Rhode Island 2025 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5334 Introduced / Bill

Filed 02/07/2025

                     
 
 
 
2025 -- H 5334 
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LC000772 
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D 
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025 
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A N   A C T 
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE 
Introduced By: Representatives Cruz, Shekarchi, Solomon, Hull, Corvese, Stewart, 
Bennett, Kislak, Potter, and Morales 
Date Introduced: February 07, 2025 
Referred To: House Corporations 
 
 
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: 
SECTION 1. Chapter 5-25 of the General Laws entitled "Veterinary Practice" is hereby 1 
amended by adding thereto the following section: 2 
5-25-7.2. Veterinarian drug consultation.     3 
(a) Each time a veterinarian initially prescribes, dispenses, or furnishes a drug to an animal 4 
patient in an outpatient setting, the veterinarian shall offer to provide, verbally, in writing, or by 5 
email to the client, a consultation that includes the following information: 6 
(1) The name and description of the drug; 7 
(2) Route of administration, dosage form, dosage, duration of drug therapy, the duration of 8 
the effects of the drug, and the common severe adverse effects associated with the use of a short-9 
acting or long-acting drug; 10 
(3) Any special directions for proper use and storage; 11 
(4) Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose; and 12 
(5) If available, precautions and relevant warnings provided by the drug's manufacturer, 13 
including common severe adverse effects of the drug. 14 
(b) If available by drug manufacturer, a veterinarian must provide a client information sheet 15 
to pet owners when prescribing medications. 16 
(c) A veterinarian may delegate to a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant 17 
the task of providing consultation and drug documentation required by this section. 18 
(d) It shall be noted in the medical record of the animal patient if the consultation described 19   
 
 
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in this section is provided or declined by the client.  1 
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2026. 2 
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EXPLANATION 
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 
OF 
A N   A C T 
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE 
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This act would require veterinarians to provide consultations to animal owners when a drug 1 
is prescribed and dispensed for that animal patient. 2 
This act would take effect on January 1, 2026. 3 
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LC000772 
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