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FL S1382

FL S1382
Practice of Veterinary Medicine


summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; amending s. 474.201, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 474.202, F.S.; defining terms; amending s. 474.204, F.S.; revising the membership of the Board of Veterinary Medicine; creating s. 474.223, F.S.; requiring the board to adopt specified rules; providing application criteria for the licensure of veterinary technicians; specifying the services a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist must be licensed to perform, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; requiring supervising veterinarians to determine the appropriate level of supervision in the performance of such services unless otherwise provided for by board rule or general law, according to specified conditions; specifying that licensed veterinarians are responsible for all services performed by licensed veterinary technicians or veterinary technologists; specifying the services that only licensed veterinarians may perform or provide; authorizing a supervising veterinarian to delegate to a licensed veterinary technician the responsibility of supervising certain tasks performed by unlicensed persons; prohibiting persons from making specified representations; prohibiting veterinary assistants from identifying themselves as veterinary technicians or licensed veterinary technicians unless certain conditions are met; providing a criminal penalty; amending s. 828.30, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill updates Florida law regarding the practice of veterinary medicine by defining "licensed veterinary technician," "veterinary assistant," "veterinary technician," and "veterinary technologist," and establishing licensing requirements and specific services that licensed veterinary technicians or technologists can perform under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, such as certain medical procedures and euthanasia, while explicitly stating that only licensed veterinarians can diagnose, perform surgery, or prescribe medication. The bill also revises the membership of the Board of Veterinary Medicine to include a licensed veterinary technician, clarifies that licensed veterinarians are responsible for all services performed by their staff, and makes it a misdemeanor for unlicensed individuals to represent themselves as licensed veterinary technicians, with an exception for veterinary assistants meeting specific educational or licensing criteria. Additionally, it allows licensed veterinary technicians, under immediate veterinarian supervision, to administer rabies vaccinations, aligning with existing laws.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced (on 01/22/2026)

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