This bill amends existing laws to establish provisions for emergency medical services specifically for operational canines, which are defined as dogs used by law enforcement or in search and rescue operations. It introduces new exemptions to the veterinary practice regulations, allowing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and mobile intensive care paramedics to provide emergency medical services to operational canines when a veterinarian is unavailable. The bill outlines the necessary training and consent requirements for EMTs and paramedics to administer such services, as well as mandates that they transfer the canine to a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language regarding the authority and liability of EMTs and paramedics, ensuring they are protected from civil damages when providing emergency care to both humans and operational canines in good faith. It also allows for the disclosure of medical records related to operational canines for performance evaluation purposes. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0070A, AM HB 70, introduced 01/27/2025: 08.98.125, 18.08.093, 18.08.075, 18.08.086, 18.08.082, 18.08.087, 18.08.100, 18.08.200