Specifies that the Act may be referred to as the Rabies Vaccination Access for Shelters and Public Health Act. Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 and the Animal Control Act. Allows a licensed veterinarian to delegate rabies vaccination within an animal shelter, animal control facility, or government-authorized public health vaccination clinic to a certified veterinary technician or trained shelter vaccine administrator who is acting under the veterinarian's indirect supervision. Requires written protocols, training verification, and oversight by the supervising veterinarian. Directs the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 and the Department of Agriculture under the Animal Control Act to adopt rules within 12 months of the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective January 1, 2027.
House Committee Amendment No. 1: In the legislative findings, replaces a reference to indirect supervision with a reference to direct supervision. In requirements for rabies vaccination, requires the supervising licensed veterinarian to assume professional responsibility for the rabies vaccine administered to the patient by the individuals acting under the veterinarian's direction (rather than to be responsible for oversight of the vaccine administration).
House Floor Amendment No. 3: Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004. Provides that a certified veterinary technician who has completed the required 2-hour rabies vaccination continuing education course may administer rabies vaccinations only under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and only after the supervising veterinarian has performed a physical examination of the animal and determined that the animal is healthy enough to receive the vaccination. Further provides that the rabies administration continuing education program must be taught by a licensed veterinarian in good standing and provided by a continuing education provider approved by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Provides that a rabies vaccination certificate may be signed only by a licensed veterinarian who administered the vaccination or a certified veterinary technician who has completed the required rabies vaccination continuing education program during the previous renewal period and administered the rabies vaccination. Further provides that a rabies vaccination certificate that is signed by a certified veterinary technician shall also be signed by the veterinarian providing direct supervision of the certified veterinary technician. Provides that the professional credential of the individual or individuals who sign the certificate must be included with their signature. Provides that a copy of the current rabies vaccination continuing education certificate must be on display at the locations where the certified veterinary technician administers rabies vaccinations. Makes other changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 225 ILCS 115/30, 510 ILCS 5/8
Engrossed: 225 ILCS 115/8
Enrolled: 225 ILCS 115/8