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| 9 | 9 | | Page 1 of 23 |
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| 10 | 10 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 12 | 12 | | |
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| 13 | 13 | | |
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| 14 | 14 | | A bill to be entitled 1 |
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| 15 | 15 | | An act relating to the practice of veterinary 2 |
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| 16 | 16 | | medicine; amending s. 474.201, F.S.; conforming 3 |
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| 17 | 17 | | provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 4 |
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| 18 | 18 | | 474.202, F.S.; providing definitions; amending s. 5 |
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| 19 | 19 | | 474.203, F.S.; providing that specified exemptions 6 |
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| 20 | 20 | | apply to licensed and unlicensed veterinary 7 |
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| 21 | 21 | | technicians; amending s. 474.204, F.S.; revising the 8 |
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| 22 | 22 | | membership of the Board of Veterinary Medicine; 9 |
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| 23 | 23 | | creating s. 474.2071, F.S.; providing requirements for 10 |
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| 24 | 24 | | the licensure of veterinary technicians; amending s. 11 |
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| 25 | 25 | | 474.211, F.S.; providing requirements for the renewal 12 |
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| 26 | 26 | | of a licensed veterinary technician's license; 13 |
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| 27 | 27 | | amending s. 474.213, F.S.; prohibiting certain persons 14 |
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| 28 | 28 | | from taking specified actions relating to licensed 15 |
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| 29 | 29 | | veterinary technicians; providing criminal penalties; 16 |
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| 30 | 30 | | amending s. 474.214, F.S.; providing grounds for 17 |
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| 31 | 31 | | disciplinary actions against applicants for licensure 18 |
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| 32 | 32 | | and licensed veterinary technicians; authorizing the 19 |
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| 33 | 33 | | board to take specified actions against certain 20 |
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| 34 | 34 | | persons; providing for the reissuance of a license to 21 |
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| 35 | 35 | | a veterinary technician under certain circumstances; 22 |
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| 36 | 36 | | creating s. 474.223, F.S.; providing scope of practice 23 |
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| 37 | 37 | | relating to licensed veterinary technicians; 24 |
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| 38 | 38 | | authorizing veterinary technicians to provide 25 |
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| 40 | 40 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 47 | 47 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 48 | 48 | | |
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| 49 | 49 | | |
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| 50 | 50 | | |
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| 51 | 51 | | specified services; authorizing supervising 26 |
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| 52 | 52 | | veterinarians to delegate specified responsibilities 27 |
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| 53 | 53 | | to licensed veterinary technicians; prohibiting 28 |
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| 54 | 54 | | veterinary assistants from identifying themselves as 29 |
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| 55 | 55 | | specified persons; amending s. 828.30, F.S.; 30 |
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| 56 | 56 | | conforming provisions to changes made by the act; 31 |
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| 57 | 57 | | providing an effective dat e. 32 |
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| 58 | 58 | | 33 |
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| 59 | 59 | | Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 34 |
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| 60 | 60 | | 35 |
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| 61 | 61 | | Section 1. Section 474.201, Florida Statutes, is amended 36 |
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| 62 | 62 | | to read: 37 |
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| 63 | 63 | | 474.201 Purpose.—The Legislature finds that the practice 38 |
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| 64 | 64 | | of veterinary medicine is potentially dangerous to the publi c 39 |
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| 65 | 65 | | health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed 40 |
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| 66 | 66 | | veterinarians and veterinary technicians practitioners. The 41 |
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| 67 | 67 | | legislative purpose in enacting this chapter is to ensure that 42 |
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| 68 | 68 | | every veterinarian and licensed veterinary technician practicing 43 |
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| 69 | 69 | | in this state meet minimum requirements for safe practice. It is 44 |
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| 70 | 70 | | the legislative intent that veterinarians and licensed 45 |
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| 71 | 71 | | veterinary technicians who are not normally competent or who 46 |
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| 72 | 72 | | otherwise present a danger to the public shall be disciplined or 47 |
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| 73 | 73 | | prohibited from practicing in this state. 48 |
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| 74 | 74 | | Section 2. Subsections (6) through (12) and (13) of 49 |
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| 75 | 75 | | section 474.202, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections 50 |
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| 76 | 76 | | |
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| 77 | 77 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 84 | 84 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 85 | 85 | | |
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| 86 | 86 | | |
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| 87 | 87 | | |
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| 88 | 88 | | (7) through (13) and (15), respectively, and a new subsection 51 |
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| 89 | 89 | | (6) and subsections (14), (16), (17), and (18) are added to that 52 |
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| 90 | 90 | | section, to read: 53 |
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| 91 | 91 | | 474.202 Definitions. —As used in this chapter: 54 |
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| 92 | 92 | | (6) "Licensed veterinary technician" means a veterinary 55 |
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| 93 | 93 | | technician or veterinary technologist who practices veterinary 56 |
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| 94 | 94 | | technology in the state and is licensed under the authority of 57 |
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| 95 | 95 | | this chapter. 58 |
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| 96 | 96 | | (14) "Veterinary assistant" means a person who practices 59 |
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| 97 | 97 | | on a veterinary team providing medical care for animals. The 60 |
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| 98 | 98 | | term does not include a licensed veterinary technician. 61 |
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| 99 | 99 | | (16) "Veterinary technician" means a person who has 62 |
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| 100 | 100 | | graduated with an associate degree from a veterinary technology 63 |
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| 101 | 101 | | training program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical 64 |
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| 102 | 102 | | Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and 65 |
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| 103 | 103 | | Activities (CVTEA). 66 |
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| 104 | 104 | | (17) "Veterinary technologist" means a person who has 67 |
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| 105 | 105 | | graduated with a bachelor's degree from a veterinary technology 68 |
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| 106 | 106 | | training program accredited by the CVTEA. 69 |
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| 107 | 107 | | (18) "Veterinary technology" means the science and art of 70 |
