This bill amends existing laws to expand the scope of emergency medical services to include operational canines, specifically allowing emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and mobile intensive care paramedics to provide emergency medical care to these animals under certain conditions. Key provisions include the insertion of new language that permits EMTs and paramedics to administer emergency services to operational canines if they determine there is an immediate danger and a veterinarian is unavailable. Additionally, the bill outlines the necessary authorizations and conditions under which these services can be provided, such as obtaining consent from the canine's owner or following a veterinarian-approved protocol.

The bill also modifies existing regulations regarding the practice of veterinary medicine, allowing certified EMTs and licensed paramedics to perform certain functions related to operational canines. It includes provisions for liability protection for those administering emergency services, ensuring they are not held civilly liable as long as their actions are taken in good faith during emergencies. Furthermore, the bill establishes definitions for "operational canine" and "veterinarian," and it sets an effective date for the new regulations to take effect on 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
HB0070B, AM CSHB 70(HSS), introduced 03/21/2025: 08.98.120, 08.98.186, 08.02.050, 18.08.093, 18.08.075, 18.08.082, 18.08.086, 18.08.087, 18.08.100, 18.08.200