Bill > HB70

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and mobile intensive care paramedics to provide emergency medical services to operational canines, which are defined as dogs used by law enforcement, government agencies, or in search and rescue operations. The bill amends several existing statutes to allow EMTs and paramedics to administer emergency medical care to these canines under specific conditions, such as when there is an immediate danger of serious harm or death and a veterinarian is unavailable. EMTs and paramedics must obtain informed consent from the canine's owner, be employed by the agency owning the canine, or follow a written veterinarian-approved protocol. They are required to transfer the canine to a licensed veterinarian at the earliest opportunity and cannot provide such services if a human requires emergency medical attention. The bill also provides civil liability protections for veterinarians who receive transferred operational canines and for emergency medical professionals acting in good faith. Additionally, the bill allows for medical record disclosure between emergency medical professionals and veterinarians for performance evaluation purposes. The new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing time for agencies and professionals to prepare for the implementation of these expanded emergency medical services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB70