FL H0805

Creates a new "Veterinary Professional Associate" position for individuals with a master's degree in veterinary clinical care from an accredited institution, allowing them to practice veterinary medicine under supervision of a licensed veterinarian after registering with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Veterinary professional associates may perform limited surgical procedures (orchiectomy, dental surgery, suturing/stapling), administer controlled substances for analgesia, anesthesia, or euthanasia, and administer rabies vaccinations, but cannot prescribe controlled substances independently.

Extends veterinary telehealth prescription limits from 1 month to 6 months for flea and tick control products, and from 14 days to 30 days for other animal drugs when based solely on telehealth evaluation.

Department may suspend registration of veterinary professional associates who cause serious animal harm due to negligence or misconduct, and may rescind registration upon conviction of animal cruelty or animal fighting.

Effective date is January 1, 2027.