Florida Senate - 2024                                    SB 1100
       
       
        
       By Senator DiCeglie
       
       
       
       
       
       18-00677-24                                           20241100__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to the practice of veterinary
    3         medicine; amending s. 474.201, F.S.; revising
    4         legislative findings regarding the practice of
    5         veterinary medicine; amending s. 474.202, F.S.;
    6         defining terms; amending s. 474.203, F.S.; providing
    7         that specified exemptions apply to licensed and
    8         unlicensed veterinary technicians; amending s.
    9         474.204, F.S.; revising the membership of the Board of
   10         Veterinary Medicine; creating s. 474.2071, F.S.;
   11         providing requirements for the licensure of veterinary
   12         technicians; providing an exception; amending s.
   13         474.211, F.S.; providing continuing education
   14         requirements for the renewal of licensed veterinary
   15         technicians’ licenses; amending s. 474.213, F.S.;
   16         prohibiting certain persons from taking specified
   17         actions relating to the licensure of and the use of
   18         the titles of licensed veterinary technicians;
   19         providing criminal penalties; amending s. 474.214,
   20         F.S.; providing grounds for disciplinary actions
   21         against applicants for licensure and licensed
   22         veterinary technicians; authorizing the board to take
   23         specified actions against certain persons; providing
   24         for the reissuance of a license to a veterinary
   25         technician under certain circumstances; creating s.
   26         474.223, F.S.; providing scope of practice relating to
   27         licensed veterinary technicians; authorizing
   28         veterinary technicians to provide specified services;
   29         authorizing supervising veterinarians to delegate
   30         specified responsibilities to licensed veterinary
   31         technicians; prohibiting veterinary assistants from
   32         taking specified actions or identifying themselves as
   33         specified persons; amending s. 828.30, F.S.;
   34         conforming provisions to changes made by the act;
   35         providing an effective date.
   36          
   37  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   38  
   39         Section 1. Section 474.201, Florida Statutes, is amended to
   40  read:
   41         474.201 Purpose.—The Legislature finds that the practice of
   42  veterinary medicine is potentially dangerous to the public
   43  health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed
   44  veterinarians and veterinary technicians practitioners. The
   45  legislative purpose in enacting this chapter is to ensure that
   46  every veterinarian and licensed veterinary technician practicing
   47  in this state meet minimum requirements for safe practice. It is
   48  the legislative intent that veterinarians and licensed
   49  veterinary technicians who are not normally competent or who
   50  otherwise present a danger to the public shall be disciplined or
   51  prohibited from practicing in this state.
   52         Section 2. Present subsections (6) through (12) and (13) of
   53  section 474.202, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as
   54  subsections (7) through (13) and (15), respectively, and a new
   55  subsection (6) and subsections (14), (16), (17), and (18) are
   56  added to that section, to read:
   57         474.202 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:
   58         (6)“Licensed veterinary technician” means a veterinary
   59  technician or veterinary technologist who practices veterinary
   60  technology in the state and is licensed under the authority of
   61  this chapter.
   62         (14)“Veterinary assistant” means a person who practices on
   63  a veterinary team providing medical care for animals. The term
   64  does not include a licensed veterinary technician.
   65         (16)“Veterinary technician” means a person who has
   66  graduated with an associate degree from a veterinary technology
   67  training program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
   68  Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and
   69  Activities (CVTEA).
   70         (17)“Veterinary technologist” means a person who has
   71  graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a veterinary technology
   72  training program accredited by the CVTEA.
   73         (18)“Veterinary technology” means the science and art of
   74  providing certain aspects of the medical care and treatment of a
   75  veterinary patient by a person who is a veterinary technician or
   76  veterinary technologist, as delegated and supervised by a
   77  licensed veterinarian with an established
   78  veterinarian/client/patient relationship. The term does not
   79  include the diagnosis, prognosis, prescription of medications,
   80  surgery, or the development of treatment plans, which are within
   81  the purview of the veterinarian.
   82         Section 3. Subsection (3), paragraph (a) of subsection (5),
   83  and subsection (7) of section 474.203, Florida Statutes, are
   84  amended to read:
   85         474.203 Exemptions.—This chapter does not apply to:
   86         (3) A student in a school or college of veterinary medicine
   87  or a program for veterinary technology while in the performance
   88  of duties assigned by her or his instructor or when working as a
   89  preceptor under the immediate supervision of a licensee, if such
   90  preceptorship is required for graduation from an accredited
   91  school or college of veterinary medicine or a program for
   92  veterinary technology. The licensed veterinarian is responsible
   93  for all acts performed by a preceptor under her or his
   94  supervision.
   95         (5)(a) Any person, or the person’s regular employee,
   96  administering to the ills or injuries of her or his own animals,
   97  including, but not limited to, castration, spaying, and
   98  dehorning of herd animals, unless title is transferred or
   99  employment provided for the purpose of circumventing this law.
  100  This exemption does not apply to any person licensed as a
  101  veterinarian or veterinary technician in another state or
  102  foreign jurisdiction and practicing temporarily in this state.
  103  However, only a veterinarian or a licensed veterinary
  104  technician, as authorized in s. 474.223(1)(m), may immunize or
  105  treat an animal for diseases that are communicable to humans and
  106  that are of public health significance.
  107         (7) Any veterinary aide, nurse, unlicensed veterinary
  108  technician, laboratory technician, preceptor, or other employee
  109  of a licensed veterinarian who administers medication or who
  110  renders auxiliary or supporting assistance under the responsible
  111  supervision of a licensed veterinarian, including those tasks
  112  identified by rule of the board requiring immediate supervision.
  113  However, the licensed veterinarian is responsible for all such
  114  acts performed under this subsection by persons under her or his
  115  supervision.
  116  
  117  For the purposes of chapters 465 and 893, persons exempt
  118  pursuant to subsection (1), subsection (2), or subsection (4)
  119  are deemed to be duly licensed practitioners authorized by the
  120  laws of this state to prescribe drugs or medicinal supplies.
  121         Section 4. Section 474.204, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  122  read:
  123         474.204 Board of Veterinary Medicine.—
  124         (1) To carry out the provisions of this chapter, there is
  125  created within the department the Board of Veterinary Medicine
  126  consisting of the following seven members, who shall be
  127  appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the
  128  Senate:.
  129         (a)(2) Five members who are of the board shall be licensed
  130  veterinarians.
  131         (b)Two members who are licensed veterinary technicians who
  132  have been actively engaged in the practice of veterinary
  133  technology for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date
  134  of their appointment to the board.
  135         (c) Two members who are of the board shall be laypersons
  136  who are not and have never been veterinarians or members of any
  137  closely related profession or occupation.
  138         (2)(3) All provisions of chapter 455 relating to activities
  139  of regulatory boards shall apply.
  140         Section 5. Section 474.2071, Florida Statutes, is created
  141  to read:
  142         474.2071Veterinary technician licensure by examination.—
  143         (1)A person desiring to become licensed as a veterinary
  144  technician shall apply to the board and must have met all of the
  145  following criteria:
  146         (a)Completed the application form.
  147         (b)Graduated from a college program of veterinary
  148  technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
  149  Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and
  150  Activities.
  151         (c)Earned a passing score on the Veterinary Technician
  152  National Exam as determined by the American Association of
  153  Veterinary State Boards.
  154         (d)Demonstrated knowledge of the laws and rules governing
  155  the practice of veterinary medicine in the state in a manner
  156  consistent with rules of the board.
  157         (2)A credentialed veterinary technician who is in good
  158  standing with the Florida Veterinary Technician Association or
  159  the Florida Veterinary Medical Association on July 1, 2024, is
  160  eligible to apply for licensure upon meeting all of the
  161  following criteria:
  162         (a)Completed the application form.
  163         (b)Demonstrated knowledge of the laws and rules governing
  164  the practice of veterinary medicine in the state in a manner
  165  consistent with rules of the board.
  166         Section 6. Subsection (3) of section 474.211, Florida
  167  Statutes, is amended to read:
  168         474.211 Renewal of license.—
  169         (3) The board may by rule prescribe continuing education,
  170  not to exceed 30 hours biennially for veterinarians and 15 hours
  171  biennially for licensed veterinary technicians, as a condition
  172  for renewal of a license or certificate. The criteria for such
  173  programs, providers, and courses shall be approved by the board.
  174         Section 7. Section 474.213, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  175  read:
  176         474.213 Prohibitions; penalties.—
  177         (1) A No person may not shall:
  178         (a) Lead the public to believe that such person is licensed
  179  as a veterinarian, or is engaged in the licensed practice of
  180  veterinary medicine, without such person holding a valid, active
  181  license pursuant to this chapter;
  182         (b) Use the name or title “veterinarian” when the person
  183  has not been licensed under pursuant to this chapter;
  184         (c) Present as her or his own the license of another;
  185         (d) Give false or forged evidence to the board or a member
  186  thereof for the purpose of obtaining a license;
  187         (e) Use or attempt to use a veterinarian’s license which
  188  has been suspended or revoked;
  189         (f) Knowingly employ unlicensed persons in the practice of
  190  veterinary medicine;
  191         (g) Knowingly conceal information relative to violations of
  192  this chapter;
  193         (h) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license to practice
  194  veterinary medicine by fraudulent representation;
  195         (i) Practice veterinary medicine in this state, unless the
  196  person holds a valid, active license to practice veterinary
  197  medicine pursuant to this chapter;
  198         (j) Sell or offer to sell a diploma conferring a degree
  199  from a veterinary school or college, or a license issued
  200  pursuant to this chapter, or procure such diploma or license
  201  with the intent that it shall be used as evidence of that which
  202  the document stands for by a person other than the one upon whom
  203  it was conferred or to whom it was granted; or
  204         (k) Knowingly operate a veterinary establishment or
  205  premises without having a premise permit issued under s.
  206  474.215.
  207         (2)A person may not:
  208         (a)Lead the public to believe that such person is licensed
  209  as a veterinary technician or is engaged in the licensed
  210  practice of veterinary technology without such person holding a
  211  valid, active license under this chapter; or
  212         (b)Use the name or title “licensed veterinary technician”
  213  when the person has not been licensed under this chapter.
  214         (3)(a)(2) A person who violates subsection (1) any
  215  provision of this section commits a felony of the third degree,
  216  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
  217         (b)A person who violates subsection (2) commits a
  218  misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s.
  219  775.082 or s. 775.083.
  220         Section 8. Section 474.214, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  221  read:
  222         474.214 Disciplinary proceedings.—
  223         (1) The following acts shall constitute grounds for which
  224  the disciplinary actions in subsection (3) (2) may be taken:
  225         (a) Attempting to procure a license to practice veterinary
  226  medicine by bribery, by fraudulent representations, or through
  227  an error of the department or the board.
  228         (b) Having a license or the authority to practice
  229  veterinary medicine revoked, suspended, or otherwise acted
  230  against, including the denial of licensure, by the licensing
  231  authority of any jurisdiction, including any agency or
  232  subdivision thereof. The licensing authority’s acceptance of a
  233  veterinarian’s relinquishment of a license, stipulation, consent
  234  order, or other settlement, offered in response to or in
  235  anticipation of the filing of administrative charges against the
  236  veterinarian’s license or authority to practice, shall be
  237  construed as action against the veterinarian’s license or
  238  authority to practice.
  239         (c) Being convicted or found guilty, regardless of
  240  adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly
  241  relates to the practice of veterinary medicine or the ability to
  242  practice veterinary medicine. Any crime which demonstrates a
  243  lack of regard for animal life relates to the ability to
  244  practice veterinary medicine. In addition, crimes relating to
  245  the ability to practice veterinary medicine shall include, but
  246  not be limited to, crimes involving any violation of state or
  247  federal drug laws.
