North Dakota legislation would permit vet students, technicians to dispense some veterinary drugs

Bismarck, N.D.

— North Dakota lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow veterinary students and veterinary technicians, among others, to dispense some medications in a veterinary facility.Senate Bill 2080 would establish veterinary dispensing technicians as non-pharmacists registered with the state pharmacy board and “veterinary retail facilities” as an establishment, also registered by the state board of pharmacy, staffed by a veterinary dispensing technician.

The technician would be able to dispense veterinary prescription drugs on the order of a veterinarian.

The technicians would not be allowed to dispense controlled substances, compound prescription drugs, repackage prescription drugs or dispense medication for extra-label uses, the legislation states.

Educational requirements of technicians would include:* completion of an academic program approved by the state pharmacy board;

* participation in an on-the-job training program directed by a pharmacist, veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician that is approved by the state pharmacy board;* licensed as a veterinary technician by the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;

* licensed as a North Dakota pharmacy intern;

* or a veterinary student in an accredited college of veterinary medicine.

Continuing education and annual registration also will be required of the veterinary dispensing technicians, according to legislation.

The bill was introduced Dec. 29, but no further action has been scheduled.