This bill proposes to classify medetomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance in South Dakota, establishing specific permissible uses for this drug. The new legal language specifies that any material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing medetomidine will be classified as a controlled substance, with exceptions for certain approved uses. These exceptions include dispensing, prescribing, or administering medetomidine to animals if it has been approved by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as its use in manufacturing and distributing animal drugs under specific federal regulations.

Additionally, the bill outlines further permissible activities involving medetomidine, such as its use as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for manufacturing animal drugs, provided they meet federal approval or investigational use exemption criteria. It also allows for the manufacturing, distributing, or using of medetomidine bulk chemicals for pharmaceutical compounding by licensed professionals. Overall, the legislation aims to regulate the use of medetomidine while ensuring that necessary veterinary practices can continue under established federal guidelines.