HB 5377

Abstract

Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that no person may practice veterinary medicine in the State except within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Changes the definition of "veterinarian-client-patient relationship" to include a licensed veterinarian who has access to the animal patient's records and has been designated by the veterinarian with the prior relationship with the animal patient to provide reasonable and appropriate medical care if he or she is unavailable. Adds exemptions from the Act for certain specified persons. Requires a veterinarian to maintain patient records, which shall include certain specified information, for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the last known contact with an animal patient. Increases the maximum civil penalty allowed for a violation of the Act from $5,000 to $10,000. Makes several changes to the definition of "practice of veterinary medicine". Makes changes to the definitions of "accredited program in veterinary technology", "certified veterinary technician", and "complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies". Defines "immediate supervision", "licensed veterinarian", "veterinary premises", "veterinary prescription drugs", and "veterinary specialist". Replaces all references in the Act to "Director" with "Secretary". Makes other changes. Also makes technical changes. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Extends the repeal date of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2020. Effective immediately.