Legislation & regulation
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January 7, 2014
North Carolina now legally requires scanning lost pets for microchips
North Carolina's lost pets now have a better chance of finding their way home due to a new law requiring that all animals picked up by animal control be scanned for microchips. -
January 3, 2014
FDA provides comprehensive resources on extra-label drug use
To help veterinarians navigate the sometimes confusing topic of extra-label drug use in animals, the FDA has published an informational resource titled "The Ins and Outs of Extra-Label Drug Use in Animals: A Resource for Veterinarians." -
December 23, 2013
Minimum wage increases in some states require display of updated posters
The minimum wage amount will increase for 14 states in 2014, meaning that some veterinary practices will be required to display updated minimum wage posters. Find out which states will be affected by minimum wage increases. -
October 30, 2013
FDA taking proactive stance on improving animal food safety
On the heels of a year filled with numerous animal food recalls and reports of a mysterious illness tied to chicken jerky products that has sickened thousands of pets, the FDA is taking stronger measures in an attempt to prevent illnesses originating from animal food. -
September 26, 2013
OSHA clarifies secondary container labeling guidelines for employers
When OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System in 2012, it wasn't immediately apparent how changes to labeling rules would affect veterinarians in the workplace. The latest guidance from OSHA reveals that when it comes to secondary container labeling, veterinarians and other employers can proceed as usual as long as they are adequately informing employees about hazardous chemicals. -
September 12, 2013
USDA strengthening federal authority over online pet sales
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking new measures to ensure the health and welfare of pets sold over the Internet by so-called puppy mills. According to the USDA, the definition of "retail pet store" has been revised to prevent many breeders selling pets online from avoiding licensing and inspections by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. -
August 16, 2013
AVMA warns that veterinarians are not eligible to obtain NPI numbers
The AVMA is alerting veterinarians to let them know they are not eligible to obtain National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, which many pharmacies request as a prerequisite to filling prescriptions. The new information comes from updated guidance by the Department of Health and Human Services. -
July 12, 2013
Oregon legislators pass stronger laws to protect state's pets from cruelty
Oregon legislators took major steps to protect the state's animals from abuse and neglect by passing SB 6, also called the Omnibus Animal Welfare Bill. The Omnibus Animal Welfare Bill gives the state's government and law enforcement greater powers to prevent crimes against animals and forcefully deal with those who mistreat animals. -
July 2, 2013
Washington state makes key changes to controlled substance laws
Veterinarians in Washington state need to be aware of a few important changes to the controlled substance laws that will soon take effect. -
May 21, 2013
Washington state veterinarians gain immunity for good faith animal abuse reporting
Veterinarians in the state of Washington will now be under more protection from legal repercussions if they need to report suspected animal cruelty following the passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5102.