FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1144

                         C 317 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Amending the veterinary practice act to include implanting of electronic identification devices.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Dyer, Backlund, Morris, Johnson, Campbell, Cooke, Skinner, Chandler, Casada, Schoesler, Boldt, Mulliken, Huff, Mitchell, Thompson, Foreman, Robertson, Buck, Clements, Smith, Delvin, Carrell, Mielke and Sheahan).

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development

Background:  The practice of veterinary medicine is licensed by the Department of Health.  No person may practice veterinary medicine without being licensed as a veterinarian.

The practice of veterinary medicine includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of animals, including the prescription and administration of drugs and the performance of operations.  However, implanting electronic devices for the purposes of identification is not regulated nor included within the scope of practice of veterinary medicine.

Summary:  The implanting of an electronic device for the purpose of establishing the positive identification of animals is included within the scope of practice of veterinary medicine.  Only licensed veterinarians may implant these devices unless otherwise provided by law.  Humane Societies, animal control organizations, and public fish and wild life agencies are also authorized to implant the devices under certain conditions.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     97 0

Senate    44 0 (Senate amended)

House     96 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995