FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1271
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 136 L 09
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Regarding the preparing and administration of drugs by registered or licensed veterinary personnel.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Haigh, Finn, Crouse, Green, Liias, Springer, O'Brien, Goodman, Morris, Ormsby, Blake, Van De Wege, Moeller, Cody, Conway, Hurst, Walsh, McCune, Hinkle, Nelson and Kenney).
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Economic Development
Background:
Veterinary Personnel.
A veterinary technician is a person who is licensed by the Washington Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) after meeting certain statutory requirements. These requirements include passing an examination administered by the Board and completing a post-high school course approved by the Board, or having five years of practical experience, acceptable to the Board, with a licensed veterinarian.
A veterinary medication clerk is a person who has satisfactorily completed a Board-approved training program designed to teach certain nondiscretionary functions used in dispensing legend and nonlegend drugs, except controlled substances.
A veterinarian legally prescribing drugs may delegate certain nondiscretionary functions used in dispensing legend and nonlegend drugs, except controlled substances, to a licensed veterinary technician or a veterinary medication clerk while under the veterinarian's direct supervision. Direct supervision means the veterinarian is on the premises and is quickly and easily available, while indirect supervision means the veterinarian is not on the premises but has given written or oral instructions for the delegated task.
Legend Drugs and Controlled Substances.
Legend drugs are any drugs that are required by state law or by regulation of the Washington State Board of Pharmacy to be dispensed by prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only. Controlled substances are drugs, substances, or immediate precursors included in Schedules I through V in federal or state laws.
Summary:
Controlled substances are added to an existing list of drugs that a veterinarian legally prescribing drugs may permit a licensed veterinary technician to dispense under the veterinarian's indirect supervision.
A licensed veterinary technician is allowed to administer legend drugs and controlled substances under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 95 | 0 | |
Senate | 46 | 0 |
Effective: July 26, 2009