Veterinary Medicine

Added a new definition for 'veterinary professional associate' as an individual with a master's degree or equivalent in veterinary clinical care from an accredited institution.

Modified the bill to focus primarily on veterinary professional associates rather than including technicians and technologists in the new registration requirements.

Changed the registration requirements to apply specifically to veterinary professional associates, with the department required to maintain a public list of these registrants.

Added provisions allowing the department to rescind registration of veterinary professional associates under certain circumstances.

Added restrictions prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as veterinary professional associates under certain circumstances.

Added provisions authorizing registered veterinary professional associates to engage in veterinary medicine practice under certain circumstances.

Added restrictions prohibiting registered veterinary professional associates from taking certain actions.

Added exceptions to the restrictions on veterinary professional associates.

Modified telehealth provisions to clarify that veterinarians may not engage in telehealth without an existing veterinarian/client/patient relationship.

Modified telehealth provisions to require veterinarians to practice consistent with prevailing professional standards for in-person services.

Modified telehealth provisions to allow prescriptions based solely on telehealth evaluations for longer durations.

Added provisions amending section 828.30 to conform to changes made by the act.

Modified enforcement provisions to allow suspension of registration for veterinary professional associates upon certain determinations by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.