The "Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act" seeks to enhance veterinary medicine practices in Florida by expanding the definition of veterinary professionals to include "veterinary professional associates," "veterinary technicians," and "veterinary technologists." The bill establishes a registration process for these roles and increases the duration for which prescriptions based on veterinary telehealth evaluations can be issued, extending it from one month to six months for certain drugs and from 14 days to 30 days for others. Additionally, it revises the composition of the Board of Veterinary Medicine to include representatives from these newly defined roles, aiming to improve consumer access to veterinary services while ensuring practitioners meet necessary standards.

The bill also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of registered veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary professional associates, allowing them to perform specific duties under the supervision of licensed veterinarians, such as administering medical drugs and preparing vaccinations. However, they are restricted from making diagnoses, performing surgeries (with limited exceptions), or prescribing medications. Furthermore, the legislation amends existing statutes regarding rabies vaccinations, stipulating that they must be administered by licensed veterinarians or authorized individuals, and introduces the use of signature stamps on vaccination certificates to streamline documentation. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
H 805 Filed: 474.201, 474.204