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| 108 | 108 | | providing certain aspects of the medical care and treatment of a 71 |
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| 109 | 109 | | veterinary patient by a person who is a veterinary technician or 72 |
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| 110 | 110 | | veterinary technologist, as delegated and supervised by a 73 |
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| 111 | 111 | | licensed veterinarian with an established 74 |
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| 112 | 112 | | veterinarian/client/patient relationship. The term does not 75 |
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| 121 | 121 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 122 | 122 | | |
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| 123 | 123 | | |
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| 124 | 124 | | |
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| 125 | 125 | | include the diagnosis, prognosis, prescription of medications, 76 |
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| 126 | 126 | | surgery, or the development of treatment plans, which are within 77 |
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| 127 | 127 | | the purview of the veterinarian. 78 |
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| 128 | 128 | | Section 3. Subsections (3), (5), and (7) of section 79 |
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| 129 | 129 | | 474.203, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 80 |
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| 130 | 130 | | 474.203 Exemptions. —This chapter does not apply to: 81 |
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| 131 | 131 | | (3) A student in a school or college of veterinary 82 |
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| 132 | 132 | | medicine or a program for veterinary technology while in the 83 |
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| 133 | 133 | | performance of duties assigned by her or his instructor or when 84 |
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| 134 | 134 | | working as a preceptor under the immediate supervision of a 85 |
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| 135 | 135 | | licensee, if such preceptorship is required for graduation from 86 |
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| 136 | 136 | | an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine or a 87 |
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| 137 | 137 | | program for veterinary technology . The licensed veterinarian is 88 |
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| 138 | 138 | | responsible for all acts performed by a preceptor under her or 89 |
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| 139 | 139 | | his supervision. 90 |
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| 140 | 140 | | (5)(a) Any person, or the person's regular employee, 91 |
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| 141 | 141 | | administering to the ills or injuries of her or his own animals, 92 |
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| 142 | 142 | | including, but not limited to, castration, spaying, and 93 |
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| 143 | 143 | | dehorning of herd animals, unless title is transferred or 94 |
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| 144 | 144 | | employment provided for the purpose of circumventing this law. 95 |
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| 145 | 145 | | This exemption does not apply to any person licensed as a 96 |
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| 146 | 146 | | veterinarian or veterinary technician in another state or 97 |
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| 147 | 147 | | foreign jurisdiction and practicing temporarily in this state. 98 |
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| 148 | 148 | | However, only a veterinarian or a licensed veterinary 99 |
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| 149 | 149 | | technician, as authorized in s. 474.223(1)(m), may immunize or 100 |
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| 158 | 158 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 159 | 159 | | |
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| 160 | 160 | | |
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| 161 | 161 | | |
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| 162 | 162 | | treat an animal for diseases that are communicable to humans and 101 |
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| 163 | 163 | | that are of public health significance. 102 |
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| 164 | 164 | | (7) Any veterinary aide, nurse, unlicensed veterinary 103 |
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| 165 | 165 | | technician, laboratory technician, preceptor, or other employee 104 |
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| 166 | 166 | | of a licensed veterinarian who administers medication or who 105 |
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| 167 | 167 | | renders auxiliary or supporting assistance under the responsible 106 |
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| 168 | 168 | | supervision of a licensed veterinarian, including those tasks 107 |
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| 169 | 169 | | identified by rule of the board requiring immediate supervision. 108 |
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| 170 | 170 | | However, the licensed veterinarian is responsible for all such 109 |
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| 171 | 171 | | acts performed under this subsection by persons under her or his 110 |
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| 172 | 172 | | supervision. 111 |
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| 173 | 173 | | 112 |
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| 174 | 174 | | For the purposes of chapters 465 and 893, persons exempt 113 |
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| 175 | 175 | | pursuant to subsection (1), subsection (2), or subsection (4) 114 |
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| 176 | 176 | | are deemed to be duly licensed practitioners authorized by the 115 |
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| 177 | 177 | | laws of this state to prescribe drugs or medicinal supplies. 116 |
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| 178 | 178 | | Section 4. Section 474.204, Florida Statutes, are amended 117 |
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| 179 | 179 | | to read: 118 |
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| 180 | 180 | | 474.204 Board of Veterinary Medicine. — 119 |
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| 181 | 181 | | (1) To carry out the provisions of this chapter, there is 120 |
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| 182 | 182 | | created within the department the Board of Veterinary Medicine 121 |
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| 183 | 183 | | consisting of the following seven members, who shall be 122 |
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| 184 | 184 | | appointed by the Governor, subject to confirma tion by the 123 |
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| 185 | 185 | | Senate:. 124 |
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| 186 | 186 | | (a)(2) Five members who are of the board shall be licensed 125 |
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| 195 | 195 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 196 | 196 | | |
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| 197 | 197 | | |
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| 198 | 198 | | |
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| 199 | 199 | | veterinarians. 126 |
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| 200 | 200 | | (b) Two members who are licensed veterinary technicians 127 |
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| 201 | 201 | | who have been actively engaged in the practice of veterinary 128 |
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| 202 | 202 | | technology for at least 5 years immedia tely preceding the date 129 |
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| 203 | 203 | | of their appointment to the board. 130 |
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| 204 | 204 | | (c) Two members who are of the board shall be laypersons 131 |
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| 205 | 205 | | who are not and have never been veterinarians or members of any 132 |
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| 206 | 206 | | closely related profession or occupation. 133 |
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| 207 | 207 | | (2)(3) All provisions of chap ter 455 relating to 134 |
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| 208 | 208 | | activities of regulatory boards shall apply. 135 |
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| 209 | 209 | | Section 5. Section 474.2071, Florida Statutes, is created 136 |
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| 210 | 210 | | to read: 137 |
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| 211 | 211 | | 474.2071 Veterinary technician licensure by examination. —138 |
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| 212 | 212 | | (1) A person desiring to become licensed as a veterinary 139 |
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| 213 | 213 | | technician shall apply to the board and must have met all of the 140 |
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| 214 | 214 | | following criteria: 141 |
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| 215 | 215 | | (a) Completed the application form. 142 |
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| 216 | 216 | | (b) Graduated from a college program of veterinary 143 |
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| 217 | 217 | | technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical 144 |
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| 218 | 218 | | Association Committee on Veterinary Technicians Education and 145 |
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| 219 | 219 | | Activities. 146 |
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| 220 | 220 | | (c) Earned a passing score on the Veterinary Technician 147 |
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| 221 | 221 | | National Exam as determined by the American Association of 148 |
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| 222 | 222 | | Veterinary State Boards. 149 |
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| 223 | 223 | | (d) Demonstrated knowledge of the laws and rules governing 150 |
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| 232 | 232 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 233 | 233 | | |
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| 234 | 234 | | |
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| 235 | 235 | | |
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| 236 | 236 | | the practice of veterinary medicine in the state in a manner 151 |
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| 237 | 237 | | consistent with rules of the board. 152 |
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| 238 | 238 | | (2) A credentialed veterinary technician who is in good 153 |
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| 239 | 239 | | standing with the Florida Veterinary Technician Association or 154 |
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| 240 | 240 | | the Florida Veterinary Medical Association on July 1, 2024, is 155 |
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| 241 | 241 | | eligible to apply for licensure upon meeting all of the 156 |
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| 242 | 242 | | following criteria: 157 |
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| 243 | 243 | | (a) Completed the application form. 158 |
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| 244 | 244 | | (b) Demonstrated knowledge of the laws and rules governing 159 |
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| 245 | 245 | | the practice of veterinary medicine in the state in a manner 160 |
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| 246 | 246 | | consistent with rules of the board. 161 |
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| 247 | 247 | | Section 6. Subsection (3) of section 474.211, Florida 162 |
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| 248 | 248 | | Statutes, is amended to read: 163 |
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| 249 | 249 | | 474.211 Renewal of license. — 164 |
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| 250 | 250 | | (3) The board may by rule prescribe continuing education, 165 |
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| 251 | 251 | | not to exceed 30 hours biennially for veterinarians and 15 hours 166 |
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| 252 | 252 | | biennially for licensed veterinary technicians , as a condition 167 |
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| 253 | 253 | | for renewal of a license or certificate. The criteria for such 168 |
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| 254 | 254 | | programs, providers, and courses shall be approved by the board. 169 |
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| 255 | 255 | | Section 7. Section 474.213, Florid a Statutes, is amended 170 |
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| 256 | 256 | | to read: 171 |
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| 257 | 257 | | 474.213 Prohibitions; penalties. — 172 |
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| 258 | 258 | | (1) A No person may not shall: 173 |
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| 259 | 259 | | (a) Lead the public to believe that such person is 174 |
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| 260 | 260 | | licensed as a veterinarian, or is engaged in the licensed 175 |
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| 269 | 269 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 270 | 270 | | |
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| 271 | 271 | | |
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| 272 | 272 | | |
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| 273 | 273 | | practice of veterinary medicine, without suc h person holding a 176 |
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| 274 | 274 | | valid, active license pursuant to this chapter; 177 |
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| 275 | 275 | | (b) Use the name or title "veterinarian" when the person 178 |
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| 276 | 276 | | has not been licensed under pursuant to this chapter; 179 |
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| 277 | 277 | | (c) Present as her or his own the license of another; 180 |
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| 278 | 278 | | (d) Give false or forged evidence to the board or a member 181 |
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| 279 | 279 | | thereof for the purpose of obtaining a license; 182 |
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| 280 | 280 | | (e) Use or attempt to use a veterinarian's license which 183 |
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| 281 | 281 | | has been suspended or revoked; 184 |
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| 282 | 282 | | (f) Knowingly employ unlicensed persons in the practice of 185 |
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| 283 | 283 | | veterinary medicine; 186 |
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| 284 | 284 | | (g) Knowingly conceal information relative to violations 187 |
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| 285 | 285 | | of this chapter; 188 |
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| 286 | 286 | | (h) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license to practice 189 |
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| 287 | 287 | | veterinary medicine by fraudulent representation; 190 |
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| 288 | 288 | | (i) Practice veterinary medicine in this state, unless the 191 |
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| 289 | 289 | | person holds a valid, active license to practice veterinary 192 |
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| 290 | 290 | | medicine pursuant to this chapter; 193 |
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| 291 | 291 | | (j) Sell or offer to sell a diploma conferring a degree 194 |
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| 292 | 292 | | from a veterinary school or college, or a license issued 195 |
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| 293 | 293 | | pursuant to this chapter, or procure such diploma or l icense 196 |
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| 294 | 294 | | with the intent that it shall be used as evidence of that which 197 |
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| 295 | 295 | | the document stands for by a person other than the one upon whom 198 |
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| 296 | 296 | | it was conferred or to whom it was granted; or 199 |
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| 297 | 297 | | (k) Knowingly operate a veterinary establishment or 200 |
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| 306 | 306 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 307 | 307 | | |
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| 308 | 308 | | |
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| 309 | 309 | | |
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| 310 | 310 | | premises without having a premise permit issued under s. 201 |
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| 311 | 311 | | 474.215. 202 |
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| 312 | 312 | | (2) A person may not: 203 |
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| 313 | 313 | | (a) Lead the public to believe that such person is 204 |
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| 314 | 314 | | licensed as a veterinary technician or is engaged in the 205 |
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| 315 | 315 | | licensed practice of veterinary technology without such person 206 |
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| 316 | 316 | | holding a valid, active license under this chapter; or 207 |
