An Act To Enact Requirements Concerning Veterinary Prescriptions

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §4876  is enacted to read:

§ 4876.  Disclosure; written prescription

A person who violates this section commits an unfair trade practice in violation of Title 5, section 207.

summary

This bill requires that prior to selling prescription medication to animal owners, a veterinarian must first inform the owner both orally and in writing of the option to obtain prescription items from a pharmacy of the owner's choice. The bill also requires that, whether or not requested by the animal owner and without imposing a fee, the veterinarian must provide a written prescription to the owner that the owner may elect to have the veterinarian dispense or to have filled at a pharmacy. The bill makes violations subject to the provisions of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.