This bill amends various provisions of Minnesota Statutes concerning veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing ones to 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 terms such as "telemedicine" and "veterinary specialist." The bill also modifies the definition of "animal" to include any organism with sensation and voluntary movement, excluding poultry. Additionally, it restructures the Board of Veterinary Medicine to consist of nine members, including licensed veterinarians and a licensed veterinary technician, and grants the board authority to subpoena witnesses and administer oaths.

Further amendments focus on the licensure process for veterinary technicians, emphasizing mandatory requirements such as a nonrefundable application fee, proof of graduation from an accredited program, and a criminal background check. The bill mandates that licensed veterinary technicians provide humane care and complete continuing education, with specific guidelines for record-keeping and the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. It also introduces provisions for the donation and reissuance of veterinary drugs, prohibiting the resale of donated drugs while allowing their reissuance to clients or nonprofit organizations. The bill repeals several existing statutes related to veterinary practice to streamline regulations, with many provisions set to take effect on 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