HB 664 Ohio House · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Regards registered veterinary technician authority

Summary

To amend section 4741.19 of the Revised Code to establish procedures that allow a registered veterinary technician to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship on behalf of a veterinarian to administer vaccines and antiparasitic medication to a dog or cat.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Last action Jun 11, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced → As Passed by the House · 6 edits · Jun 9, 2026

MODERATE

This bill amends Ohio's veterinary practice laws to allow registered veterinary technicians to establish 'assess and treat' relationships with shelter dogs and cats. Under this new authority, technicians can evaluate shelter animals and administer vaccines and antiparasitic medications without the physical presence of a veterinarian, provided a licensed veterinarian is readily available via phone and a detailed care coordination agreement is in place. The bill also clarifies supervision levels for technicians in general practice settings and adds provisions for allied medical support.

Scope change

The bill narrows the scope of the new authority to specifically cover shelter dogs and cats, whereas previous drafts or related discussions often included private pet owners. It also introduces a new section (4741.191) dedicated entirely to these shelter-specific procedures.

SCOPE

Created a new section (4741.191) allowing registered veterinary technicians to establish 'assess and treat' relationships specifically for shelter dogs and cats to dispense vaccines and antiparasitic medication.

REQUIREMENT

Requires a 'care coordination agreement' between the veterinarian and technician that details protocols for handling adverse reactions, documentation requirements, and veterinarian availability.

Changed the supervision requirement for the new shelter program from 'direct' supervision to 'veterinary supervision,' defined as the veterinarian being readily available via telephonic means at all times during the procedure.

Reorganized the duties of registered veterinary technicians into two categories: those requiring general veterinary supervision and those requiring direct veterinary supervision (e.g., dental extractions and anesthesia).

Added a new provision allowing allied medical support individuals to assist veterinarians under direct supervision if a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship exists and informed consent is obtained.

DEFINITION

Added specific legal definitions for 'covered animal' (shelter dog or cat), 'antiparasitic medication,' and 'assess and treat relationship'.

Floor votes · House Jun 10, 2026

How they voted

92–0

Passed

Total votes 92

Jun 10, 2026

D Democratic32

32 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican60

60 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 11, 2026

Introduced

upper

Jun 10, 2026

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (92-0)

house

Jun 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed

lower

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

Referred to committee

lower

Jan 29, 2026

Introduced

lower

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors