AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE (Requires veterinarians to provide consultations to animal owners when a drug is prescribed and dispensed for that annual patient.)

S2653

2026 -- S 2653
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LC005465
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE

Introduced By:
Senators Britto, Murray, Urso, Patalano, DiMario, Dimitri, Famiglietti,
Kallman, Valverde, and Vargas

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Environment & Agriculture
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 5-25 of the General Laws entitled "Veterinary Practice" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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5-25-7.2. Veterinarian drug consultation.

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(a) Each time a veterinarian initially prescribes, dispenses, or furnishes a drug to a dog or
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cat patient in an outpatient setting, the veterinarian shall offer to provide, verbally, in writing, or
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by email to the client, a consultation that includes the following information:
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(1) The name and description of the drug;
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(2) Route of administration, dosage form, dosage, duration of drug therapy, the duration of
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the effects of the drug, and the common severe adverse effects associated with the use of a short-
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acting or long-acting drug;
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(3) Any special directions for proper use and storage;
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(4) Actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose; and
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(5) If available, precautions and relevant warnings provided by the drug's manufacturer,
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including common severe adverse effects of the drug.
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(b) If available by drug manufacturer, a veterinarian must provide a client information sheet
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to pet owners when prescribing medications.
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(c) A veterinarian may delegate to a registered veterinary technician or veterinary assistant
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the task of providing consultation and drug documentation required by this section.
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(d) It shall be noted in the medical record of the animal patient if the consultation described

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in this section is provided or declined by the client.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2027.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- VETERINARY PRACTICE
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This act would require veterinarians to provide consultations to dog or cat owners when a
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drug is prescribed and dispensed for that animal patient.
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This act would take effect on January 1, 2027.
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LC005465 - Page 3 of 3