FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5004

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.

Background: Animal control agencies and non-profit humane societies registered with the Department of Health may employ licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide limited veterinary services, including sterilization, vaccination, and electronic identification, to animals owned by low-income households. These facilities may also provide care on an emergency basis subject to local ordinances. The Washington Veterinary Board of Governors administers the registration program and may suspend or revoke a facility's license for any act of noncompliance.

Summary: Veterinarians and veterinary technicians employed by animal control agencies or non-profit humane societies may provide veterinary services within their scope of practice to animals owned by low-income households. A low-income household means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose adjusted income is less than 80 percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located.

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians employed by animal control agencies or nonprofit humane societies may provide emergency care to any animal where there is an unexpected, serious occurrence or situation that urgently requires prompt action in order to prevent an animal's death or permanent injury, and may also provide veterinary care to sick animals for up to 30 days post-adoption.

The Veterinary Board of Governors must adopt rules to establish annual reporting requirements that demonstrate the animal care and control facilities and nonprofit humane societies are serving only low-income households.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	77	18