Bill > SF296

This bill allows emergency medical care providers (such as paramedics) to provide immediate veterinary medical services to police service dogs that have suffered severe injuries while on duty. Under specific conditions, these providers can diagnose and treat a police service dog to stabilize its condition, but only after ensuring all human medical needs are met at the scene. The bill includes important protections for emergency medical care providers, stating that they will not be held civilly liable if they act reasonably and in good faith when treating the dog. Providers are required to prioritize human medical needs and can stop treating the dog if they are dispatched to another location or if their equipment is needed elsewhere. The bill also explicitly prohibits transporting an injured police service dog in an emergency medical vehicle. This legislation aims to provide critical, time-sensitive medical intervention for police dogs who are injured during their work, potentially saving their lives by allowing immediate stabilization before veterinary care.

Justice

Judiciary (S)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF296