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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
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 administer the rabies vaccine on the premise of a rural shelter or rural animal rescue organization that is located in a county that falls within the prescribed population threshold in which a licensed veterinarian is not available.
2. Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment to:
a) provide in-person training to each person appointed to be a certified rabies vaccinator; and
b) certify in writing, on satisfactory completion of the training, that the appointee demonstrated the knowledge and skills acceptable to administer rabies vaccines.
3. Requires the State Veterinarian to adopt rules to implement the certified vaccinator training.
4. Requires the certified rabies vaccinator to:
a. maintain records of all vaccinations administered for three years; and
b. to notify the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment of any adverse events.
5. Validates certification of rabies vaccinators:
a) initially for one year; and
b) subsequently for two years.
6. Excludes a rabies vaccinator from:
a) acts constituting the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry; and
b) veterinary licensing and regulation requirements.
7. Exempts the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment from liability for any action taken by a certified rabies vaccinator in the course of administering a rabies vaccine.
8. Adds, to the definition of vaccination, the administration of an antirabies vaccine to animals by a certified rabies vaccinator.
9. Makes technical and conforming changes.
10. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Requires the licensed veterinarian who made the initial appointment to provide the in-person training, rather than the State Veterinarian.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Adds a population threshold to the counties in which a certified rabies vaccinator may administer the rabies vaccine on the premise of a rural shelter or rural animal rescue organization.
2. Adds reporting requirements for certified rabies vaccinators.
3. Exempts the licensed veterinarian who made the appointment from liability for any action taken by a certified rabies vaccinator in the course of administering a rabies vaccine.
Senate Action
NREW 2/9/23 DPA 6-1-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 21, 2023
RA/slp