Bill > H3989

This bill expands veterinary treatment practices by defining "companion animal" to include domesticated animals like fowl, birds, fish, and reptiles, excluding those intended for consumption. It also authorizes veterinarians to dispense compounded drugs, which are custom-made medications, for their own patients under specific conditions, including a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), which signifies a professional relationship where the veterinarian has examined the animal and has sufficient knowledge of its care. This dispensing is permitted for a maximum of a 120-hour supply for emergency conditions when a compounding pharmacy is not readily accessible. Furthermore, veterinarians can compound medications for individual patients if they meet these emergency requirements, but they are prohibited from using bulk supplies, duplicating existing products, selling compounded medications wholesale, or compounding federally controlled substances. The bill clarifies that no manufacturing license is needed for such compounding, but veterinarians remain responsible for the safety and effectiveness of these medications. Finally, it mandates that pharmacists must label all compounded products for companion animals with specific information, including the medication's name and strength, control number, expiration date, and pharmacy details.