Bill > S0796

This bill, titled the "Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act," aims to expand access to veterinary services by introducing and regulating "veterinary professional associates," individuals with a master's degree or equivalent in veterinary clinical care who meet specific registration requirements. The bill revises legislative findings to acknowledge the benefit of these associates in increasing consumer access to affordable, high-quality veterinary care and improving practice efficiency. It also extends the duration for which veterinarians can issue prescriptions based solely on a veterinary telehealth evaluation for certain flea and tick control products from one month to six months, and for other animal drugs from 14 days to 30 days, while still requiring in-person examinations for prescription renewals. Furthermore, the bill clarifies exemptions for individuals assisting licensed veterinarians, now explicitly including registered veterinary professional associates, and establishes that these associates can practice veterinary medicine under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian, with specific limitations on prescribing controlled substances (except for humane euthanasia, analgesia, or anesthesia under supervision) and performing surgery, though they are permitted to perform certain minor surgical procedures like orchiectomy, veterinary dental surgery, and suturing skin lacerations. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation will maintain a public list of registered veterinary professional associates online and has the authority to suspend or rescind their registration under certain circumstances, such as negligence, incompetence, misconduct, or conviction of animal cruelty or fighting. Finally, the bill conforms existing provisions related to rabies vaccinations to include registered veterinary professional associates and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance

Regulated Industries (Senate)

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