  248         (d) Making or filing a report or record which the licensee
  249  knows to be false, intentionally or negligently failing to file
  250  a report or record required by state or federal law, willfully
  251  impeding or obstructing such filing, or inducing another person
  252  to impede or obstruct such filing. Such reports or records shall
  253  include only those which are signed in the capacity of a
  254  licensed veterinarian.
  255         (e) Advertising goods or services in a manner which is
  256  fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content.
  257         (f) Violating any provision of this chapter or chapter 455,
  258  a rule of the board or department, or a lawful order of the
  259  board or department previously entered in a disciplinary
  260  hearing, or failing to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena of
  261  the department.
  262         (g) Practicing with a revoked, suspended, inactive, or
  263  delinquent license.
  264         (h) Being unable to practice veterinary medicine with
  265  reasonable skill or safety to patients by reason of illness,
  266  drunkenness, use of drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other
  267  material or substance or as a result of any mental or physical
  268  condition. In enforcing this paragraph, upon a finding by the
  269  secretary, the secretary’s designee, or the probable cause panel
  270  of the board that probable cause exists to believe that the
  271  licensee is unable to practice the profession because of the
  272  reasons stated in this paragraph, the department shall have the
  273  authority to compel a licensee to submit to a mental or physical
  274  examination by a physician designated by the department. If the
  275  licensee refuses to comply with the department’s order, the
  276  department may file a petition for enforcement in the circuit
  277  court of the circuit in which the licensee resides or does
  278  business. The licensee shall not be named or identified by
  279  initials in any other public court records or documents and the
  280  enforcement proceedings shall be closed to the public. The
  281  department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided
  282  in s. 51.011. A licensee affected under this paragraph shall be
  283  afforded an opportunity at reasonable intervals to demonstrate
  284  that she or he can resume the competent practice for which she
  285  or he is licensed with reasonable skill and safety to patients.
  286  Neither the record of proceedings nor the orders entered by the
  287  board in any proceedings under this paragraph shall be used
  288  against a licensee in any other proceedings.
  289         (i) Judicially determined mental incompetency. However, a
  290  license suspended for this cause may be reinstated upon legal
  291  restoration of the competency of the individual whose license
  292  was so suspended.
  293         (j) Knowingly maintaining a professional connection or
  294  association with any person who is in violation of the
  295  provisions of this chapter or the rules of the board or
  296  department. However, if the licensee verifies that the person is
  297  actively participating in a board-approved program for the
  298  treatment of a physical or mental condition, the licensee is
  299  required only to report such person to the consultant.
  300         (k) Paying or receiving kickbacks, rebates, bonuses, or
  301  other remuneration for receiving a patient or client or for
  302  referring a patient or client to another provider of veterinary
  303  services or goods.
  304         (l) Performing or prescribing unnecessary or unauthorized
  305  treatment.
  306         (m) Fraud in the collection of fees from consumers or any
  307  person, agency, or organization paying fees to practitioners.
  308         (n) Attempting to restrict competition in the field of
  309  veterinary medicine other than for the protection of the public.
  310  However, this provision shall not apply to testimony made in
  311  good faith at a hearing or other proceeding in which the subject
  312  is the revocation of a license or a lesser penalty.
  313         (o) Fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or misconduct,
  314  in or related to the practice of veterinary medicine.
  315         (p) Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals.
  316         (q) Permitting or allowing another to use a veterinarian’s
  317  license for the purpose of treating or offering to treat
  318  animals.
  319         (r) Being guilty of incompetence or negligence by failing
  320  to practice medicine with that level of care, skill, and
  321  treatment which is recognized by a reasonably prudent
  322  veterinarian as being acceptable under similar conditions and
  323  circumstances.
  324         (s) Willfully making any misrepresentations in connection
  325  with the inspection of food for human consumption.
