Veterinarians: veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Senator Cortese's veterinary medicine legislation expands the settings where registered veterinary technicians can administer preventive vaccines and parasite medications while working as agents of licensed veterinarians. The measure modifies existing law to allow technicians to provide these services at public animal control agencies, private animal shelters, and humane society facilities when veterinarians are available by telephone or in the general vicinity, rather than requiring physical presence on-site.

The bill establishes detailed protocols governing these delegated services. Technicians must follow written procedures for patient examinations, maintain comprehensive medical records, and have emergency care equipment readily available. Before administering any treatments, technicians must inform clients they are acting as the veterinarian's agent and document this disclosure. The supervising veterinarian assumes responsibility for the technician's actions through signed statements that must be retained for three years after their working relationship ends.

For animal welfare organizations operating as registered veterinary premises, this change permits technicians to deliver preventive care with remote veterinary supervision rather than requiring a veterinarian's physical presence. The measure maintains existing requirements for technicians working in traditional veterinary clinics, where veterinarians must remain on-site during treatment administration. All facilities must retain detailed patient records documenting the services provided for a minimum of three years after the animal's last visit.