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SB 194

Health occupations: veterinarians; veterinarian-client-patient relationship; require. Amends secs. 16287 & 18811 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16287 & 333.18811). TIE BAR WITH: SB 193'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 5 co-sponsors

Michigan bill clarifying veterinarian-client-patient relationship requirements to regulate veterinary prescribing authority and professional standards.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE
#healthoccupations:veterinarians #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · SB 194

Legislative bill overview

SB 194 amends Michigan's veterinary practice laws to establish or clarify requirements regarding the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The bill modifies sections of the 1978 Public Health Code governing veterinary licensure and practice standards. It is tied to SB 193, suggesting coordinated legislative action on related veterinary regulatory matters.

Why is this important

The VCPR is fundamental to veterinary medicine, determining when vets can legally prescribe medications, provide treatments, and establish professional responsibilities. Clarifying or strengthening VCPR requirements affects pet owners' access to care, veterinarians' liability, and the prescription drug supply chain—particularly impacting online pharmacies and mail-order medication services that operate in gray areas of current law.

Potential points of contention

  • Telemedicine restrictions: The bill may limit or expand remote veterinary consultations, affecting rural pet owners and online veterinary services
  • Prescription authority: Changes to VCPR definitions could restrict which professionals can dispense certain medications or affect compounding pharmacy relationships
  • Enforcement burden: Clarified requirements may increase compliance costs for veterinary clinics and create new enforcement challenges for the state licensing board

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

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