Bill > HB1694

This bill, known as the "Tennessee K-9 Emergency Medical Care and Transport Act," establishes provisions for the emergency medical treatment and transport of specially trained dogs used by law enforcement and military personnel, referred to as "canine first responders." It clarifies that emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are immune from disciplinary action by the board of veterinary examiners for providing emergency care to these animals, and that such actions do not constitute the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine. Specifically, EMS personnel are permitted to transport an injured canine first responder to a veterinary facility if no human patient requires immediate attention, and they can provide emergency care at the scene or during transport. This immunity extends to good-faith actions and also protects them from liability for refusing to provide such care. The act aims to ensure that these vital working animals receive prompt medical attention when injured in the line of duty.