Senate File 296 amends Iowa law to allow emergency medical care providers certified under chapter 147A to provide veterinary medical services to severely injured police service dogs while on duty. The bill introduces a new subsection to Section 147A.8, which specifically permits these providers to diagnose or treat police service dogs that are injured while under the supervision of a peace officer. Additionally, it adds a new subsection to Section 169.4 that outlines the conditions under which these providers can offer such services, including the requirement that the dog must be on duty, severely injured, and in need of immediate stabilization.

The bill also includes provisions that protect emergency medical care providers from civil liability when they act reasonably and in good faith while providing veterinary services. It stipulates that these providers must first attend to any human victims at the scene before diagnosing or treating the police service dog. Furthermore, it restricts the use of medical equipment for the dog if it is needed for human patients or if the provider is dispatched elsewhere. Lastly, it specifies that severely injured police service dogs cannot be transported in vehicles designated for emergency medical or ambulance services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147A.8, 169.4
Enrolled: 147A.8, 169.4