  326         (t) Fraudulently issuing or using any false health
  327  certificate, vaccination certificate, test chart, or other blank
  328  form used in the practice of veterinary medicine relating to the
  329  presence or absence of animal disease or transporting animals or
  330  issuing any false certificate relating to the sale of products
  331  of animal origin for human consumption.
  332         (u) Fraud or dishonesty in applying, treating, or reporting
  333  on tuberculin, diagnostic, or other biological tests.
  334         (v) Failing to keep the equipment and premises of the
  335  business establishment in a clean and sanitary condition, having
  336  a premises permit suspended or revoked pursuant to s. 474.215,
  337  or operating or managing premises that do not comply with
  338  requirements established by rule of the board.
  339         (w) Practicing veterinary medicine at a location for which
  340  a valid premises permit has not been issued when required under
  341  s. 474.215.
  342         (x) Refusing to permit the department to inspect the
  343  business premises of the licensee during regular business hours.
  344         (y) Using the privilege of ordering, prescribing, or making
  345  available medicinal drugs or drugs as defined in chapter 465, or
  346  controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, for use other
  347  than for the specific treatment of animal patients for which
  348  there is a documented veterinarian/client/patient relationship.
  349  Pursuant thereto, the veterinarian shall:
  350         1. Have sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at
  351  least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical
  352  condition of the animal, which means that the veterinarian is
  353  personally acquainted with the keeping and caring of the animal
  354  and has recently seen the animal or has made medically
  355  appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal
  356  is kept.
  357         2. Be available or provide for followup care and treatment
  358  in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of
  359  therapy.
  360         3. Maintain records which document patient visits,
  361  diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information required
  362  under this chapter.
  363         (z) Providing, prescribing, ordering, or making available
  364  for human use medicinal drugs or drugs as defined in chapter
  365  465, controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, or any
  366  material, chemical, or substance used exclusively for animal
  367  treatment.
  368         (aa) Failing to report to the department any person the
  369  licensee knows to be in violation of this chapter or of the
  370  rules of the department or board. However, if the licensee
  371  verifies that the person is actively participating in a board
  372  approved program for the treatment of a physical or mental
  373  condition, the licensee is required only to report such person
  374  to the consultant.
  375         (bb) Violating any of the requirements of chapter 499, the
  376  Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act; 21 U.S.C. ss. 301-392, the
  377  Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 21 U.S.C. ss. 821 et seq.,
  378  the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970,
  379  more commonly known as the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention
  380  and Control Act; or chapter 893.
  381         (cc) Failing to provide adequate radiation safeguards.
  382         (dd) Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation
  383  placed upon a licensee.
  384         (ee) Failing to keep contemporaneously written medical
  385  records as required by rule of the board.
  386         (ff) Prescribing or dispensing a legend drug as defined in
  387  chapter 499, including any controlled substance, inappropriately
  388  or in excessive or inappropriate quantities.
  389         (gg) Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope
  390  permitted by law.
  391         (hh) Delegating professional responsibilities to a person
  392  when the licensee delegating such responsibilities knows or has
  393  reason to know that such person is not qualified by training,
  394  experience, or licensure to perform them.
  395         (ii) Presigning blank prescription forms.
  396         (jj) Failing to report to the board within 30 days, in
  397  writing, any action set forth in paragraph (b) that has been
  398  taken against the practitioner’s license to practice veterinary
  399  medicine by any jurisdiction, including any agency or
  400  subdivision thereof.
  401         (kk) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any
  402  provision of this chapter or any rule adopted pursuant thereto.
  403         (ll) Failing to respond within 60 days after receipt of a
  404  request to provide satisfactory proof of having participated in
  405  approved continuing education programs.
  406         (mm) Failing to maintain accurate records or reports as
  407  required by this chapter or by federal or state laws or rules
  408  pertaining to the storing, labeling, selling, dispensing,
  409  prescribing, and administering of controlled substances.
