. S.B. 1414 amends Section 801 of the Occupations Code so that TDLR provides SBVME with policymaking and administrative oversight, guidance, and support. SBVME serves as an advisory board during this four-year attachment, and the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TCLR) would not be able to adopt a new rule unless the rule has been proposed by the advisory board. During this period, TCLR would adopt rules prescribing the procedure by which the advisory board may propose rules relating to the scope of practice of, a health-related standard of care for, or the ethical practices of the profession of veterinary medicine. At the end of this period, SBVME would return to its independent agency status.
Another major provision of S.B. 1414 is that TDLR and SBVME would adopt a memorandum of understanding, with specifications that SBVME staff would shadow TDLR staff to be trained in licensing, inspection, and enforcement policies and procedures. Also, the agency would work with both TDLR and DIR to determine its database needs and to acquire and implement a suitable database.
Prior to the 89th legislative session, TDLR would be required to provide statutory recommendations designed to improve the agency’s operations to the Sunset Advisory Commission and the standing committees with jurisdiction over SBVME. The Sunset date for SBVME would be changed from 2029 to 2027.
TX SB1592 For seats on the Radiation Board: clarifies that the representative from agriculture must be licensed by the Veterinary Board.
TX AB1659 extends Sunset for Pharmacy Board to 2033, and the Animal Health Board to 2035.
TX HB1850 stipulates that the presiding member of the Veterinary Board must be a veterinarian.
Veterinary – Emergency Services
TX HB4069 Price Transparency For Emergency Care. The Board shall adopt rules to require a veterinarian to disclose to the owner or other caretaker of an animal the following information before providing emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal: (1) a description of the proposed treatment; and (2) the estimated price of the proposed treatment.
Veterinary – Loan Repayment/ Shortage
TX HB2026 Amended to give a preference to residents of the state or graduating from a state high school or college. Removes the requirement to attend an in-state program. Appears this would expand eligibility instead of restricting it from those attending out-of-state programs.
Washington
Veterinarian – Rules in Progress
Permanent Rules
At their June meeting the Washington Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission held a rules workshop on their pending new section of WAC 246-945 regarding accessible labeling. The full and current draft language is on pages 14-21 of the meeting materials.
Changes relevant to veterinary medicine:
WAC 246-945-AAA Accessible Prescription Information -– Definitions.
…(3) “Complete directions for use” means instructions intended for the individual patient to use in order to understand the intended administration of the dispensed prescription. Elements include the verb (such as, but not limited to take, place, instill), the dosage form (such as, but not limited to tablet, capsule, drops), quantity of the medication, strength of the medication, route of administration, frequency of administration, additional contextual information for administration (such as, but not limited to “as needed,” “when tired”), and the reason or indication of the prescription (such as, but not limited to for insomnia, for blood pressure, for anxiety).
…(9) “Prescription information” means drug name, patient name/species, complete directions of use, and drug quantity.
WAC 246-945-BBB Accessible Prescription Information.
(4) The accessible labeling services required by WAC 246-945-BBB through WAC 246-945-DDD may be provided by an employee of the dispensing facility or dispensing practitioner, the dispensing practitioner, or an independent contractor of the dispensing facility or dispensing practitioner. The use of an independent contractor does not diminish the responsibility of the dispensing facility or dispensing practitioner or employee of the dispensing facility or dispensing practitioner, the dispensing practitioner to comply with this subsection.
WAC 246-945-DDD Translation and Interpretation for Prescription Information for LEP individuals.
The following change is made every time the below phrase is written in this section:
“competent oral interpretation and translation services of prescription information the complete directions of use a prescribed medication”
West Virginia
Veterinary – Prescriptions
WV HB2076 If, after consultation with any patient or representative of a patient, a person licensed under this chapter instructs the patient to change the dosage, frequency, or manner of administration of a medication from the instructions set forth in the latest prescription written for that medication for the patient, the licensee shall, within 72 hours of the communication with the patient or representative, document the change in the patient’s medical record and inform the patient’s pharmacy of the change in the prescriber’s instructions.
WV HB2342 When any person licensed under this chapter writes or issues a prescription for medication to be self-administered by a client or patient, the person shall indicate the purpose for the medication in a brief statement in simple words, such as “for pain,” “for heart care,” or “for blood pressure”. Every pharmacy registered in this state shall ensure that the purpose for a medication, as specified by the prescriber, shall appear on the label issued with that medication in large, easy-to-read lettering.