Modifying statutes on the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology

A new law makes several technical and clarifying changes in state statutes relating to the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology.

Among its provisions taking effect Aug. 1, 2026, are new definitions of “telemedicine” and “teletriage,” allowing a licensed veterinarian to dispense veterinary prescription drugs without a veterinarian-client-patient relationship under certain conditions, and permitting the donation of unused veterinary drugs under certain circumstances if the accepting veterinary medical facility does not resell the drugs and instead reissues the drugs at no charge to a veterinary medical facility in need, an animal shelter or a pound.

Effective July 1, 2026, the law requires veterinary technicians to complete 16 hours of continuing education credits each licensing period. And the state Board of Veterinary Medicine’s authority will expand to revoke and suspend veterinary technicians’ licenses and add additional grounds for license revocation and suspension for veterinary technicians.

Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) and Sen. Robert Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) are the sponsors.

HF3718*/SF4069/CH53

HF3718* / SF4069 / CH53