S.B. No. 613 seeks to enhance the regulation of veterinary medicine in Texas by introducing new definitions and provisions while increasing civil penalties for violations. The bill adds definitions for "affiliate," "business entity," and "certified veterinary assistant," clarifying relationships within veterinary practices. It establishes that the professional services of veterinarians cannot be controlled by non-veterinarians and mandates that business entities engaging in veterinary practices must have licensed veterinarians as owners or partners. Additionally, the bill prohibits certain contract provisions with private equity firms that could limit veterinarians' ability to compete or discuss care quality. Civil penalties for unlicensed practice are increased from $1,000 to $5,000 per day, and the bill allows for the recovery of attorney's fees for successful actions against violators.

Moreover, the bill amends Chapter 801 of the Occupations Code to protect veterinarians' professional autonomy by prohibiting employers from imposing compliance mandates with specific professional standards, limiting clinical communications, or requiring referrals that violate existing laws. It also safeguards veterinarians from adverse changes in their working conditions or financial benefits in retaliation for reporting violations. The new provisions will apply only to contracts entered into or renewed after the effective date of the Act, set for September 1, 2025, ensuring that existing agreements are not retroactively affected. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the professional independence of veterinarians and ensure ethical and legal conduct in veterinary practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 801.002, Occupations Code 801.352, Occupations Code 801.354, Occupations Code 801.402, Occupations Code 801.353, Occupations Code 801.503, Occupations Code 801.504, Occupations Code 801.506 (Occupations Code 801)