Bill > SB2069

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 or transport to these animals, even if such care might otherwise be considered the practice of veterinary medicine. This immunity applies when EMS personnel, in good faith, transport an injured canine first responder to a veterinary facility or provide emergency care at the scene or during transport, provided there is no human patient requiring immediate attention. The act also specifies that EMS personnel are not required to be licensed as veterinarians to provide this authorized care and are protected from criminal and civil liability for actions taken while providing such emergency services, as well as for refusing to provide care.