This bill amends Iowa law to allow emergency medical care providers, certified under chapter 147A, to provide veterinary medical services to police service dogs that are severely injured while on duty. The new provisions specify that these services can be rendered only if the police service dog is under the supervision of a peace officer and if the treatment is necessary to stabilize the dog's condition for later care by a licensed veterinarian. Importantly, the bill includes a clause that protects emergency medical care providers from civil liability when they act in good faith while providing these services.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions that emergency medical care providers must follow when treating a police service dog. They must first attend to any human casualties at the scene, refrain from using or must discontinue the use of medical equipment if it is needed for human patients, and must not treat the dog if they are dispatched to another location. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the transportation of severely injured police service dogs in vehicles designated for emergency medical or ambulance services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147A.8, 169.4