  410         (nn) Failing to report a change of address to the board
  411  within 60 days thereof.
  412         (oo) Failure of the responsible veterinarian to report a
  413  change of premises ownership or responsible veterinarian within
  414  60 days thereof.
  415         (pp) Failing to give the owner of a patient, before
  416  dispensing any drug, a written prescription when requested.
  417         (2)The following acts shall constitute grounds for which
  418  the disciplinary actions under subsection (3) may be taken
  419  against an applicant or a licensed veterinary technician:
  420         (a)Violating any provision of this chapter that pertains
  421  to licensed veterinary technicians.
  422         (b)Being convicted or found guilty of, regardless of
  423  adjudication, a felony.
  424         (c)Being convicted of a charge of cruelty to animals.
  425         (d)Soliciting patients from any practitioner of the
  426  healing arts.
  427         (e)Willfully or negligently divulging a professional
  428  confidence.
  429         (f)Habitually or excessively using intoxicants or drugs.
  430         (g)Committing fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetency, or
  431  misconduct, in or related to the practice of veterinary
  432  technology.
  433         (h)Committing fraud or misrepresentation in applying for
  434  or procuring licensure as a licensed veterinary technician or in
  435  applying for or procuring the biannual renewal.
  436         (i)Impersonating or attempting to impersonate another
  437  person who is licensed as a veterinary technician or allowing a
  438  person to use his or her license as a veterinary technician.
  439         (j)Practicing with a revoked, suspended, inactive, or
  440  delinquent license.
  441         (k)Selling or offering to sell a diploma conferring a
  442  degree from a veterinary technology school or college or a
  443  license issued under this chapter.
  444         (l)Abetting or aiding the practice of veterinary medicine
  445  by a person who is not licensed by the board.
  446         (m)Failing to report to the board within 30 days and in
  447  writing any action that has been taken against the veterinary
  448  technician’s license to practice veterinary technology by any
  449  jurisdiction, including any agency or subdivision thereof.
  450         (n)Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation
  451  placed upon a licensed veterinary technician.
  452         (o)Failing to respond within 60 days after receipt of a
  453  request to provide satisfactory proof of having participated in
  454  approved continuing education programs.
  455         (p)Failing to report a change of address to the board
  456  within 60 days thereof.
  457         (3)(2) When the board finds any applicant, or veterinarian,
  458  or licensed veterinary technician guilty of any of the grounds
  459  set forth in subsection (1) or subsection (2), as applicable,
  460  regardless of whether the violation occurred prior to licensure,
  461  it may enter an order imposing one or more of the following
  462  penalties:
  463         (a) Denial of certification for examination or licensure.
  464         (b) Revocation or suspension of a license.
  465         (c) Imposition of an administrative fine not to exceed
  466  $5,000 for each count or separate offense.
  467         (d) Issuance of a reprimand.
  468         (e) Placement of the veterinarian or licensed veterinary
  469  technician on probation for a period of time and subject to such
  470  conditions as the board may specify, including requiring the
  471  veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician to attend
  472  continuing education courses or to work under the supervision of
  473  another veterinarian.
  474         (f) Restricting the authorized scope of practice.
  475         (g) Imposition of costs of the investigation and
  476  prosecution.
  477         (h) Requiring the veterinarian or licensed veterinary
  478  technician to undergo remedial education.
  479  
  480  In determining appropriate action, the board must first consider
  481  those sanctions necessary to protect the public. Only after
  482  those sanctions have been imposed may the disciplining authority
  483  consider and include in its order requirements designed to
  484  rehabilitate the veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.
  485  All costs associated with compliance with any order issued under
  486  this subsection are the obligation of the veterinarian or
  487  licensed veterinary technician.
  488         (4)(3) The department shall reissue the license of a
  489  disciplined veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician upon
  490  certification by the board that the disciplined veterinarian or
  491  licensed veterinary technician has complied with all of the
  492  terms and conditions set forth in the final order and is capable
  493  of competently and safely engaging in the practice of veterinary
  494  medicine or veterinary technology, as applicable.