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| 317 | 317 | | (b) Use the name or title "licensed veterinary technician" 208 |
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| 318 | 318 | | when the person has not been licensed under this chapter. 209 |
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| 319 | 319 | | (3)(a)(2) A person who violates subsection (1) any 210 |
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| 320 | 320 | | provision of this section commits a felony of the third degree, 211 |
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| 321 | 321 | | punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. 212 |
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| 322 | 322 | | (b) A person who violates subsection (2) commits a 213 |
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| 323 | 323 | | misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 214 |
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| 324 | 324 | | 775.082 or s. 775.083. 215 |
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| 325 | 325 | | Section 8. Section 474.214 , Florida Statutes, is amended 216 |
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| 326 | 326 | | to read: 217 |
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| 327 | 327 | | 474.214 Disciplinary proceedings. — 218 |
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| 328 | 328 | | (1) The following acts shall constitute grounds for which 219 |
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| 329 | 329 | | the disciplinary actions in subsection (3)(2) may be taken: 220 |
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| 330 | 330 | | (a) Attempting to procure a license to practice veterinar y 221 |
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| 331 | 331 | | medicine by bribery, by fraudulent representations, or through 222 |
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| 332 | 332 | | an error of the department or the board. 223 |
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| 333 | 333 | | (b) Having a license or the authority to practice 224 |
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| 334 | 334 | | veterinary medicine revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted 225 |
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| 343 | 343 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 344 | 344 | | |
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| 345 | 345 | | |
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| 346 | 346 | | |
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| 347 | 347 | | against, including the denial of licens ure, by the licensing 226 |
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| 348 | 348 | | authority of any jurisdiction, including any agency or 227 |
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| 349 | 349 | | subdivision thereof. The licensing authority's acceptance of a 228 |
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| 350 | 350 | | veterinarian's relinquishment of a license, stipulation, consent 229 |
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| 351 | 351 | | order, or other settlement, offered in response to or in 230 |
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| 352 | 352 | | anticipation of the filing of administrative charges against the 231 |
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| 353 | 353 | | veterinarian's license or authority to practice, shall be 232 |
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| 354 | 354 | | construed as action against the veterinarian's license or 233 |
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| 355 | 355 | | authority to practice. 234 |
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| 356 | 356 | | (c) Being convicted or found guilty, regardl ess of 235 |
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| 357 | 357 | | adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly 236 |
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| 358 | 358 | | relates to the practice of veterinary medicine or the ability to 237 |
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| 359 | 359 | | practice veterinary medicine. Any crime which demonstrates a 238 |
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| 360 | 360 | | lack of regard for animal life relates to the ability to 239 |
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| 361 | 361 | | practice veterinary medicine. In addition, crimes relating to 240 |
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| 362 | 362 | | the ability to practice veterinary medicine shall include, but 241 |
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| 363 | 363 | | not be limited to, crimes involving any violation of state or 242 |
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| 364 | 364 | | federal drug laws. 243 |
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| 365 | 365 | | (d) Making or filing a report or record which the lice nsee 244 |
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| 366 | 366 | | knows to be false, intentionally or negligently failing to file 245 |
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| 367 | 367 | | a report or record required by state or federal law, willfully 246 |
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| 368 | 368 | | impeding or obstructing such filing, or inducing another person 247 |
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| 369 | 369 | | to impede or obstruct such filing. Such reports or records s hall 248 |
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| 370 | 370 | | include only those which are signed in the capacity of a 249 |
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| 371 | 371 | | licensed veterinarian. 250 |
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| 372 | 372 | | |
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| 374 | 374 | | |
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| 375 | 375 | | |
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| 380 | 380 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 381 | 381 | | |
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| 382 | 382 | | |
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| 383 | 383 | | |
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| 384 | 384 | | (e) Advertising goods or services in a manner which is 251 |
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| 385 | 385 | | fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content. 252 |
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| 386 | 386 | | (f) Violating any provision of this chapter or c hapter 253 |
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| 387 | 387 | | 455, a rule of the board or department, or a lawful order of the 254 |
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| 388 | 388 | | board or department previously entered in a disciplinary 255 |
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| 389 | 389 | | hearing, or failing to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena of 256 |
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| 390 | 390 | | the department. 257 |
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| 391 | 391 | | (g) Practicing with a revoked, suspended, in active, or 258 |
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| 392 | 392 | | delinquent license. 259 |
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| 393 | 393 | | (h) Being unable to practice veterinary medicine with 260 |
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| 394 | 394 | | reasonable skill or safety to patients by reason of illness, 261 |
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| 395 | 395 | | drunkenness, use of drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other 262 |
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| 396 | 396 | | material or substance or as a result of any me ntal or physical 263 |
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| 397 | 397 | | condition. In enforcing this paragraph, upon a finding by the 264 |
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| 398 | 398 | | secretary, the secretary's designee, or the probable cause panel 265 |
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| 399 | 399 | | of the board that probable cause exists to believe that the 266 |
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| 400 | 400 | | licensee is unable to practice the profession becaus e of the 267 |
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| 401 | 401 | | reasons stated in this paragraph, the department shall have the 268 |
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| 402 | 402 | | authority to compel a licensee to submit to a mental or physical 269 |
|---|
| 403 | 403 | | examination by a physician designated by the department. If the 270 |
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| 404 | 404 | | licensee refuses to comply with the department's order , the 271 |
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| 405 | 405 | | department may file a petition for enforcement in the circuit 272 |
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| 406 | 406 | | court of the circuit in which the licensee resides or does 273 |
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| 407 | 407 | | business. The licensee shall not be named or identified by 274 |
