Florida 2024 Regular Session Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HB 261 — Practice of Veterinary Medicine

Last action — Died in Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 303 (Ch. 2024-258)

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Practice of Veterinary Medicine; Provides for licensure of veterinary technicians; provides requirements for such veterinary technicians; revises membership of Board of Veterinary Medicine; provides criminal penalties for specified actions; provides scope of practice for licensed veterinary technicians.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

12 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends various provisions regarding the practice and regulation of veterinary medicine, including licensing and definitions related to veterinary technicians and assistants.

  • 474.201

    is potentially dangerous to the public health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians practitioners. → is potentially dangerous to the public health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

    Clarifies the scope of incompetence and unlicensed practice in veterinary medicine.

  • 474.202

    (6) "Licensed veterinary technician" means a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist who practices veterinary technology in the state and is licensed under the authority of this chapter.

    Defines 'Licensed veterinary technician' to clarify licensing requirements.

  • 474.202

    (14) "Veterinary assistant" means a person who practices on a veterinary team providing medical care for animals. The term does not include a licensed veterinary technician.

    Establishes a definition for 'Veterinary assistant' excluding licensed veterinary technicians.

  • 474.202

    (16) "Veterinary technician" means a person who has graduated with an associate degree from a veterinary technology training program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

    Defines 'Veterinary technician' based on educational qualifications.

  • 474.202

    (17) "Veterinary technologist" means a person who has graduated with a bachelor's degree from a veterinary technology training program accredited by the CVTEA.

    Defines 'Veterinary technologist' based on educational qualifications.

  • 474.203

    student in a school or college of veterinary medicine → A student in a school or college of veterinary medicine or a program for veterinary technology while in the performance of duties assigned by her or his instructor or when working as a preceptor under the immediate supervision of a licensee,

    Expands the exemption for students to include those in veterinary technology programs.

  • 474.204

    consisting of the following seven members, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate:. → consisting of the following seven members, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate:

    Clarifies the composition and appointment process of the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

  • 474.204

    Two members who are of the board shall be laypersons → Two members who are of the board shall be laypersons who are not and have never been veterinarians or members of any closely related profession or occupation.

    Clarifies the requirements for layperson members of the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

  • 474.2071

    Veterinary technician licensure by examination.—(1) A person desiring to become licensed as a veterinary technician shall apply to the board and must have met all of the following criteria:

    Establishes a new section for the licensure process of veterinary technicians.

  • 474.211

    not to exceed 30 hours biennially for veterinarians and 15 hours biennially for licensed veterinary technicians, → not to exceed 30 hours biennially for veterinarians and 15 hours biennially for licensed veterinary technicians as a condition for renewal of a license or certificate.

    Specifies the conditions under which continuing education is mandatory for licensing renewal.

  • 474.213

    A No person may not shall: → A person may not:

    Corrects the language for clarity on prohibited actions in veterinary practice.

  • 474.213

    practice veterinary medicine in this state, unless the person holds a valid, active license to practice veterinary medicine pursuant to this chapter; → practice veterinary medicine in this state, unless the person holds a valid, active license to practice veterinary medicine pursuant to this chapter.

    Reiterates the requirement for proper licensing to practice veterinary medicine.

Action History

  1. Died in Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee; companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 303 (Ch. 2024-258)

  2. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

  3. Now in Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee

  4. Referred to Commerce Committee

  5. Referred to State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee

  6. Referred to Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee

  7. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 163 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (163)

163 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 261 do?
Practice of Veterinary Medicine; Provides for licensure of veterinary technicians; provides requirements for such veterinary technicians; revises membership of Board of Veterinary Medicine; provides criminal penalties for specified actions; provides scope of practice for licensed veterinary technicians.
Who sponsors HB 261?
HB 261 is sponsored by Chaney, Linda (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 261?
This bill died with 2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 261?
Track HB 261 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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