Bill > SB874

This bill requires veterinarians in Hawaii to provide a written prescription for an animal patient to a client upon request, as long as an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, meaning the veterinarian has examined the animal or visited its premises and has sufficient knowledge of its health for informed judgment and follow-up care. The bill also mandates that veterinarians inform clients of their right to receive such a prescription and fill it at a pharmacy of their choice, with the prescription needing to include specific details about the veterinarian, animal, medication, and usage directions. Pharmacies licensed in Hawaii are permitted to dispense these prescribed medications, provided they meet all necessary certification requirements. Importantly, veterinarians will not be held responsible for issues arising from a third-party pharmacy's dispensing, such as improper storage or medication errors, nor liable for adverse effects from externally sourced products. Violations of these requirements by veterinarians are considered professional misconduct and can lead to disciplinary actions, including fines or license suspension or revocation, by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=874&year=2026