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HB4221 • 2026

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287 & 18811 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 & 333.18811). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4221'25

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287 & 18811 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 & 333.18811). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4221'25

Healthcare
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Laurie Pohutsky (District 17), Joseph Aragona (District 60), Natalie Price (District 6), Jay DeBoyer (District 63), Bill Schuette (District 95), Matt Bierlein (District 97), Jimmie Wilson (District 32), Carol Glanville (District 84), Kelly Breen (District 21), Samantha Steckloff (District 19), Emily Dievendorf (District 77), Stephen Wooden (District 81), Mike McFall (District 14), Jason Morgan (District 23), Regina Weiss (District 5), Douglas Wozniak (District 59), Jason Woolford (District 50), Angela Witwer (District 76), Jamie Thompson (District 28)
Last action
2025-12-02
Official status
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on what changes are being made to the existing laws or how VCPR is defined and enforced. The bill summary text only indicates amendments without providing specifics.

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship Requirements

This legislation amends sections of existing laws to require that veterinarians establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before providing medical care for animals.

What This Bill Does

  • Amends sections of existing laws related to health occupations, specifically those concerning veterinarians.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Veterinarians who provide medical care for animals in Michigan.

Terms To Know

Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR)
A professional relationship between a veterinarian, the animal owner, and the animal that allows the veterinarian to provide medical care based on their knowledge of the animal's health history.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how veterinarians should establish or maintain VCPR.
  • It is unclear what penalties might apply if a veterinarian fails to comply with these requirements.

Bill History

  1. 2025-12-02 SJ 106 Pg. 1762

    PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

  2. 2025-12-02 SJ 106 Pg. 1762

    REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS

  3. 2025-11-13 HJ 110 Pg. 1846

    read a third time

  4. 2025-11-13 HJ 110 Pg. 1846

    passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #306 Yeas 84 Nays 17 Excused 0 Not Voting 9

  5. 2025-11-13 HJ 110 Pg. 1846

    transmitted

  6. 2025-11-12 HJ 109 Pg. 1825

    read a second time

  7. 2025-11-12 HJ 109 Pg. 1825

    placed on third reading

  8. 2025-10-30 HJ 105 Pg. 1741

    reported with recommendation without amendment

  9. 2025-10-30 HJ 105 Pg. 1741

    referred to second reading

  10. 2025-10-16 HJ 99 Pg. 1633

    reported with recommendation for referral to Committee on Rules

  11. 2025-10-16 HJ 99 Pg. 1633

    recommendation concurred in

  12. 2025-03-13 HJ 27 Pg. 243

    bill electronically reproduced 03/12/2025

  13. 2025-03-12 HJ 26 Pg. 236

    introduced by Representative Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

  14. 2025-03-12 HJ 26 Pg. 236

    read a first time

  15. 2025-03-12 HJ 26 Pg. 236

    referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform

Official Summary Text

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287 & 18811 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 & 333.18811). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4221'25