This bill amends various provisions of Minnesota Statutes concerning the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, aiming to modernize and enhance the regulatory framework. Key changes include the updated definition of an "accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine" to align with standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, as well as the introduction of new definitions such as "telemedicine" and "teletriage." The bill also modifies the definition of "animal" to encompass any organism requiring oxygen and organic nutrients, and it establishes new subdivisions outlining the duties and authority of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, which will now include a licensed veterinary technician among its members.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the responsibilities of licensed veterinary technicians, including the requirement for humane care and completion of continuing education. It revises the licensing process for nonresident veterinary technicians and expands grounds for disciplinary actions against licensed professionals. The bill also clarifies the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and introduces provisions for the donation and reissuance of veterinary drugs, ensuring that donated drugs are not resold but can be reissued without charge. Furthermore, several outdated provisions are repealed to streamline the regulatory framework, with effective dates for certain changes set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 156.001, 156.01, 156.02, 156.03, 156.04, 156.05, 156.06, 156.07, 156.071, 156.072, 156.075, 156.076, 156.077, 156.078, 156.081, 156.12, 156.121, 156.16, 156.18, 156.19
1st Engrossment: 156.001, 156.01, 156.02, 156.03, 156.04, 156.05, 156.06, 156.07, 156.071, 156.072, 156.076, 156.077, 156.078, 156.081, 156.12, 156.121, 156.16, 156.18, 156.19
2nd Engrossment: 156.001, 156.01, 156.02, 156.03, 156.04, 156.05, 156.06, 156.07, 156.071, 156.072, 156.076, 156.077, 156.078, 156.081, 156.12, 156.121, 156.16, 156.18, 156.19