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| 408 | 408 | | initials in any other public court records or documents and the 275 |
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| 409 | 409 | | |
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| 410 | 410 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 412 | 412 | | |
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| 413 | 413 | | |
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| 417 | 417 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 418 | 418 | | |
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| 419 | 419 | | |
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| 420 | 420 | | |
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| 421 | 421 | | enforcement proceedings shall be closed to the public. The 276 |
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| 422 | 422 | | department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided 277 |
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| 423 | 423 | | in s. 51.011. A licensee affected under this paragraph shall be 278 |
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| 424 | 424 | | afforded an opportunity at reasonable intervals to demonstrate 279 |
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| 425 | 425 | | that she or he can resume the competent practice for which she 280 |
|---|
| 426 | 426 | | or he is licensed with reasonable skill and safety to patients. 281 |
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| 427 | 427 | | Neither the record of proceedings nor the orders entered by the 282 |
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| 428 | 428 | | board in any proceedings under this paragraph shall be used 283 |
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| 429 | 429 | | against a licensee in any other proceedings. 284 |
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| 430 | 430 | | (i) Judicially determined mental incompetency. However, a 285 |
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| 431 | 431 | | license suspended for this cause may be reinstated upon legal 286 |
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| 432 | 432 | | restoration of the competency of the individual whose license 287 |
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| 433 | 433 | | was so suspended. 288 |
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| 434 | 434 | | (j) Knowingly maintaining a professional connection or 289 |
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| 435 | 435 | | association with any person who is in violation of the 290 |
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| 436 | 436 | | provisions of this chapter or the rules of the board or 291 |
|---|
| 437 | 437 | | department. However, if the licensee verifies that the person is 292 |
|---|
| 438 | 438 | | actively participating in a board -approved program for the 293 |
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| 439 | 439 | | treatment of a physical or mental condition, the licensee is 294 |
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| 440 | 440 | | required only to report such person to the consultant. 295 |
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| 441 | 441 | | (k) Paying or receiving kickbacks, rebates, bonuses, or 296 |
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| 442 | 442 | | other remuneration for receiving a patient or client or for 297 |
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| 443 | 443 | | referring a patient or client to another provider of veterinary 298 |
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| 444 | 444 | | services or goods. 299 |
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| 445 | 445 | | (l) Performing or prescribing unnecessary or unauthorized 300 |
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| 446 | 446 | | |
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| 447 | 447 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 448 | 448 | | |
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| 449 | 449 | | |
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| 450 | 450 | | |
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| 454 | 454 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 455 | 455 | | |
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| 456 | 456 | | |
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| 457 | 457 | | |
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| 458 | 458 | | treatment. 301 |
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| 459 | 459 | | (m) Fraud in the collection of fees from consumers or any 302 |
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| 460 | 460 | | person, agency, or organization paying fees to practiti oners. 303 |
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| 461 | 461 | | (n) Attempting to restrict competition in the field of 304 |
|---|
| 462 | 462 | | veterinary medicine other than for the protection of the public. 305 |
|---|
| 463 | 463 | | However, this provision shall not apply to testimony made in 306 |
|---|
| 464 | 464 | | good faith at a hearing or other proceeding in which the subject 307 |
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| 465 | 465 | | is the revocation of a license or a lesser penalty. 308 |
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| 466 | 466 | | (o) Fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or 309 |
|---|
| 467 | 467 | | misconduct, in or related to the practice of veterinary 310 |
|---|
| 468 | 468 | | medicine. 311 |
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| 469 | 469 | | (p) Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals. 312 |
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| 470 | 470 | | (q) Permitting or allowing another to use a veterinarian's 313 |
|---|
| 471 | 471 | | license for the purpose of treating or offering to treat 314 |
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| 472 | 472 | | animals. 315 |
|---|
| 473 | 473 | | (r) Being guilty of incompetence or negligence by failing 316 |
|---|
| 474 | 474 | | to practice medicine with that level of care, skill, and 317 |
|---|
| 475 | 475 | | treatment which is recognized by a reasonably pr udent 318 |
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| 476 | 476 | | veterinarian as being acceptable under similar conditions and 319 |
|---|
| 477 | 477 | | circumstances. 320 |
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| 478 | 478 | | (s) Willfully making any misrepresentations in connection 321 |
|---|
| 479 | 479 | | with the inspection of food for human consumption. 322 |
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| 480 | 480 | | (t) Fraudulently issuing or using any false health 323 |
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| 481 | 481 | | certificate, vaccination certificate, test chart, or other blank 324 |
|---|
| 482 | 482 | | form used in the practice of veterinary medicine relating to the 325 |
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| 483 | 483 | | |
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| 484 | 484 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 485 | 485 | | |
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| 486 | 486 | | |
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| 487 | 487 | | |
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| 491 | 491 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 492 | 492 | | |
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| 493 | 493 | | |
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| 494 | 494 | | |
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| 495 | 495 | | presence or absence of animal disease or transporting animals or 326 |
|---|
| 496 | 496 | | issuing any false certificate relating to the sale of products 327 |
|---|
| 497 | 497 | | of animal origin for human consumption. 328 |
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| 498 | 498 | | (u) Fraud or dishonesty in applying, treating, or 329 |
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| 499 | 499 | | reporting on tuberculin, diagnostic, or other biological tests. 330 |
|---|
| 500 | 500 | | (v) Failing to keep the equipment and premises of the 331 |
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| 501 | 501 | | business establishment in a clean and sanitary cond ition, having 332 |
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| 502 | 502 | | a premises permit suspended or revoked pursuant to s. 474.215, 333 |
|---|
| 503 | 503 | | or operating or managing premises that do not comply with 334 |
|---|
| 504 | 504 | | requirements established by rule of the board. 335 |
|---|
| 505 | 505 | | (w) Practicing veterinary medicine at a location for which 336 |
|---|
| 506 | 506 | | a valid premises permit has not been issued when required under 337 |
|---|
| 507 | 507 | | s. 474.215. 338 |
|---|
| 508 | 508 | | (x) Refusing to permit the department to inspect the 339 |
|---|
| 509 | 509 | | business premises of the licensee during regular business hours. 340 |
|---|
| 510 | 510 | | (y) Using the privilege of ordering, prescribing, or 341 |
|---|
| 511 | 511 | | making available medicinal drugs or drugs as defined in chapter 342 |
|---|
| 512 | 512 | | 465, or controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, for use 343 |
|---|
| 513 | 513 | | other than for the specific treatment of animal patients for 344 |
|---|
| 514 | 514 | | which there is a documented veterinarian/client/patient 345 |
