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HB 2620

An Act amending the act of December 27, 1974 (P.L.995, No.326), known as the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and for additional duties of board of examiners and veterinary technicians; providing for scope of practice for veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses; and further providing for biennial educational requirements, for records and inspection of records, for penalties and for exemptions and exceptions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Fritz and 7 co-sponsors

Modernizes Pennsylvania veterinary regulation, expanding technician/nurse scope, strengthening board oversight, and tightening education, records, and penalties.

Referred to Professional Licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 2620

Overview

HB 2620 (2025-2026 Session, Pennsylvania) amends the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act of December 27, 1974. The bill makes changes to definitions, the structure and duties of the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and the scope of practice for veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses. It also addresses biennial educational requirements, record-keeping and inspection of records, penalties, and certain exemptions and exceptions.

Purpose and intent

  • Modernize and expand the regulatory framework governing veterinary practice in Pennsylvania.
  • Clarify and broaden the scope of practice for veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses.
  • Strengthen board duties and oversight to ensure professional competency, record integrity, and compliance with educational requirements.
  • Establish or refine exemptions and exceptions to align with evolving veterinary care delivery.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions: Revisions to definitions related to veterinary medicine practice, technicians, nurses, and related roles to reflect contemporary practice and education standards.
  • Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners: Adjustments to the composition, duties, and authority of the board, including additional duties for board members and for veterinary technicians (as applicable).
  • Scope of practice for veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses:
    • Specifies what procedures and tasks may be performed by veterinary technicians and by veterinary nurses.
    • May include supervision requirements, delegation rules, and limitations to ensure safe and effective patient care.
  • Biennial educational requirements:
    • Establishes or modifies continuing education (CE) requirements that licensees must meet every two years.
    • May set minimum hours, acceptable CE activities, and reporting mechanisms.
  • Records and inspection of records:
    • Sets standards for maintaining patient records and board-records.
    • Defines inspection rights and processes, ensuring accountability and privacy where applicable.
  • Penalties:
    • Introduces or adjusts penalties for violations of the act, including licensure violations, record-keeping failures, or unsafe practice.
    • May specify civil penalties, license discipline, or corrective action timelines.
  • Exemptions and exceptions:
    • Adds or clarifies exemptions for certain activities, settings, or personnel, potentially including students, interns, or certain allied professionals.
    • Addresses scenarios where temporary practice or out-of-state practice may be exempt from certain requirements.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed veterinarians and entities employing veterinarians in Pennsylvania.
  • Veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses practicing in the state.
  • Veterinary practices, clinics, hospitals, and teaching institutions operating in Pennsylvania.
  • Members of the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (including potential changes to board duties or composition).
  • Individuals subject to biennial continuing education and record-keeping requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines the scope of practice, educational requirements, and penalties that would take effect according to the bill’s enacted schedule (exact dates to be specified in the final bill text).
  • Likely phased implementation: initial changes to definitions and board duties, followed by implementation of enhanced CE requirements and record-keeping standards.
  • Possible transition provisions to map existing licenses and compliance to the new requirements.

Implications and considerations

  • Improved regulatory clarity could enhance patient safety and standardize veterinary care across Pennsylvania.
  • Expanded or clarified scope of practice for technicians/nurses may influence supervision structures and workflow in veterinary settings.
  • New biennial CE requirements could affect licensure maintenance, informing pharmacists? (Note: focused on veterinarians; ensure compliance costs and availability of approved CE activities.)
  • Enhanced record integrity and inspection authority may increase compliance activities for licensees.

For readers seeking detail, consult the bill’s text to confirm exact definitions, the precise scope expansions, the specific CE hours, penalties, and the transitional provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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