summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; amending s. 474.201, F.S.; revising legislative purpose and intent; amending s. 474.202, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “responsible supervision”; defining terms; creating s. 474.208, F.S.; requiring the Board of Veterinary Medicine to adopt rules to regulate the profession and practice of veterinary technology; requiring any person desiring licensure as a veterinary technician or technologist to apply to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to take a licensure examination; requiring the department to license each applicant for whom the board has verified completion of specified requirements; authorizing certain veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists to apply for licensure, beginning on a certain date; requiring the department to license each applicant for whom the board has verified completion of specified requirements; authorizing a licensed veterinary technician or licensed veterinary technologist to perform specified veterinary technology services under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian; authorizing a licensed veterinarian to delegate certain professional responsibilities to a licensed veterinary technician, licensed veterinary technologist, or veterinary assistant under specified circumstances; authorizing only a licensed veterinarian to perform specified actions; amending s. 474.213, F.S.; prohibiting a person from misleading the public that she or he is licensed as a veterinary technician, or veterinary technologist without holding such license; amending s. 828.30, F.S.; authorizing a licensed veterinary technician or licensed veterinary technologist, under responsible supervision, to perform a rabies vaccination; reenacting s. 474.203(11), F.S., relating to exemptions, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 474.202, F.S., in a reference thereto; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill updates Florida's veterinary medicine regulations to establish formal licensing and professional guidelines for veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists. It defines new professional categories, including veterinary technicians (who have an associate's degree) and veterinary technologists (who have a bachelor's degree) in veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The bill creates a licensing process through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, requiring applicants to complete an accredited program, pass a national exam, and demonstrate knowledge of relevant laws and rules. Starting July 1, 2025, licensed veterinary technicians and technologists will be authorized to perform specific medical services under a veterinarian's responsible supervision, such as catheterization, euthanasia, injections, suturing, and vaccination administration. The legislation maintains that only licensed veterinarians can make diagnoses, perform surgeries, or prescribe medications. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from misrepresenting themselves as licensed veterinary professionals and updates existing statutes to incorporate these new professional classifications, with the goal of ensuring safe and competent veterinary care in Florida.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Regulated Industries (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/898 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/898/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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