The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to the practice of veterinary medicine, specifically enhancing the regulation and licensing of veterinary technicians. It introduces new definitions for "licensed veterinary technician," "veterinary assistant," "veterinary technician," and "veterinary technologist," and establishes criteria for licensing veterinary technicians, including educational requirements and examination standards. The bill also revises the composition of the Board of Veterinary Medicine to include a licensed veterinary technician and modifies the responsibilities of supervising veterinarians regarding the delegation of tasks to licensed and unlicensed personnel.

Additionally, the bill outlines the specific veterinary technology services that licensed veterinary technicians and technologists can perform under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, while emphasizing that only licensed veterinarians may make diagnoses, perform surgeries, or prescribe medications. It prohibits misrepresentation of licensure status and establishes penalties for violations. The bill also amends existing provisions regarding rabies vaccinations, allowing licensed veterinary technicians to administer vaccinations under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 767 Filed: 474.201, 474.204, 828.30