The proposed bill, titled the "Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act," aims to enhance the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida by introducing new definitions and regulations. It amends existing statutes to define "veterinary professional associate" as individuals with a master's degree in veterinary clinical care and establishes a registration process for these associates through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The bill also increases the duration for which prescriptions based solely on veterinary telehealth evaluations can be issued, extending it from one month to six months for flea and tick control products and from 14 days to 30 days for other animal drugs. Additionally, it revises the exemptions under which certain individuals may administer care to their own animals and clarifies the responsibilities and limitations of registered veterinary professional associates.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the suspension and rescission of a veterinary professional associate's registration under specific circumstances, such as negligence or animal cruelty convictions. It mandates that the department maintain a publicly accessible list of registered associates and outlines the duties they may perform under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and aims to improve consumer access to veterinary services while ensuring the safety and competency of practitioners in the field.

Statutes affected:
H 805 Filed: 474.201, 474.204
H 805 c1: 474.201, 474.2021