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GM 1166

Informing the Legislature that on May 29, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB874 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 066).

2026 Regular Session

Pet owners may choose any licensed pharmacy to fill their animal’s prescriptions, expanding access and potential lower costs while vets maintain medical oversight.

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Bill Summary · GM 1166

Summary of SB874 CD1 (ACT 066), Hawaii 2026

Purpose and intent

  • Enacted law aims to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency in veterinary care by allowing pet owners to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choosing.
  • Seeks to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and strengthen trust between veterinarians and clients while maintaining safety and efficacy.
  • Preserves the central role of veterinarians in animal health management and aligns with Hawaii’s consumer protection and fair-market principles.

Key provisions

  • Section 2: Written prescriptions for veterinary medications

    • Veterinarian’s written prescription: Upon a client’s request, a veterinarian must provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the animal, without requiring the veterinarian to dispense the medication directly.
    • Notice to clients: Veterinarians must inform clients of their right to request a written prescription and to have it filled at a pharmacy of their choice. Notice may be given in person, via signage, or digitally.
    • Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) requirement: A written prescription may not be issued without a prior VCPR, defined as timely examination or medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept. Veterinarians with an existing VCPR must have sufficient knowledge of the animal to make informed medical judgments and ensure follow-up care.
    • Required contents of a prescription: Each prescription must include
    • Name and address of the prescribing veterinarian
    • Name and species of the animal patient
    • Name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication
    • Directions for use
    • Date of issuance
    • Veterinarian’s signature or equivalent
    • Dispensing by third-party pharmacies: Any state-licensed pharmacy may dispense the prescribed medication, provided federal and state requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.
    • Liability for veterinarians: Veterinarians are not responsible for issues arising from improper storage, counterfeit or adulterated products, or dosage errors associated with dispensing by third-party pharmacies. They are also not liable for adverse effects or lack of efficacy due to externally sourced products.
    • Professional misconduct: Violations by veterinarians may be deemed professional misconduct, subject to disciplinary action by the veterinary board (including fines, suspension, or revocation of license).
    • Definition of “prescription”: A written order for medication issued by a licensed Hawaii veterinarian for treatment of an animal patient.

  • Section 3: Clarifications

    • New statutory material is underscored in the bill text (technical formatting note).

  • Section 4: Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor (effective date: May 29, 2026).

Who is affected

  • Pet owners/clients: Gain the right to have prescriptions filled at off-site pharmacies, increasing choice and potential for cost savings.
  • Veterinarians: Must provide written prescriptions on request and ensure there is an established VCPR; retain professional accountability for medical decisions and follow-up care.
  • Pharmacies (including those not affiliated with the veterinary practice): May dispense veterinary medications as long as they meet licensing and safety requirements.
  • Veterinary boards/regulatory bodies: Responsible for enforcing new prescription practices and disciplining violations as professional misconduct.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enacted law signed by Governor on May 29, 2026 (Act 066).
  • Takes effect upon approval (retroactive to signing date in practice; applies to prescriptions issued after effective date).
  • Requires veterinarians to provide notices to clients about prescription rights, via multiple communication methods.

Potential impact

  • consumer benefits: Increased access to competitive pricing, more convenient prescription filling options, and potential cost savings for pet owners.
  • professional balance: Maintains veterinary clinical leadership while reducing retailing constraints and facilitating patient access to medications.
  • safety and quality: Maintains safety through required VCPR, prescription details, and compliance with dispensing standards; mitigates liability concerns by clarifying responsibilities.

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

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