AVMA Calls for Support to Quash Act

The American Veterinary Medical Association rebutted Walmart's recent message in support of H.R. 1406, the Fairness to Pet Owners Act, in a statement issued to AVMA members on yesterday.

The bill was introduced on April 6, 2011, in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, and Terry Lee, R-Neb., and was referred to the Subcommittee on Health, where it has remained. The act would require a veterinarian to do the following when prescribing a drug for animals:

• Provide the pet owner a copy of the veterinary prescription;
• Provide the pet owner with a written disclosure that the pet owner may fill the prescription through the prescriber (if available) or through another pharmacy determined by the pet owner; and
• Provide or verify the prescription by electronic or other means consistent with applicable state law, if requested by any person designated to act on behalf of the pet owner

The AMVA called the bill “unnecessary and redundant” because the association has a long-standing policy of encouraging veterinarians to write a prescription in lieu of dispensing when asked by a client. The AVMA encourages its members to contact their representatives and tell them to oppose the bill. The AMVA’s issue brief on the bill can be found on the AMVA website.

Read the details posted on Veterinary Practical News