Assigned to NREW AS PASSED BY COW
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1194
state veterinarian; certified rabies vaccinator
Purpose
Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a
certified rabies vaccinator and prescribes requirements for training and licensing.
Background
The State Veterinarian must designate: 1) the type of antirabies vaccines that may be used
for vaccination of animals; 2) the period of time between vaccination and revaccination; and 3) the
dosage and method of administration of the vaccine (A.R.S. § 11-1002). The owner of a dog, or a
veterinarian, must present a signed copy of the rabies vaccination certificate before a license is
issued. The rabies vaccination must be performed by a licensed veterinarian (A.R.S. § 11-1010).
Individuals who are not subject to the licensing and regulation requirements of licensed
veterinarians include: 1) a commissioned veterinary medical officer of the U.S. armed services;
2) employees of the animal disease eradication division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture;
3) a person treating an animal belonging to that person or their employer without compensation; 4)
a licensed veterinarian of another state or foreign country consulting with a licensed veterinarian in
Arizona; 5) a veterinary student who performs health care as part of their educational experience
under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary faculty member who assumes
responsibility of the animal; and 6) a veterinary assistant employed by a licensed veterinarian
performing duties other than diagnosis, prognosis, prescription or surgery under the supervision of a
licensed veterinarian who assumes responsibility of the animal (A.R.S. § 32-2211).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a
certified rabies vaccinator to administer the rabies vaccine on the premise of a rural shelter or
rural animal rescue organization that is located in a county that falls within the prescribed
population threshold in which a licensed veterinarian is not available.
2. Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment to:
a) provide in-person training to each person appointed to be a certified rabies vaccinator; and
b) certify in writing, on satisfactory completion of the training, that the appointee
demonstrated the knowledge and skills acceptable to administer rabies vaccines.
3. Requires the State Veterinarian to adopt rules to implement the certified vaccinator training. FACT SHEET – Amended
S.B. 1194
Page 2
4. Requires the certified rabies vaccinator to:
a. maintain records of all vaccinations administered for three years; and
b. to notify the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment of any adverse events.
5. Validates certification of rabies vaccinators:
a) initially for one year; and
b) subsequently for two years.
6. Excludes a rabies vaccinator from:
a) acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry; and
b) veterinary licensing and regulation requirements.
7. Exempts the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment from liability for any action
taken by a certified rabies vaccinator in the course of administering a rabies vaccine.
8. Adds, to the definition of vaccination, the administration of an antirabies vaccine to animals
by a certified rabies vaccinator.
9. Makes technical and conforming changes.
10. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
• Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the initial appointment to provide the in-person
training, rather than the State Veterinarian.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Adds a population threshold to the counties in which a certified rabies vaccinator may
administer the rabies vaccine on the premise of a rural shelter or rural animal rescue
organization.
2. Adds reporting requirements for certified rabies vaccinators.
3. Exempts the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment from liability for any action
taken by a certified rabies vaccinator in the course of administering a rabies vaccine.
Senate Action
NREW 2/9/23 DPA 6-1-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 21, 2023
RA/slp