Bill > SB602

This bill modifies existing California veterinary regulations to allow registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to administer preventive vaccines and parasite medications in specific types of animal shelters (public animal control agencies, private animal shelters, humane society shelters, and SPCA shelters) when a veterinarian is available by telephone or in the general vicinity, instead of requiring the veterinarian to be physically present. The bill establishes detailed requirements for this authorization, including that the RVT must follow written protocols established by the veterinarian, document specific patient information, obtain client authorization, disclose their role as the veterinarian's agent, and sign agreements assuming professional responsibility. The RVT must also have emergency equipment and follow specific guidelines for examining animals, assessing their medical history, and determining whether vaccination or medication is appropriate. The veterinarian must retain documentation of these interactions for at least three years. Because this bill modifies existing regulations within the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, any violation would be considered a crime, and the bill includes a provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for implementing these changes.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB602