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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
state veterinarian; certified rabies vaccinator
Purpose
Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a certified rabies vaccinator and prescribes requirements for training and licensing.
Background
The State Veterinarian must designate: 1) the type of antirabies vaccines that may be used for vaccination of animals; 2) the period of time between vaccination and revaccination; and 3) the dosage and method of administration of the vaccine (A.R.S. § 11-1002). The owner of a dog, or a veterinarian, must present a signed copy of the rabies vaccination certificate before a license is issued. The rabies vaccination must be performed by a licensed veterinarian (A.R.S. § 11-1010).
Individuals who are not subject to the licensing
and regulation requirements of licensed veterinarians include: 1) a
commissioned veterinary medical officer of the U.S. armed services;
2) employees of the animal disease eradication division of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture;
3) a person treating an animal belonging to that person or their employer without
compensation; 4) a licensed veterinarian of another state or foreign country
consulting with a licensed veterinarian in Arizona; 5) a veterinary student who
performs health care as part of their educational experience under the
supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary faculty member
who assumes responsibility of the animal; and 6) a veterinary assistant
employed by a licensed veterinarian performing duties other than diagnosis,
prognosis, prescription or surgery under the supervision of a licensed
veterinarian who assumes responsibility of the animal (A.R.S. § 32-2211).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a licensed veterinarian to appoint a person who is not a licensed veterinarian as a certified rabies vaccinator to participate in county rabies control programs in which a licensed veterinarian is not available.
2. Requires the State Veterinarian to:
a) provide in-person training to each person appointed to be a certified rabies vaccinator; and
b) adopt rules to implement the certified vaccinator training.
3. Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment, on satisfactory completion of the training, to certify in writing that the appointee demonstrated the knowledge and skills acceptable to administer rabies vaccines.
4. Validates certification of rabies vaccinators:
a) initially for one year; and
b) subsequently for two years.
5. Excludes a rabies vaccinator from:
a) acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry; and
b) veterinary licensing and regulation requirements.
6. Adds, to the definition of vaccination, the administration of an antirabies vaccine to animals by a certified rabies vaccinator.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 7, 2023
RA/slp