This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding veterinary prescriptions issued through electronic means. Under the new provisions, the initial time period for prescribing non-antimicrobial and non-flea and tick drugs will be extended from 14 days to 30 days, and the renewal period will also be increased to 30 days. Additionally, veterinarians will be allowed to issue prescriptions for antimicrobial drugs for a single period of up to 14 days, with the stipulation that no further prescriptions for the same ongoing treatment can be issued without an in-person examination. For flea and tick medications, prescriptions can be issued for an initial period of up to three months and renewed once for the same duration.

The bill also makes technical changes to the language of the current law, including the replacement of "veterinary client patient relationship" with "veterinarian client patient relationship" and clarifying the requirements for electronic prescriptions. It maintains the existing regulations regarding the notification of clients about prescription availability at pharmacies and the prohibition on prescribing controlled substances without an in-person examination. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the flexibility and accessibility of veterinary care while ensuring patient safety through necessary in-person evaluations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-2240.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 32-2240.03