|---|
| 515 | 515 | | relationship. Pursuant there to, the veterinarian shall: 346 |
|---|
| 516 | 516 | | 1. Have sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at 347 |
|---|
| 517 | 517 | | least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical 348 |
|---|
| 518 | 518 | | condition of the animal, which means that the veterinarian is 349 |
|---|
| 519 | 519 | | personally acquainted with the keeping and caring of the animal 350 |
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| 520 | 520 | | |
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| 521 | 521 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 522 | 522 | | |
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| 523 | 523 | | |
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| 524 | 524 | | |
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| 528 | 528 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 529 | 529 | | |
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| 530 | 530 | | |
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| 531 | 531 | | |
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| 532 | 532 | | and has recently seen the animal or has made medically 351 |
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| 533 | 533 | | appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal 352 |
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| 534 | 534 | | is kept. 353 |
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| 535 | 535 | | 2. Be available or provide for followup care and treatment 354 |
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| 536 | 536 | | in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of 355 |
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| 537 | 537 | | therapy. 356 |
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| 538 | 538 | | 3. Maintain records which document patient visits, 357 |
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| 539 | 539 | | diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information required 358 |
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| 540 | 540 | | under this chapter. 359 |
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| 541 | 541 | | (z) Providing, prescribing, ordering, or making available 360 |
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| 542 | 542 | | for human use medicinal drugs or drugs as define d in chapter 361 |
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| 543 | 543 | | 465, controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, or any 362 |
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| 544 | 544 | | material, chemical, or substance used exclusively for animal 363 |
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| 545 | 545 | | treatment. 364 |
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| 546 | 546 | | (aa) Failing to report to the department any person the 365 |
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| 547 | 547 | | licensee knows to be in violation of this chapter or of the 366 |
|---|
| 548 | 548 | | rules of the department or board. However, if the licensee 367 |
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| 549 | 549 | | verifies that the person is actively participating in a board -368 |
|---|
| 550 | 550 | | approved program for the treatment of a physical or mental 369 |
|---|
| 551 | 551 | | condition, the licensee is required only to report such person 370 |
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| 552 | 552 | | to the consultant. 371 |
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| 553 | 553 | | (bb) Violating any of the requirements of chapter 499, the 372 |
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| 554 | 554 | | Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act; 21 U.S.C. ss. 301 -392, the 373 |
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| 555 | 555 | | Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 21 U.S.C. ss. 821 et seq., 374 |
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| 556 | 556 | | the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, 375 |
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| 557 | 557 | | |
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| 558 | 558 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 559 | 559 | | |
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| 560 | 560 | | |
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| 561 | 561 | | |
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| 565 | 565 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 566 | 566 | | |
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| 567 | 567 | | |
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| 568 | 568 | | |
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| 569 | 569 | | more commonly known as the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention 376 |
|---|
| 570 | 570 | | and Control Act; or chapter 893. 377 |
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| 571 | 571 | | (cc) Failing to provide adequate radiation safeguards. 378 |
|---|
| 572 | 572 | | (dd) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation 379 |
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| 573 | 573 | | placed upon a licensee. 380 |
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| 574 | 574 | | (ee) Failing to keep contemporaneously written medical 381 |
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| 575 | 575 | | records as required by rule of the board. 382 |
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| 576 | 576 | | (ff) Prescribing or dispensing a legend drug as defined in 383 |
|---|
| 577 | 577 | | chapter 499, including any controlled substance, inappropriately 384 |
|---|
| 578 | 578 | | or in excessive or inappropriate quantities . 385 |
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| 579 | 579 | | (gg) Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope 386 |
|---|
| 580 | 580 | | permitted by law. 387 |
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| 581 | 581 | | (hh) Delegating professional responsibilities to a person 388 |
|---|
| 582 | 582 | | when the licensee delegating such responsibilities knows or has 389 |
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| 583 | 583 | | reason to know that such person is not qualified by t raining, 390 |
|---|
| 584 | 584 | | experience, or licensure to perform them. 391 |
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| 585 | 585 | | (ii) Presigning blank prescription forms. 392 |
|---|
| 586 | 586 | | (jj) Failing to report to the board within 30 days, in 393 |
|---|
| 587 | 587 | | writing, any action set forth in paragraph (b) that has been 394 |
|---|
| 588 | 588 | | taken against the practitioner's license to practice veterinary 395 |
|---|
| 589 | 589 | | medicine by any jurisdiction, including any agency or 396 |
|---|
| 590 | 590 | | subdivision thereof. 397 |
|---|
| 591 | 591 | | (kk) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any 398 |
|---|
| 592 | 592 | | provision of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto. 399 |
|---|
| 593 | 593 | | (ll) Failing to respond within 60 d ays after receipt of a 400 |
|---|
| 594 | 594 | | |
|---|
| 595 | 595 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 596 | 596 | | |
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| 597 | 597 | | |
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| 598 | 598 | | |
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| 599 | 599 | | CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. |
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| 601 | 601 | | Page 17 of 23 |
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| 602 | 602 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 603 | 603 | | |
|---|
| 604 | 604 | | |
|---|
| 605 | 605 | | |
|---|
| 606 | 606 | | request to provide satisfactory proof of having participated in 401 |
|---|
| 607 | 607 | | approved continuing education programs. 402 |
|---|
| 608 | 608 | | (mm) Failing to maintain accurate records or reports as 403 |
|---|
| 609 | 609 | | required by this chapter or by federal or state laws or rules 404 |
|---|
| 610 | 610 | | pertaining to the storing, labeling, selling, dispensing, 405 |
|---|
| 611 | 611 | | prescribing, and administering of controlled substances. 406 |
|---|
| 612 | 612 | | (nn) Failing to report a change of address to the board 407 |
|---|
| 613 | 613 | | within 60 days thereof. 408 |
|---|
| 614 | 614 | | (oo) Failure of the responsible veterinarian to report a 409 |
|---|
| 615 | 615 | | change of premises ownership or responsible veterinarian within 410 |
|---|
| 616 | 616 | | 60 days thereof. 411 |
|---|
| 617 | 617 | | (pp) Failing to give the owner of a patient, before 412 |
|---|
| 618 | 618 | | dispensing any drug, a written prescription when requested. 413 |
|---|
| 619 | 619 | | (2) The following acts shall constitute grounds for which 414 |
|---|
| 620 | 620 | | the disciplinary actions under (3) may be taken against an 415 |
|---|
| 621 | 621 | | applicant or a licensed veterinary technician: 416 |
|---|
| 622 | 622 | | (a) Violating any provision of this chapter that pertains 417 |
|---|
| 623 | 623 | | to licensed veterinary technicians. 418 |
|---|
| 624 | 624 | | (b) Being convicted or found guilty of, regardless of 419 |
|---|
| 625 | 625 | | adjudication, a felony. 420 |
|---|