  495         Section 9. Section 474.223, Florida Statutes, is created to
  496  read:
  497         474.223Licensed veterinary technicians.—
  498         (1)A licensed veterinary technician may provide the
  499  following services under the supervision of a licensed
  500  veterinarian:
  501         (a)Arterial and central venous catheterization.
  502         (b)Euthanasia.
  503         (c)Intraperitoneal injections.
  504         (d)Placement of gastric, nasoesophageal, and nasogastric
  505  tubes.
  506         (e)Suturing or stapling of skin lacerations, gingival
  507  incisions, or existing surgical incisions.
  508         (f)Paravertebral blocks and epidurals.
  509         (g)A complex single root extraction that is beyond a
  510  simple digital extraction of the tooth that requires periosteal
  511  elevation but does not require sectioning of the tooth or of the
  512  bone.
  513         (h)Blood or blood component collection, preparation, and
  514  administration for transfusion or blood banking purposes.
  515         (i)Ear flushing with powered mechanical devices creating
  516  pressure or suction.
  517         (j)A thoracocentesis, cystocentesis, or abdominocentesis.
  518         (k)Application of casts, splints, and slings for the
  519  immobilization of fractures.
  520         (l)Placement of an epidural, intraosseous, or nasal
  521  catheter.
  522         (m)Administering rabies vaccinations.
  523         (2)The supervising veterinarian shall determine the
  524  appropriate level of supervision and protocol for any of the
  525  tasks under subsection (1). All other tasks may be performed by
  526  licensed or unlicensed persons at the discretion of the
  527  supervising veterinarian. In determining the appropriate level
  528  of supervision, the veterinarian must consider the level of
  529  training and experience of the person to whom the task is
  530  delegated.
  531         (3)A supervising veterinarian may in his or her judgment
  532  delegate to a licensed veterinary technician the responsibility
  533  of supervising a task or tasks performed by an unlicensed
  534  person, except for any of the tasks listed in subsection (1).
  535         (4)A licensed veterinary technician may not make or
  536  provide any diagnosis or prognosis, perform any surgery, or
  537  prescribe any medical drugs as defined in chapter 465 or
  538  controlled substances as defined in chapter 893, unless
  539  otherwise authorized in this chapter.
  540         (5)A veterinary assistant may not identify himself or
  541  herself to the public as a veterinary technician or a licensed
  542  veterinary technician unless he or she is a graduate of an
  543  accredited veterinary technology program or licensed under this
  544  chapter, as applicable.
  545         Section 10. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 828.30,
  546  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  547         828.30 Rabies vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets.—
  548         (1) All dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older
  549  must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian or licensed
  550  veterinary technician under the supervision of a licensed
  551  veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by
  552  the United States Department of Agriculture for use in those
  553  species. The owner of every dog, cat, and ferret shall have the
  554  animal revaccinated 12 months after the initial vaccination.
  555  Thereafter, the interval between vaccinations shall conform to
  556  the vaccine manufacturer’s directions. The cost of vaccination
  557  must be borne by the animal’s owner. Evidence of circulating
  558  rabies virus neutralizing antibodies shall not be used as a
  559  substitute for current vaccination in managing rabies exposure
  560  or determining the need for booster vaccinations.
  561         (3) Upon vaccination against rabies, the licensed
  562  veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician shall provide the
  563  animal’s owner and the animal control authority with a rabies
  564  vaccination certificate. Each animal control authority and
  565  veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician shall use the
  566  “Rabies Vaccination Certificate” of the National Association of
  567  State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) or an equivalent form
  568  approved by the local government which that contains all the
  569  information required by the NASPHV Rabies Vaccination
  570  Certificate. The veterinarian who administers the rabies vaccine
  571  to an animal as authorized required under this section may affix
  572  his or her signature stamp in lieu of an actual signature.
  573         Section 11. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.