Bill > S0796

This bill, titled the "Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act," aims to improve access to veterinary care by introducing a new category of veterinary professionals and updating existing regulations. It defines a "veterinary professional associate" as an individual with a master's degree or equivalent in veterinary clinical care from an accredited institution who meets registration requirements. The bill expands the timeframe for which veterinarians can issue prescriptions based solely on a veterinary telehealth evaluation, allowing for up to six months for flea and tick control products and up to 30 days for other animal drugs, though renewals still require an in-person examination. It also revises exemptions for certain individuals assisting licensed veterinarians, now including registered veterinary professional associates. A new section establishes requirements for veterinary professional associates to obtain registration certificates from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, mandates that a public list of these registrants be available online, and grants the department authority to suspend or rescind registrations under specific circumstances, such as negligence or conviction of animal cruelty. Registered veterinary professional associates will be authorized to practice veterinary medicine under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian, with specific limitations, such as not prescribing controlled substances (except for humane euthanasia purposes) and performing only certain minor surgical procedures like spaying, dental surgery, or suturing skin lacerations. Finally, the bill conforms existing laws, including those related to rabies vaccinations, to these changes and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance

Regulated Industries (Senate), Rules (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/796