SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESB 5367

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Regulating veterinary medication clerks.

SPONSORS: Senators Hargrove, L. Smith, M. Rasmussen, Bauer, Newhouse, Loveland and Anderson

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators M. Rasmussen, Chairman; Loveland, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Barr, Bauer, Newhouse, and Snyder.

Staff:  Bob Lee (786‑7404)

Hearing Dates: February 1, 1993; February 4, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Currently, only a licensed veterinarian may dispense drugs from veterinary clinics.

An animal technician is a person who has completed an examination administered by the board and who meets certain statutory requirements. 

SUMMARY:

"Veterinary medication clerk" is defined as a person who has completed a board-approved training program developed in consultation with the Board of Pharmacy for the dispensing of legend and nonlegend drugs associated with the practice of veterinary medicine. 

Procedures are established whereby drugs prescribed by a veterinarian may be dispensed by other trained persons in a veterinary clinic.   

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

A properly trained technician should be allowed to dispense prescription drugs to customers when the veterinarian is out on call or involved with procedures at the clinic.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Association; Dr. Reilly Glore; Dr. Paul Mabry; Doyle Montgomery, Veterinary Board; Don Williams, Pharmacy Board; Dr. Robert Mead, State Veterinarian, WSDA