| 626 | 626 | | (c) Being convicted of a charge of cruelty to animals. 421 |
|---|
| 627 | 627 | | (d) Soliciting patients from any practitioner of the 422 |
|---|
| 628 | 628 | | healing arts. 423 |
|---|
| 629 | 629 | | (e) Willfully or negligently divulging a professional 424 |
|---|
| 630 | 630 | | confidence. 425 |
|---|
| 631 | 631 | | |
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| 632 | 632 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 633 | 633 | | |
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| 634 | 634 | | |
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| 635 | 635 | | |
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| 636 | 636 | | CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. |
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| 638 | 638 | | Page 18 of 23 |
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| 639 | 639 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 640 | 640 | | |
|---|
| 641 | 641 | | |
|---|
| 642 | 642 | | |
|---|
| 643 | 643 | | (f) Habitually or excessively using intoxica nts or drugs. 426 |
|---|
| 644 | 644 | | (g) Committing fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or 427 |
|---|
| 645 | 645 | | misconduct, in or related to the practice of veterinary 428 |
|---|
| 646 | 646 | | technology. 429 |
|---|
| 647 | 647 | | (h) Committing fraud or misrepresentation in applying for 430 |
|---|
| 648 | 648 | | or procuring licensure as a licensed veterinarian tec hnician or 431 |
|---|
| 649 | 649 | | in applying for or procuring the biannual renewal. 432 |
|---|
| 650 | 650 | | (i) Impersonating or attempting to impersonate another 433 |
|---|
| 651 | 651 | | person who is licensed as a veterinary technician or allowing a 434 |
|---|
| 652 | 652 | | person to use his or her license as a veterinary technician. 435 |
|---|
| 653 | 653 | | (j) Practicing with a revoked, suspended, inactive, or 436 |
|---|
| 654 | 654 | | delinquent license. 437 |
|---|
| 655 | 655 | | (k) Selling or offering to sell a diploma conferring a 438 |
|---|
| 656 | 656 | | degree from a veterinary technology school or college or a 439 |
|---|
| 657 | 657 | | license issued under this chapter. 440 |
|---|
| 658 | 658 | | (l) Abetting or aiding the practice of veterinary medicine 441 |
|---|
| 659 | 659 | | by a person who is not licensed by the board. 442 |
|---|
| 660 | 660 | | (m) Failing to report to the board within 30 days and in 443 |
|---|
| 661 | 661 | | writing any action that has been taken against the veterinary 444 |
|---|
| 662 | 662 | | technician's license to practice veterinary technology by any 445 |
|---|
| 663 | 663 | | jurisdiction, including any agency or subdivision thereof. 446 |
|---|
| 664 | 664 | | (n) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation 447 |
|---|
| 665 | 665 | | placed upon a licensed veterinary technician. 448 |
|---|
| 666 | 666 | | (o) Failing to respond within 60 days after receipt of a 449 |
|---|
| 667 | 667 | | request to provide satisfactory proof o f having participated in 450 |
|---|
| 668 | 668 | | |
|---|
| 669 | 669 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 670 | 670 | | |
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| 671 | 671 | | |
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| 672 | 672 | | |
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| 676 | 676 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 677 | 677 | | |
|---|
| 678 | 678 | | |
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| 679 | 679 | | |
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| 680 | 680 | | approved continuing education programs. 451 |
|---|
| 681 | 681 | | (p) Failing to report a change of address to the board 452 |
|---|
| 682 | 682 | | within 60 days thereof. 453 |
|---|
| 683 | 683 | | (3)(2) When the board finds any applicant , or 454 |
|---|
| 684 | 684 | | veterinarian, or licensed veterinary technician guilty of any of 455 |
|---|
| 685 | 685 | | the grounds set forth in subsection (1) or subsection (2), as 456 |
|---|
| 686 | 686 | | applicable, regardless of whether the violation occurred prior 457 |
|---|
| 687 | 687 | | to licensure, it may enter an order imposing one or more of the 458 |
|---|
| 688 | 688 | | following penalties: 459 |
|---|
| 689 | 689 | | (a) Denial of certification for examinat ion or licensure. 460 |
|---|
| 690 | 690 | | (b) Revocation or suspension of a license. 461 |
|---|
| 691 | 691 | | (c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed 462 |
|---|
| 692 | 692 | | $5,000 for each count or separate offense. 463 |
|---|
| 693 | 693 | | (d) Issuance of a reprimand. 464 |
|---|
| 694 | 694 | | (e) Placement of the veterinarian or licensed veterinary 465 |
|---|
| 695 | 695 | | technician on probation for a period of time and subject to such 466 |
|---|
| 696 | 696 | | conditions as the board may specify, including requiring the 467 |
|---|
| 697 | 697 | | veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician to attend 468 |
|---|
| 698 | 698 | | continuing education courses or to work under the supervision of 469 |
|---|
| 699 | 699 | | another veterinarian. 470 |
|---|
| 700 | 700 | | (f) Restricting the authorized scope of practice. 471 |
|---|
| 701 | 701 | | (g) Imposition of costs of the investigation and 472 |
|---|
| 702 | 702 | | prosecution. 473 |
|---|
| 703 | 703 | | (h) Requiring the veterinarian or licensed veterinary 474 |
|---|
| 704 | 704 | | technician to undergo remedial education. 475 |
|---|
| 705 | 705 | | |
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| 706 | 706 | | HB 261 2024 |
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| 707 | 707 | | |
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| 708 | 708 | | |
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| 709 | 709 | | |
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| 710 | 710 | | CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. |
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| 713 | 713 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 714 | 714 | | |
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| 715 | 715 | | |
|---|
| 716 | 716 | | |
|---|
| 717 | 717 | | 476 |
|---|
| 718 | 718 | | In determining appropriate action, the board must first consider 477 |
|---|
| 719 | 719 | | those sanctions necessary to protect the public. Only after 478 |
|---|
| 720 | 720 | | those sanctions have been imposed may the disciplining authority 479 |
|---|
| 721 | 721 | | consider and include in its order requirements designed to 480 |
|---|
| 722 | 722 | | rehabilitate the veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician . 481 |
|---|
| 723 | 723 | | All costs associated with compliance with any order issued under 482 |
|---|
| 724 | 724 | | this subsection are the obligation of the veterinarian or 483 |
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| 725 | 725 | | licensed veterinary technician . 484 |
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| 726 | 726 | | (4)(3) The department shall reissue the license of a 485 |
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| 727 | 727 | | disciplined veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician upon 486 |
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| 728 | 728 | | certification by the board that the disciplined veterinarian or 487 |
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| 729 | 729 | | licensed veterinary technician has complied with all of the 488 |
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| 730 | 730 | | terms and conditions set forth in the final order and is capable 489 |
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| 731 | 731 | | of competently and safely engaging in the practice of veterinary 490 |
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| 732 | 732 | | medicine or veterinary technology, as applicable . 491 |
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| 733 | 733 | | Section 9. Section 474.223, Florida Statutes, is created 492 |
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| 734 | 734 | | to read: 493 |
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| 735 | 735 | | 474.223 Licensed veterin ary technicians.— 494 |
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| 736 | 736 | | (1) A licensed veterinary technician may provide the 495 |
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| 737 | 737 | | following services under the supervision of a licensed 496 |
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| 738 | 738 | | veterinarian: 497 |
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| 739 | 739 | | (a) Arterial and central venous catheterization. 498 |
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| 740 | 740 | | (b) Euthanasia. 499 |
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| 741 | 741 | | (c) Intraperitoneal injections. 500 |
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| 750 | 750 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 751 | 751 | | |
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| 752 | 752 | | |
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| 753 | 753 | | |
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| 754 | 754 | | (d) Placement of gastric, nasoesophageal and nasogastric 501 |
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| 755 | 755 | | tubes. 502 |
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| 756 | 756 | | (e) Suturing or stapling of skin lacerations, gingival 503 |
