Fairness to Pet Owners Act

A controversial bill reintroduced in U.S. Congress last month is raising concerns among the veterinary community. 

The Fairness to Pet Owners Act (H.R. 4023) would require veterinarians to provide clients with written prescriptions for domesticated household animals regardless of whether or not a written prescription is requested by the client. Further, veterinarians would be prohibited from charging a prescription-writing fee or asking clients to sign a liability waiver relate to writing the prescription. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is calling on affected parties to oppose the Act and proposes it is "burdensome and unnecessary". 

Brakke Consulting senior consultant John Volk told DVM360 the legislation basically encourages people to consider sources of pet medications other than a veterinarian. Volk cited a Brakke study which indicates that given a choice, only 34% of pet owners will buy prescriptions directly from vet clinics, meaning veterinarians stand to lose a fair amount of business if the bill is passed. 

The bill is currently awaiting review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.