House Bill No. 1550 seeks to enhance the regulation of veterinary professionals and facilities under the oversight of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, with temporary administration by the Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill introduces a revised definition of "veterinary medical facility" and clarifies the roles of the board's executive director, who will be appointed by the board and granted powers to delegate duties and issue emergency orders. Additionally, the bill emphasizes transparency in the complaint investigation process by requiring the board to maintain an electronic reporting system for license holder information and prioritize complaints based on public risk. It also establishes guidelines for consumer refunds and allows for reciprocity agreements with other states regarding licensing.

The bill amends various sections of the Occupations Code, focusing on the handling of complaints and disciplinary actions. Notable changes include a stipulation that a veterinarian board member reviewing a complaint cannot participate in subsequent disciplinary proceedings related to that complaint, and the board's authority to maintain confidentiality in investigations with certain exceptions. The bill introduces provisions for deferred actions on complaints, clarifies informal proceeding procedures, and emphasizes public meetings for reviewing informal dispositions. It also establishes new registration requirements for veterinary medical facilities, including safety and compliance standards, while allowing the board to issue cease and desist orders. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of provisions regarding the setting of hearings by the executive director and the repeal of redundant sections of the Occupations Code. The new regulations will be implemented over the next few years, with a registration deadline for facilities by September 1, 2027, and the overall act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 801.002, Occupations Code 801.023, Occupations Code 801.101, Occupations Code 801.102, Occupations Code 801.103, Occupations Code 801.151, Occupations Code 801.156, Occupations Code 801.157, Occupations Code 801.158, Occupations Code 801.161, Occupations Code 801.163, Occupations Code 801.164, Occupations Code 801.205, Occupations Code 801.2051, Occupations Code 801.2052, Occupations Code 801.2055, Occupations Code 801.2056, Occupations Code 801.207, Occupations Code 801.208, Occupations Code 801.406, Occupations Code 801.407, Occupations Code 801.408, Occupations Code 801.453, Occupations Code 801.454, Occupations Code 801.455, Occupations Code 801.456, Occupations Code 801.457, Occupations Code 801.502, Occupations Code 801.508 (Occupations Code 801)