CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 602Introduced by Senator CorteseFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 602, as introduced, Cortese. Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 602Introduced by Senator CorteseFebruary 20, 2025 An act to amend Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 602, as introduced, Cortese. Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 602
Introduced by Senator CorteseFebruary 20, 2025
Introduced by Senator Cortese
February 20, 2025
An act to amend Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 602, as introduced, Cortese. Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the California Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law authorizes a veterinarian to allow a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified conditions, including, among other things, imposing different requirements relating to the proximity of the veterinarian depending upon where the registered veterinarian technician is administering the vaccine or medication. Specifically, existing law requires either that the veterinarian is physically present at the premises when the registered veterinary technician is working at a registered veterinary premises, or, if working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, that the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
This bill would revise the above-described condition to authorize a registered veterinary technician to administer the vaccine or medication in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available.
Because a violation of the bills provisions would be a crime under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SECTION 1. Section 4826.7 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
4826.7. (a) For purposes of this section, veterinarian means a California licensed veterinarian.
(b) A veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The Except as provided in paragraph (2), the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in a registered veterinary premises when the veterinarian is physically present at the registered veterinary premises.
(2) If working at a location other than a registered veterinary premises, or in a registered veterinary premises that is a public animal control agency or shelter, private animal shelter, humane society shelter, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, the registered veterinary technician administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when the veterinarian is in the general vicinity or available by telephone and is quickly and easily available. At this location, the registered veterinary technician shall have equipment and drugs necessary to provide immediate emergency care at a level commensurate with the provision of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(3) The registered veterinary technician examines the animal patient and administers preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites in accordance with written protocols and procedures established by the veterinarian, which shall include, at a minimum, all of the following:
(A) Obtaining the animal patients history from the client in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(B) Data that must be collected by physical examination of the animal patient in order to reasonably ensure that the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites is appropriate.
(C) Information in the patient history or physical examination results that would preclude the administration of preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(D) Criteria that would disqualify the animal patient from receiving the preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites.
(E) Vaccination protocols for each animal species for which preventive or prophylactic vaccines are administered, that include, at a minimum, handling and administration of vaccines in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(F) Preventative procedures for parasite control for each animal species for which medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites are being administered, which shall include, at a minimum, handling and administration of medications in accordance with manufacturer label recommendations and what to do in the event of an adverse reaction or other emergency.
(G) Documentation of all of the following animal patient information:
(i) Name or initials of the person responsible for entries.
(ii) Name, address, and phone number of the client.
(iii) Name or identity of the animal, herd, or flock.
(iv) Except for herds or flocks, age, sex, breed, species, and color of the animal.
(v) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal, if applicable.
(vi) A history or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal, herd, or flocks medical status.
(vii) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from the physical examination.
(viii) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, dosages, route of administration, and frequency of use.
(ix) Diagnosis or assessment before performing a treatment or procedure.
(x) If relevant, a prognosis of the animals condition.
(xi) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including strength, dosage, route of administration, quantity, and frequency of use.
(4) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing an assumption of risk by the veterinarian for all acts of the registered veterinary technician related to examining the animal patient and administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasite, short of willful acts of animal cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct on behalf of the registered veterinary technician.
(5) The veterinarian and the registered veterinary technician sign and date a statement containing authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian only to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship for purposes of administering preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites when acting in compliance with the protocols and procedures specified in paragraph (3), and only until the date the veterinarian terminates authorization for the registered veterinary technician to act as the agent of the veterinarian.
(6) (A) Before the registered veterinary technician examines or administers any preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites to the animal patient, the registered veterinary technician informs the client verbally or in writing that the registered veterinary technician is acting as an agent of the veterinarian for purposes of administering to the animal patient preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications, as applicable, and provides the veterinarians name and license number to the client.
(B) After providing the disclosure specified in subparagraph (A), the registered veterinary technician records in the animal patients medical record the verbal or written authorization of the client to proceed with the registered veterinary technicians examination of the animal patient and administration of the specified vaccine or medication.
(c) (1) Documentation relating to satisfaction of the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for the duration of the registered veterinary technicians work as an agent of that veterinarian and until three years from the date of the termination of the veterinarians relationship with the registered veterinary technician.
(2) Documentation relating to satisfaction of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) shall be retained by the veterinarian for a minimum of three years after the animal patients last visit.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
### SEC. 2.