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General Assembly Seeks to Update Veterinary Practice Act

Tyler Olsen 123rf Stock Photo

Legislation to update veterinary practice in Kentucky is moving to the House floor, but not before a robust debate about over-the-counter products.  The bill language prohibits store clerks from recommending certain veterinary products.  Mayfield Representative Richard Heath worked for years at a Southern States retailer.

“This could limit the employee behind the counter from doing what he’s been doing for the last 30 years which and that’s taking care of his customer,” said Heath.

Kentucky Veterinary Examining Board Chair Perry Wornall told the committee misuse of products does occur which results in the death of animals.

“There are a lot of problems with recommending.  Selling is not a problem.  You guys have been selling for years,” said Wornall.

The bill includes language that would impact the retail community. Gay Dwyer represents the Kentucky Retail Federation.

“These are not binding recommendations.  We’re not looking to make suggestions, except in response to the customers’ request,” said Dwyer.

Wornall says it hasn’t undergone this type of review for decades.  He says, included in the bill is an expansion of the role of the veterinary technician.

“It just allows them to draw blood samples and stuff like that if the veterinarian wasn’t there and that sort of thing.  Broadens their scope, the technicians’ scope,” said Wornal. 

Stu Johnson is a reporter/producer at WEKU in Lexington, Kentucky.
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