2025 -- H 5334

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LC000772

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Cruz, Shekarchi, Solomon, Hull, Corvese, Stewart,
Bennett, Kislak, Potter, and Morales

     Date Introduced: February 07, 2025

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 5-25 of the General Laws entitled "Veterinary Practice" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     5-25-7.2. Veterinarian drug consultation.

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     (a) Each time a veterinarian initially prescribes, dispenses, or furnishes a drug to an animal

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patient in an outpatient setting, the veterinarian shall offer to provide, verbally, in writing, or by

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email to the client, a consultation that includes the following information:

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     (1) The name and description of the drug;

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     (2) Route of administration, dosage form, dosage, duration of drug therapy, the duration of

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the effects of the drug, and the common severe adverse effects associated with the use of a short-

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acting or long-acting drug;

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     (3) Any special directions for proper use and storage;

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     (4) Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose; and

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     (5) If available, precautions and relevant warnings provided by the drug's manufacturer,

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including common severe adverse effects of the drug.

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     (b) If available by drug manufacturer, a veterinarian must provide a client information sheet

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to pet owners when prescribing medications.

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     (c) A veterinarian may delegate to a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant

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the task of providing consultation and drug documentation required by this section.

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     (d) It shall be noted in the medical record of the animal patient if the consultation described

 

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in this section is provided or declined by the client.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

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     This act would require veterinarians to provide consultations to animal owners when a drug

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is prescribed and dispensed for that animal patient.

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     This act would take effect on January 1, 2026.

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