HB188 Summary

• Prohibits any person other than a licensed veterinarian from directly supervising veterinary medical services or making decisions regarding medical or surgical treatment of animals, including decisions about surgical procedures per day or staffing levels.

• Establishes spay neuter clinics as a defined type of veterinary facility limited to spay and neuter services only, with patients allowed on premises for no more than 36 hours, plus one-year rabies vaccinations and parasite treatment at time of surgery.

• Exempts licensed veterinarians employed by nonprofit, tax-exempt (501(c)(3)) spay neuter clinics from the prohibition against practicing veterinary medicine as employees of unlicensed entities, provided they maintain all standards of care and professional judgment.

• Subjects spay neuter clinics to the same premise permits, inspections, minimum standards, and requirements as other veterinary facilities under board regulations.

• Clarifies that licensed veterinarians retain professional independence to exercise standard care, professional judgment, and humane treatment of animals regardless of the amendments.