House Bill No. 1550 proposes significant amendments to the Occupations Code to enhance the regulation of veterinary professionals and facilities by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. A key addition is the definition of "veterinary medical facility," which includes various locations providing veterinary services. The bill clarifies the executive director's role, who will be appointed by the board and responsible for overseeing administrative functions such as licensing and enforcement. The board's powers are also expanded to include conducting inspections and investigations, maintaining an electronic reporting system for license holders and complaints, and issuing refunds to consumers. Additionally, the bill allows for reciprocity agreements with other states regarding licensing.

The bill further streamlines the complaint and disciplinary processes for veterinarians, ensuring that board members reviewing complaints do not participate in subsequent proceedings. It mandates the adoption of rules for evaluating complaints that do not require medical expertise and allows for the disclosure of certain complaint information while maintaining confidentiality for sensitive details. New procedures for informal proceedings and sanctions are introduced, including a deferred action process for complaints. The bill also establishes a formal hearing process through the State Office of Administrative Hearings and requires all veterinary facilities to register with the board, with compliance deadlines set for September 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific provisions regarding veterinary medical facilities taking effect a year later.

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)