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| 757 | 757 | | incisions, or existing surgical incisions. 504 |
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| 758 | 758 | | (f) Paravertebral blocks and epidurals. 505 |
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| 759 | 759 | | (g) A complex single root extraction that is beyond a 506 |
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| 760 | 760 | | simple digital extraction of the tooth that requires periosteal 507 |
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| 761 | 761 | | elevation but does not require sectioning of the tooth or of the 508 |
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| 762 | 762 | | bone. 509 |
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| 763 | 763 | | (h) Blood or blood component collection, preparation, and 510 |
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| 764 | 764 | | administration for transfusion or blood banking purposes. 511 |
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| 765 | 765 | | (i) Ear flushing with powered mechanical devices creating 512 |
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| 766 | 766 | | pressure or suction. 513 |
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| 767 | 767 | | (j) A thoracocentesis, cystocentesis, or abdominocentesis. 514 |
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| 768 | 768 | | (k) Application of casts, splints, and slings for the 515 |
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| 769 | 769 | | immobilization of fractures. 516 |
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| 770 | 770 | | (l) Placement of an epidural, i ntraosseous, or nasal 517 |
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| 771 | 771 | | catheter. 518 |
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| 772 | 772 | | (m) Administering rabies vaccinations. 519 |
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| 773 | 773 | | (2) The supervising veterinarian shall determine the 520 |
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| 774 | 774 | | appropriate level of supervision and protocol for any of the 521 |
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| 775 | 775 | | tasks under subsection (1). All other tasks may be performed by 522 |
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| 776 | 776 | | licensed or unlicensed persons at the discretion of the 523 |
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| 777 | 777 | | supervising veterinarian. In determining the appropriate level 524 |
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| 778 | 778 | | of supervision, the veterinarian must consider the level of 525 |
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| 787 | 787 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 788 | 788 | | |
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| 789 | 789 | | |
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| 790 | 790 | | |
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| 791 | 791 | | training and experience of the person to whom the task is 526 |
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| 792 | 792 | | delegated. 527 |
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| 793 | 793 | | (3) A supervising veterinarian may in his or her judgment 528 |
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| 794 | 794 | | delegate to a licensed veterinary technician the responsibility 529 |
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| 795 | 795 | | of supervising a task or tasks performed by an unlicensed 530 |
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| 796 | 796 | | person, except for any of the tasks listed in subsection (1). 531 |
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| 797 | 797 | | (4) A licensed veteri nary technician may not make or 532 |
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| 798 | 798 | | provide any diagnosis or prognosis, perform any surgery, or 533 |
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| 799 | 799 | | prescribe any medical drugs as defined in chapter 465 or 534 |
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| 800 | 800 | | controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, unless 535 |
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| 801 | 801 | | otherwise authorized in this chapter. 536 |
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| 802 | 802 | | (5) A veterinary assistant may not identify himself or 537 |
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| 803 | 803 | | herself to the public as a veterinary technician or a licensed 538 |
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| 804 | 804 | | veterinary technician unless he or she is a graduate of an 539 |
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| 805 | 805 | | accredited veterinary technology program or licensed under this 540 |
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| 806 | 806 | | chapter, as applicable. 541 |
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| 807 | 807 | | Section 10. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 828.30, 542 |
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| 808 | 808 | | Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 543 |
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| 809 | 809 | | 828.30 Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets. — 544 |
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| 810 | 810 | | (1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older 545 |
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| 811 | 811 | | must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinaria n or licensed 546 |
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| 812 | 812 | | veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed 547 |
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| 813 | 813 | | veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by 548 |
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| 814 | 814 | | the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those 549 |
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| 815 | 815 | | species. The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have the 550 |
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| 824 | 824 | | F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S |
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| 825 | 825 | | |
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| 826 | 826 | | |
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| 827 | 827 | | |
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| 828 | 828 | | animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination. 551 |
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| 829 | 829 | | Thereafter, the interval between vaccinations shall conform to 552 |
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| 830 | 830 | | the vaccine manufacturer's directions. The cost of vaccination 553 |
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| 831 | 831 | | must be borne by the animal's owner. Evidence of circulating 554 |
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| 832 | 832 | | rabies virus neutralizing antibodies shall not be used as a 555 |
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| 833 | 833 | | substitute for current vaccination in managing rabies exposure 556 |
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| 834 | 834 | | or determining the need for booster vaccinations. 557 |
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| 835 | 835 | | (3) Upon vaccination against rabies, the licensed 558 |
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| 836 | 836 | | veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician shall provide the 559 |
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| 837 | 837 | | animal's owner and the animal control authority with a rabies 560 |
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| 838 | 838 | | vaccination certificate. Each animal control authority and 561 |
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| 839 | 839 | | veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician shall use the 562 |
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| 840 | 840 | | "Rabies Vaccination Certificate" of the Nati onal Association of 563 |
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| 841 | 841 | | State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) or an equivalent form 564 |
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| 842 | 842 | | approved by the local government which that contains all the 565 |
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| 843 | 843 | | information required by the NASPHV Rabies Vaccination 566 |
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| 844 | 844 | | Certificate. The veterinarian who administers the rabies vaccine 567 |
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| 845 | 845 | | to an animal as authorized required under this section may affix 568 |
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| 846 | 846 | | his or her signature stamp in lieu of an actual signature. 569 |
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| 847 | 847 | | Section 11. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024. 570 |
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