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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 20, 2013 11:22 AM
From:	Senator Michael J. Stack
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Veterinary Bill package

In the near future, I will reintroduce legislation to provide greater disclosure and protection to pet owners.

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Document #1

Description:

The first bill, Senate Bill 768 of the 2011-12 Session, requires veterinarians to provide client information sheets to pet owners when the veterinarian dispenses a prescription drug for outpatient use. A client information sheet is a paper produced by drug manufacturers that lists vital product safety information that pet owners should review prior to giving a drug to their pet. Client information sheets are dispensed with each package of prescription drugs sold to veterinarians. Client information sheets are produced for drugs that could seriously or fatally harm animals.

Document #2

Description:

The second bill, Senate Bill 769 of the 2011-12 Session, amends the Veterinarian Medical Practice Act. The amendment adds to the list of events, which are grounds for disciplinary proceedings, failure of a veterinarian to prescreen an animal prior to the use of a drug, when prescreening is recommended by a drug manufacturer. The Veterinarian Board may consider the withholding of consent for any prescreening by the animal owner, when determining if a veterinarian should be disciplined. The purpose of this legislation is to provide greater disclosure and protections to pet owners. Many pets have died due to a lack of information and communication about the potential dangers of prescription drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Rimadyl. Client information sheets and pre-screening of animals will ensure pet owners have the information they need to make an informed choice about their pet’s medical care. Previous co-sponsors of this bill package are Senators - Boscola, Brewster, Browne, Farnese, Ferlo, Fontana, and Leach If you have any additional questions, please call our Harrisburg office at 717-787-9608. Thank you.